Jon, Kelsi, Graham & Colin Peterson

Oregon Zoo

2010-06-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

First thing we did at the Oregon Zoo was ride the train around. We didn't see any animals on the ride, but Graham was never happier in his life.

Colin getting tickled.

A brief "birds and the bees" lesson. Quite disturbing.

Graham loved the swimming turtles.

Graham at the end of the day. The Zoo here is really nice. They are trying to build it up to "San Diego" standard. It was way better than the Hogle Zoo. And I definately recommend getting an Elephant Ear. They were mighty tasty!!! Thanks Nana!

Excursion for Water Falls

2010-06-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

Second part of our trip...After we stopped at Horsetail Falls we kept going to find Oneonta again. We were passing by Multnomah Falls, which are a HUGE tourist attraction, and saw that it wasn't so crowded so we decided to take advantage and stop. It was breathtaking! We hiked up to that bridge and the pictures of our family and me with Mom are us on the bridge. The picture of Graham is a little fall on the trail up to the bridge. Maybe one day we'll hike to the very top. If you are ever in this area this is the place to go. It is amazing!!! We only live about 8 miles from it and love driving past it frequently. I love it!

Sorry these are backwards...below is the first part of our trip.

So we were setting out to find the Oneonta Falls and came upon the Horsetail Falls, which as you can see are gorgeous. It is right off this little scenic road and were beautiful.

Busy

2010-06-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

We have had such a busy week, so I am catching up. Mom flew in today so we will be playing tourist all week long. I am so excited to have a familiar face here to hang out with and help with kids.

5 years

2010-06-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

5 years ago today I married the most amazing person. I love him so much and we have done many amazing things in these past 5 years. To date we have lived in 3 states, completed 2.75 college degrees, vacationed in Hawaii, cruised to Jamaica, Haiti, Mexico, and Grand Cayman, had two of the cutest little boys ever, and many other noteable things. As I reflected on what we have done for all our anniversaries here is what we have done (more for my documentation than yours). Year one we drove to Lava Hot Springs and stayed at a wonderful bed and breakfast place and even played Bingo. Year Two I was pregnant with Graham. We went down to SLC and had dinner at The Roof and stayed in the loft. Year Three we went to dinner in Bountiful at Sego Lily Cafe (yum!) and went to Secondhand Serenade in concert. Year Four Susie came and watched Graham and we went and stayed at Sherwood Hills for the night. This year, being in Oregon, we don't know anyone so had to celebrate with our kids. It wasn't so bad. We went to dinner in Hood River to the Riverside Grill that had a beautiful view of the river. The kids behaved very well and the food was great. Then Jon drove me to this spot on the Washington side that overlooked the gorge. It was beautiful. It was finished with Jon and Graham picking me some beautiful wild flowers.
I feel so blessed to be married to a man I know I can love for eternity. He is such a compassionate person who I can cry with and then be laughing in a matter of seconds. He always buries my worries with the realization of the priority of things. For me that's a huge blessing. I can't begin to describe what a wonderful father he is to our children, but if you have ever seen him with ANY kids, there are no words needed to describe it. I feel so lucky everyday and on those few days I don't--I just remember his numerous great qualities and it easily dillutes the annoyances. So many marriages and relationships we see in life at this time are filled with annoyances, grudges, and petty arguments. I'm glad to have a friend that I can share the delight in loving our husbands still and that being ok. When I talk with some friends they always are talking about what their husbands have done to make them mad lately. And then when I share something I loved that Jon did I tend to get a wierd reaction of "Well good for you". I am here to state "IT'S OK TO LOVE YOUR SPOUSE and brag about it!" Let's change that stigma of whining to our girlfriends about what our spouse did wrong and start focusing on their positive qualities for why we married them. This is my soapbox, but it's my blog so there....

I love you Jon!!! Thanks for being the most amazing husband and father.

Cuteness

2010-06-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

Colin started solids. At first he would give you this face- disgusted and betrayed. He wouldn't move his mouth or toungue at all. 2 weeks in he;s doing better and loves to eat.
He loves playing in his bouncer but mostly with his feet. It's really funny.
CUTE!!!

More of cute. Colin's funny dopey ears. Graham's little turtle mouth.

Again...loves playing with his feet.

This was the boys after Stake Conference. Think Colin wants to go home?

Graham hiding in the bushes after church.

I tried to rotate this. This is Graham at naptime. He loves this little crevice between his bed and the wall. Those puzzles were just too tiring to do.

It doesn't look like this everyday, but Graham loves to rip the coach apart and make a

"taw-ee" (tower). Mama hates cleaning it up, but it keeps him quiet and happy.

Ok I finally cried a little...

2010-06-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

I went to get Graham after his nap yesterday and the first thing he says is "I want Tess". "I want Yucky" (Lexie). Those are his cousins. I tell him they are at their houses in Utah. Then he says "I want Bracky" "I want Mason" "I want Josh". I explain that his friends are back in Utah too and it's really far away. He repeatedly asks for them and I expain again. Then he slumps his shoulders, drops his head and with the most pouty face and eyes says quietly " I want to go home". I started to cry--just a little. I felt so bad my little boy was so sad and missing all the little ones in his life that he loves. So you are all missed. We have been here like 3-4 weeks and that's the closest I have come to crying, so I think I am doing pretty good. Admit it...you would cry too with those big blues so sad.

Brothers in Graham's bed
Our backyard deck. We play on it often cuz it's usually raining and it's covered.

Our 1st Adventures

2010-05-29T22:31:00.001-07:00

Our first weekend we decided to go to the Sturgeon Fish Hatchery, which is 4 miles up the road. There is a dam there too, but it started to rain past our comfort level so we just headed home after. Colin slept the ENTIRE time...score! And Graham absolutely loved it!

Graham loved feeding the fish. These are small rainbow trout.
This is a sturgeon. They are ugly! but HUGE!!!! I didn't know fish could get this big and not be sharks. They have one names "Herman" that is 83 years old, 10 feet long, and 450 lbs!!! I was shocked when I saw him. We didn't get a good picture to get the full effect, so you'll just have to come see for yourself. Graham kept calling them sharks.

Graham was a bit scared at first. He wouldn't take his eyes off them to look at the camera.

Seriously, my new favorite color is green. Know why?

Our neighbors gave us their double stroller, for which I am sooo grateful.

Part of the hatchery. There were no fish in there during this season.

So that was our first weekend. Today we went "to town" and saw Shrek 4. It was ok. Graham wasn't as impressed and I understand why the reviews were so bad, but I don't regret seeing it. We really wanted to go see "How to Train Your Dragon" but it isn't showing around here anymore. Monday Jon has off, which has never happened. His brother, Danny, wife Annarose and their little girl, Tula, live in Eugene. It is only 2 1/2 hours away so they are coming out to visit. I am very excited for familiar faces. I don't know what we'll do here to entertain them, which means we'll have more fun coming up with our own ideas. Nonetheless I know Graham will be excited. I can tell he definately misses his friends, cousins and grandparents. He talks about his friends Bracky, Mason, and Josh back home all the time. He asks for his cousins Tess and Lexie often. He wants to call Grammy all the time. Bless her heart I love her, she talked to him for about an hour the other day. He didn't want to hang up and kept bothering me to call her back for an hour, so he stole my phone, ran into his room, somehow called her and said "Hey, what are you doing?". How could I be mad? He misses his Nana too. Every older woman figure he sees he has to stop and strike up a conversation and then wants them to hold him and not leave. It's starting to be sad.

Through it all we are having a blast and loving it here. Already I have been thinking of when we return to Utah I will be sad. I know I will miss the beauty of the landscape here and just the love for the outdoors and things to do. I'll just have to be less of a homebody when we move back. We miss and love all our friends and family and welcome any who want to visit. I'll be better about blogging than I have because this is our only connection to our world back home. Love you all!

Week 3

2010-05-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

I changed Colin for bed and he was so tired he fell asleep on the floor like this.
My cute little Graham being a puppy with Colin's beanie on.

The 3 most handsome and loveable boys in my life!

We only brought the bare essentials to live here, so here is our elegant dining room table. Graham loves the "newness" of our place and plays trains and cars in his double-sliding closet.

Cute Colin...his neck is normal again. It started sagging to the side again when we arrived but is fine now. He has his own room and we are sleep training him. Day 1- good. 2-awful, Jon gave him a TON of baby food and it was only his 2nd time and woke up with the worst saddest tummy ache. This is day 3. Look at that face!!! I just love him!!!

Our adventures have begun. Week one went by so slowly. I did find out the little town has a playgroup and went and got to know some ladies in town and kids Graham's age. (Thank heavens!) It is weird not being in my Utah Bubble, but I have to say I don't miss it. It is really nice having Jon home at night and on the weekends. I started to cook a lot and even cooked a little bit of fish, which I'm not too keen on. Yes it was only canned salmon, but it's a start.

Our ward here is amazing. Last week in church Jon was in excruciating pain. I felt we needed to go to the ER. He said his back had this stabbing pain inside, but it wasn't muscle. Luckily a TON of people came to our rescue. One lady I have never met took Graham home with her, the RS President led us to the hospital because I didn't know where it was. We were there for 3 hours and found that Jon was passing a kidney stone. FUN! They gave him morphine and fluids and gave him a CAT scan. We found he only had one and passed it while we were at the hospital. I was just so relieved he was ok. He has been perfectly fine since. Oh the adventures here! My next post I'll tell you what we have done the last few weekends.

We made it

2010-05-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

So yes we made it here. We are actually living in Cascade Locks, which is in Oregon, because I couldn't find a place closer to Jon's work. It is very small. We have like 3 places to eat, 2 gas stations, and NO stoplights. Haha. I have to say though I love it here. It is so amazingly beautiful. The first few days my eyes couldn't take it all in. There is so much to do here. As we drove on the 84 we passed like a hundred state parks, so we will just hit a new one every weekend. More posts to follow...

N E W S

2010-04-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

So new development. Jon got an amazing internship for the summer in Bingen, Washington. Ever heard of it? (Didn't think so.) So we are moving in 3 weeks. AGH! It is an internship with a company called Insitu that does the unmanned aircraft part to Boeing. Pretty flippin' cool if you ask me. So we will leave Logan for the summer season. I'm pretty sad about missing the derbies, so will Graham. BUT ya'll can't get rid of us that easily. We will be back in August and finish one more yeah of school. So that's the big N E W S! Love and miss you all.

Real Easter Pictures. Happy Easter.

2010-04-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

As many of you know Jon recently went to Spain and Israel. He had the opportunity to visit the tomb thought to be where Christ was resurrected. I was in awe at these photos. I hope to one day visit this site. I am so grateful this event happened for us all.

Happy Easter!

What we have been up to...

2010-02-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

Graham really likes lemon juice, but not when I mix it with sugar and water for lemonade. Colin gets cuter and cuter. Jon swears he looks exactly like me. What's your vote?

(Don't just count the scowl!)

Oh yeah...and this. Graham is fascinated by all the new baby toys. And apparently the things for Mom too. I'm just glad I have this blackmailing photo for his whole life!!!

So yes, we just hang out at home all day, still trying to figure out life. Jon occasionally joins us. The poor guy. I love him so much. It's hard on all of us having him gone so much, but he is working so hard to provide a fabulous future for our family. I can only admire and love him for that.

We're starting to slowly function back into society. I always realize I need a new wardrobe. Ah, one day. Thank you to those of you who have contributed to my sanity- most of all my mom and sis. Lindsay is nice enough to let me come crash her nights and just have adult conversation while Graham plays with his cousins. They are so cute together and so fun to have so close. My cousins and I only really got together around Thanksgiving at the Ranch so it's fun to see my kids will have more than that for the time being.

Jon is leaving the country for almost two weeks as a study abroad for HR to Jeruselem and Barcelona next month. The boys and I will be escaping to Vegas. I am really excited to have his family's help, see my Dad, and maybe most of all see the sun again and feel it's warmth. I can only dream of it now. (Do I even own shorts?) We have decided to stay an extra semester so Jon can also get him MBA. It will be so cool for Jon to be able to complete an extra Masters Degree in just one semester. We couldn't pass up the opportunity. So we plan to be in Logan at least until Summer of 2011.

Sorry I don't post much. Colin doesn't let me set him down, but my mission this week was to be able to do more of that. So far- we're doing better. If only he would sleep laying down by himself at night. I love seeing other people's kids who are a few months older and thinking...oh it gets better. Graham being 2 doesn't help that insight much right now. But watching him play with Colin makes me so excited for them to grow up together. Colin will be on the ground crying and Graham will sit next to him and say "Sorry" "You okay". And of course he shares his trains as shown above.

Thank you to everyone for help, meals, and gifts. They are much appreciated!!!

Blog-Challenged

2010-02-04T18:55:00.000-08:00

Ok all my friends with blogs....

It's looking like everyone is going Private on their blogs or "Readers Only" or whatever. Well I am blog-challenged and now I don't know how to view any of yours. Is there something I need to do other than be signed in? Help me please...

Had to post this picture

2010-01-27T08:52:00.000-08:00

This is Graham when he was about 2 weeks. Very similar to the top picture of Colin below. Am I going to have clones? The differences are their hairlines, Colin's doesn't go to a V; and Colin's eyes aren't as big. I'm very curious to see what his eye color will be. Graham's was a surprise because mine are brown and Jon's are green. He got his blue eyes from both our fathers. So we'll see what happens with Colin's- I have no idea. Don't ya just love genetics?!

Colin Jacob

2010-01-26T13:55:00.001-08:00

Yeah! Boy #2 is here. Sorry it's taken me so long to post- I finally have a minute. He was born on January 7 at 3:30 am. He weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz. and 19 inches long. First thing I looked at was his hands... he does NOT have Jon and Graham's hands. I was induced Wednesday afternoon so it seemed like it took FOREVER. Even with my woes of the epidural and spinal headaches the first time around I had another one and this one was MUCH better. Overall, the delivery was quite different than Graham's, which was better.

We are now home and doing well. Graham decided he will now be a part of the "Terrible 2" stage, so that's been fun. Potty training is no where in sight so purchasing diapers has now become like a shopping hobby. Jon is gone most all day and all night whether he is working at Olive Garden, going to Grad School, or interning. I am SO looking forward to the day when my husband comes home at 5 and he is home all weekend. It'll be a whole new life!

So as many of you know we could not come up with a name. So here's the story...we were down to Colin and Lucas (and Jon tried to submit Ender into that, but I vetoed). I was ok with either name so we put the decision to the BCS game. I was for Texas and am mad at Colt McCoy. My name would've been Lucas Thoman (my maiden name). We have no boys to carry on the name in my family so I was sad by that. So Jon won and his name became Colin Jacob. It's still sometimes wierd to call him that, but it's growing on me. Nothing else seems to fit better. So of course being from Vegas we had to have a story like that.

So here he is...so tiny!!!

Yeah Christmas

2009-12-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

Yeah Christmas is almost here. I'm really excited to see Graham open presents this year. If you have ever been around him you may have seen the potential in excitement he contains. We had Christmas with Mom, Grandma, and all my siblings on Monday. My mom is very crafty and made all of us quilts. Mine is all covered in jerseys of sports I played throughout my lifetime, containing T-Ball, soccer, Softball, All-stars, and volleyball. It's amazing and a way cool way to "time capsule" those events. Jon's quilt is blue and soooo soft. He wouldn't let me use it for a few days. And Graham got Curious George PJ's (he "Ooo oo, Aaa,aaa"'s when he wears them) and a train that he flipped out over, which he now has to carry everywhere with him. He wants to carry them in the pumpkin from Halloween, but I found a Christmas bag. Can't wait to give him his mini backpack to end that display!!!

Oh yeah and then that whole- the baby will be here soon thing.
It's so different this time around because I don't want him to come early. The further from Christmas the better. And he still is nameless, so I feel a little more detached from him then I did when Graham had more of an identity. So don't make fun of the name we make up in the last hour!!! cuz I have been tormented over this for MONTHS!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!! I hope all of yours are as wonderful as can be. Thank you for your friendship!

2009-12-12T16:54:00.000-08:00

So we got a new camera on Black Friday as an early Christmas present, which would've fixed my posting woes---but now our computer is malfunctioning!!!! We can't download ANYTHING so I can't put pictures up again. Hopefully we'll have it fixed by the end of next week.

Yeah I only have (almost) 4 weeks left. Still no boy names. I think that's why Jon is hoping for a surprise girl. Anyway...I'll post again soon maybe something more exciting!!!

The Black Plague is Finally Over

2009-11-13T09:12:00.001-08:00

So for the past 2 weeks our home has just been illness ridden. I'm hoping we are all finally over it. Graham started getting sick last Wednesday and Sunday he was crying and whining endlessly. Jon started to become deathly ill that day and I knew he wasn't going to be any help. So I decided rather than put up with this crying all night long I would brave the ER alone. Since we were there 2 weeks before for stitches I was prepared for a long wait. All went well except his symptoms seemed "swine flu like" so the girl tried to tell me I needed to put a mask on him. Yeah, right?! Obviously she has no kids!!! So we were only there for an hour and a half and he has an ear infection. He's never had one before, so I thought we were out of the woods with those issues. (Meanwhile, yesterday Lindsay's kids Kylie and Lexie had their tonsils out and Trey had tubes put in his ears. FUN!)
So he is now acting more like our fun boy again except he's had this whiny bratiness that doesn't seem associated with sickness. He finally will let Jon touch him and hold him. FINALLY!!!

Also we had our YW in Excellence Night on Tuesday and it went beyond perfect. I was so pleased with how all my leaders planned, executed, and helped. It was such a relief from being so stressed in the past.

In baby news...my iron is low, so I am supposed to take pills-BOO! He moves a lot, doesn't have the hiccups everyday like Graham, and likes to tapdance on my blatter. We still have no name. The traditional names are becoming more and more likeable cuz I'm out of options. Just wait til we have the baby and it's some crazy, wierd name like Porkerton. (I don't know). I'm due in January and people look at me like my water is going to break before their very eyes--so YES I am going to get bigger!!! Oh the joys...my next appt. is next week so we'll see if there is anything excited to report.

Dino Park

2009-11-06T10:17:00.001-08:00

So Monday we went down to Ogden to hang out with our nieces- Tess, Isa, and Harper. We went to the Dinosaur Park. We had never been. Graham LOVED it. All the other kids that went with us had been there tons of times and were running through it all and Graham was like- "Wait a minute! I want to check this out!" I was a little scared it might give him nightmares, but he's having them anyway. We had a blast though.

Diggin' for dinosaur bones

This was his favorite part. He loved feeding the ducks.

(We didn't feed them those fruit snacks.)

By the end of the day he was calling Tess "Tennis". No idea where that came from, but Aimee and I thought it was pretty funny.

Halloween

2009-10-31T10:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but I was so excited for Halloween this year. I guess since Graham is obsessed with candy that I knew we'd be in store for a crazy night. These pictures are backwards.

Anyone watch "The Office"? Can you guess who Jon is? He is Kevin from the wedding episode with Kleenex boxes for shoes.
Our cute family of 3 1/2. Graham was Squirt from Finding Nemo. I was a peanut M&M. Get it? With my little peanut inside.

This is after the rigorous walking we did at Macey's and the mall. He was so hopped up on sugar before this. And yes this is him sleeping in his toddler bed. It was actually a very painless transition. Only a couple times he'll wake up crying and we'll go in to find him walking around in the dark.

With Nana, or "Nanny" as Graham calls her, at the mall.

That is so Jon's smile!!! We had a great day/night. Went to the ward party and then Trick or Treating in Cobblestone in Nana's neighborhood with Lindsay's kids. He loved running around with the girlies and only started saying "Trick or Treat" and "Happy Halloween" cuz they were. We were practicing for weeks!!! All day he was talking in a growly voice. We thought it was hilarious and couldn't figure where he got that from. Then we watched the Monsters vs Aliens Halloween show for the 12th time and the cockaroach guy growls "Candy". Isn't it fun when you finally find the explanation to your child's behavior?! Anyway, we had such a great holiday and watching Graham's excitment was so fun. I just wish I wasn't so fat so I could run door to door with him without looking like a moron!!! 10 more weeks!!! (Still no name).

Something newsworthy...

2009-10-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

So now that I have something to write on my blog...Monday night we spent FHE in the ER. Graham was watching a movie on TV, leaning on the keyboard drawer and it broke down and somewhere along his fall he hit his head on a sharp edge and all of the sudden my child looks like a UFC fighter. He had blood pouring out and pooling in his eye while Jon was holding him. He didn't black out or anything and once we were collected enough to grab him a sucker...all was ok. We waited in the lobby for 30 minutes for a room. I'm pretty sure they had like 20 swine flu people and on top of that I'm sure preparing/disinfecting the rooms is more timely. So we waited in a lobby away from the germed area. Then we were there for about 2 more hours. He got 4 stitches right perfectly in the middle of him forehead. He had to be papoosed (sp?) to a board and a nurse had to hold his head still. I tried giving him comforting words as a mother, like "We're not circumsizing you again. It'll be ok." He did great though. He's the same ol' Graham and is slightly aware of his "owee" (what's the correct spelling of that?!) We'll get them out on Sunday, we'll see how really tramatized of that place he is. Luckily we were like 2 weeks into finally having insurance. Definately counting my blessings.

As for Boy #2 he is growing and moving inside a TON! I love looking at your stomach and thinking a Gremlin could pop out any second. As for me I'm starting to feel big already and Man, Oh Man do I have the worst pregnant brain EVER!!! I remembered at 1:30am last night I had my Dr's appt today. WOW!!! I hope there's something left in there after this pregnancy.

We are preparing to put Graham in a bed, if anyone has any advice on that, send it my way. He and the baby will have to share a room, but we'll save that headache for a while.
And yes, still no name to Boy #2. I'm thinking of offically naming him Boy#2. Some suggestions I get I want to only respond by walking away and seriously contemplating my relationship with that person. So beware!!!

Alright...off to do my pregnant hobbies---crossstitch and watch reruns of Grey's. If only there were more hours in a day!!!

So long...

2009-10-04T23:01:00.000-07:00

Yes it's been so long since I have shared the great days of our lives. If you have totally fallen off the face of my life we are expecting Baby Boy #2. Just like my friend Traci, we have no idea what to name him. (Sorry for her she had her boy today and as far as I know, still no name.) am due somewhere around January 11, 2010!!! Yeah, next year, so I think I have been trying everythng not to get excited yet cuz really, I'm due next decade! So yeah two boys. I thought our home was crazy already.

I think I have been discouraged to blog because our camera has been broken and I'm pretty sure a blog with just script is pretty boring.

Hopefully before the baby is born we will have the basement finished. I'm So sad/scared to think of putting Graham down there by himself, so we'll see how it goes. He is now two. He's loads of jabber, crazy, fun, and can now outrun my 6-month belly, so we try not to leave the house a lot. Everyday he provides great moments to laugh at and as I have been thinking-There's going to be two of them?! I can't imagine the amounts of trouble and laughter to come. When we found out we were having another boy, my mom-in-law shared my favorite line I've heard. "You know it's a home full of boys when everything is broken, peed on, or becomes a weapon." In all honesty I'll take another boy any day, expecially when I spend so much time with the YW in the ward and see what they will become- Bring on the boys!

Lately Jon has been at school a ton!!! He started the Grad program for Human Resources and he's loving it. For Spring Break next semester they are studying in Barcelona and Jeruselem. I'm quite nervous about the week and probably will move in with Mom. Then next summer we will move for the few months where Jon will work in a paying internship. We have no idea where that will be yet. The smart way to go would be to go back to Vegas, but I really want to live it up and adventure somewhere crazy back east where we would never live long-term. I think it would be way fun to go somewhere random like Texas, Ohio, Maryland, it wouldn't even matter, but the whole cost thing might not make so much sense. I think I'm just kinda desperate to get out of Utah and the Mormon culture (which is different, no arguments) and live in the "mission field" again.

So that's our life at the moment. I'm draggin my fat butt to bed for another awesome sleepless night. I'll try to blog more, but it's going to be plenty boring without pictures. Feel free to donate money to the "Buy Kelsi & Jon a new camera so their blog is worth looking at" Fund. G'night!

Just for you...

2009-08-28T07:28:00.001-07:00

Hi Grayson!!!! Bored are ya?

HOOORAY!!!

2009-03-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

So Jon found out last night that he got into the Graduate Program in Human Resources here at Utah State. What a relief? I'm so glad we are not moving yet. I love Logan and all the people I know here. This summer isn't going to be the break that most people are used to. Jon has to take a bunch of business classes before he starts the program so it looks like his schedule will be class from 8-5ish and then he'll go to work. So maybe Graham and I will just take off and visit all our friends all summer. Just kidding. Here starts another new adventure!!!, but he'll be done in 2 years! Yeah!!!

Cali here we come!!!

2009-03-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

Graham and I are heading to California today to visit my dad! We are going with my sister and her 4 kids. It's always an adventure when kids outnumber adults...x3!!! I'm just excited to get out of snow for a few days. We really haven't left Logan much this winter. Hopefully I get a lil tan!!! See ya soon!

Graham's buddies

2009-03-07T11:21:00.001-08:00

So here are some pics I juggled the camera to get on our computer.

This is my friend, Breann's son, Micah. I've been watching him every Thursday while she goes to work. Graham likes to show him how to play with certain toys and now calls him "Kaka".

This is actually my newest nephew, Treyden. We love this little boy. It's so fun havng them live so close.

The other night we had a game night with some friends. We were having way too much fun and it was way past kids bedtimes so we huddled them in front of the TV and went about our fun!

Mason, Braxton, and Macenzie

How the?...

2009-03-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

So I went to take a picture of Graham the other day and noticed something different about our camera. There is a switch that changes from taking a picture and then viewing past ones. Well the button that you move to switch it is GONE!!! No idea if Graham bit it off and ate it or what. So it's like impossible to change it and press buttons on the mouse to download them onto the computer. So that is why there are posts with no pictures these days.

Bored...

2009-03-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

Um...so I like to blog, but hate trying to figure out how to make it cute. I have no patience to have someone come over and try to teach me either, cuz it just makes me mad that you have to cut and paste and why is it so hard to me?! So you get to enjoy my ugly blog until I grow room for some patience.

Speaking of stupid shows on TV- I with the rest of America, am not very happy with Jason Mez-I'mastupidhead. Can't wait for tonight to see what other ridiculousness I've been addicted to the past few months. We watched him on Jimmy Kimmel last night and it was hilarious! Jimmy asked Jason if he was going to trade in his son for a blonde kid. It was great.

So...Graham decided on Friday he is going to start throwing tantrums and I am THRILLED by this development. He begins nursery this week or something and I'm quite nervous about that for some reason, even though by now I know that our hallways are 162 bricks long by 78 bricks wide. (Cuz I've been chasing him around them every Sunday for the past year.)

Jon and I are coming up on our 4th anniversary and it's so exciting to me. I love the relationship we have. It makes me sad to witness marriages where there's so much negativity. I have a new saying for that..."Your marriage is what you make it." It makes a lot of sense to me, hopefully you too, but I have seen where wives will rip their husbands and they can't do anything right. How do those wives expect to see anything positive when their pores ooze with that negativity. When I hear a friend going off about how awful their spouse is it makes me so tired and almost angry! So ask yourself- am I a friend I would want to listen to all day? I hope I am. I think the best thing Jon and I have is our humor. It gets us through a lot, so much that sometimes I wonder how healthy that is. So...these are my thoughts today.

Hmmm.....

2009-02-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

I have to laugh and acknowledge that the "Most Responded to" post on my blog is the one about Bear Grylls. Hmmm.....it sure got all of you excited.

Along with that I thought I would post what I watch during the week so if you watch it we can get all excited together.

Sunday

The Amazing Race- LOVE IT!

Monday

The Bachelor- He should've sent Molly home, but I still like Melissa, she reminds me of my friend Beth.

Heroes- Jon got me into this. You have to start from the beginning. But it's awesome! You can never even come close to guessing what happens next.

Two and a Half Men-Kind of a crude show, but the humor is what got me out of my postpartum days.

House-I have been a fan for a long time. How can you not love House? and Wilson? and 13? and I can't remember his name? And Chase is hott? And Cutty and House need to get together already!

Tuesday

The Biggest Loser- I love Bob and Jillian. I don't know whose team I would prefer to be on. I like Tara and the Brown team the best.

NCIS-When I get to watch it. I love it, the characters are so funny, but yet it's a serious show.

American Idol-Sometimes I watch this against my will. Thank heavens Hollywood Week is over! Hate the new judge, but LOVE Danny Gokey!

Wednesday

American Idol, again

Lost-Why we are still watching this show- I DON"T KNOW! I think we, like the rest of America, is waiting for it to make sense. I hate this show. Jon refuses to start watching it until we have the whole season recorded on our DVR.

Thursday aka Best Night of the Week

Grey's Anatomy & Private Practice-I have always loved Private Practice and when they combined them it was like the impossible dream I never dared to dream came true!!! I love the very attractive cast. My favorite character would have to be Bailey, or McSteamy- I mean he's hott!!! I'm sad that I heard that Izzy isn't going to be on the show much longer. I'm glad the whole Denny thing is over, but I don't want her to die! One thing that Grey's could do without is all the lesbian crap! I hate it. Back to things I like- how 'bout the men on Private Practice? SO HOT- minus Cooper, but he's charming. I love Charlotte and Violet.

The Office- Jon's into this more than I am, but I still watch it for some laughs. Can you imagine having Michael Scott as your boss?! Jon wants to go into HR and he says he would love being over Michael. HAH!

Hell's Kitchen- I love Gordon Ramsey. Yes, he has the worst mouth ever, luckily it's bleeped very well. I would cry in a heartbeat, but there is a sad form of entertainment in watching someone else be humiliated. Can't stand Lacey or the Cooking class lady.

Survivor-Love this show. Only one episode in if you're interested. Why does there always have to be a Mormon guy. And what does he do the first episode? Be the first one to get naked! REALLY?! Pretty sure that's not what we're about.

Friday

Howie Do it-This show is pretty funny. They are so mean though. The funeral bit is inhumaine, yet people do it still. There is one I always FFRWD cuz it's too awful to watch.

Supernanny-I love watching this show. It's refreshing to learn things that I can do in my own home. It's also kind of uplifting to know I'm not that bad of a parent, yet. Everyone who has kids should watch this show. They have such great ideas, even if you do have well-behaved children.

Saturday

Can't think of anything but I get so excited that it'll start all over tomorrow! Yes, this is the life of a stay-at-home mom. Can't forget Ellen everyday too. And Celebrity Apprentice is starting March 1 so I'm really excited for that.

So through this post I admit all my sins in what I find entertaining, but I don't care what you think! Because more than likely YOU are watching it too!

*Let's see how many replys I get to this post.

(Yes I know I'm pathetic)

Valentine's Day + some extra

2009-02-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

My cute boys!!!!

Seriously, can you not smile back at that face?

Yes, I woke up to breakfast made by my boys. Apparently Graham had a blast helping Dad pour the water into the pancake mix and stirring it. Jon obviously has his Dad's "shaped pancakes" talent. (It's a heart! Get it?) I love my husband and lately I realize how much I love my life. Being a mom is so rewarding. I just watch Graham everyday and laugh. He's so much fun to watch grow and learn. Then I think about the relationship I have with Jon. He is beyond amazing and I attribute the good things in myself to him. He makes me want to be the wife he deserves. He is my best friend and we have so, somtimes too much fun together. I love our life and I wouldn't change a thing- not even money (which I always worry about). And of course I am blessed to be a member of the LDS church. There is so much hope in knowing what we know as Latter-day Saints. Most of all, to know I will be with these incredible boys (+ some others down the road) not only in this life, but eternity. I feel so blessed to be married to such an amazing man and be given the opportunity to raise the most fun and energetic little boy! I am grateful for what I have- even when I start complaining about the dishes that load up EVERYDAY, I just think-"At least we have food to eat to mess all these dishes". And I am grateful for YOU, because more than likely if you are reading this we are friends and I LOVE my friends! No matter how often we talk. I hope your Valentine's Day was filled with much love!

Bear Grylls

2009-02-08T23:03:00.000-08:00

Heck yeah I just added Bear Grylls's blog as my friend! He's freakin' hott and awesome. If you've never seen "Man vs Wild" I highly recommend it. He's pretty easy on the eyes...even when he's covered in sludge, drinking his own urine, or killing snakes. The show is these extreme situations when you are lost in the middle of the Sahara or Antartica, what you do to survive, he's done one in Utah. Anyway...if you ever need more TV...

Really cool...

2009-01-31T18:53:00.000-08:00

My neighbor, Lila, was baptized today and it was one of the coolest days of my life. The program of the baptism was really good. The Elders presentation was amazing. The Spirit was so strong and it was so neat to be apart of.

I love things on my head!

2009-01-25T17:11:00.001-08:00

He loved when we put him pants on his head.

Yeah he has a sad face on, but he was outside for 30 minutes loving Jon's hat on his head.

Christmas presents...

2009-01-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

Yeah...Godzilla chewing an apple, sitting on top with his leg down the elevator shaft. And this isn't a one time thing. He puts his leg through there everyday!

Uncle Danny got Jon a ton of random bacon things and Graham is a fan of the "strawberry-flavored" bacon. YUCK!

HOOOOOOOOOOOOOORAY!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-09T14:46:00.001-08:00

Hoooray! Graham has a buddy! My sister, Lindsay, had her beautiful baby yesterday and it is a.......BOY!!!!!!!! We are all so excited! He was born January 8th in Logan at 4:42 pm. He was 6 lbs. 7 oz. her biggest baby yet!!! They both are doing well and will come home Saturday. As for the three new mothers (Lindsay's girls) they are all very concerned he doesn't need a bow! It's pretty funny. Being with them I realize there is a LOT of explaining to be done. They are planning on naming him Treyden and go by "Trey". Her blog is bscreamer.blogspot.com. Pictures and details are posted there!!!

Kiss these cooks!

2009-01-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

So Graham is into climbing up on chairs and always offering his helping hands. So here we are cooking dinner!

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-10T14:56:00.000-08:00

I found this video on Youtube and I love it. Many of you have seen "The Nativity" and heard the song by Amy Grant "Breath of Heaven". It is my FAVORITE Christmas song. Well on Youtube a member of the church put the music to the video and it is AMAZING. If you are or aren't familiar with both please watch. It's lovely! (Yes, I'm bringing that word back!) Check it out...

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

PS- Someone needs to teach me how to download the straight video.

New Phase

2008-11-10T20:51:00.001-08:00

So Graham started a new phase where he must try to put everything on his head. This is a tupperware he found. Luckily, I did not get a picture of him trying to put my bra on his head!!! So he was making the funniest face with this bowl on his head. He's such a cheeser sometimes!!! I'm sorry but they were all too cute so I had to put them all on.

HALLOWEEEEEN!!!

2008-10-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

So Graham was Superman for Halloween. I thought it would be fun if we all stuck to the theme so I dressed as Lois Lane and Jon was Lex Luther. I went to DI and found a nice pant suit, but then everyone assumed I was Sarah Palin. At our Trunk-or-Treat a man from the ward dressed as John McCain. He thought I was Sarah Palin on purpose so we decided to snap a pic for the campaign!!! Luckily I had a backup name tag so I became either at the flip of the paper. It was a really fun Halloween and the ward party was super fun!!! This other picture is us going around the mall.

Alex Boye

2008-10-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

This summer as I got to attend Youth Conference we had a special guest speaker. It may have been the best thing I had ever heard at a church function. His name was Alex Boye. He is a singer, originally from England. He used to be in a boyband that was pretty popular back there called "Awesome". He told us all about his story of becoming a member. We are now blessed to have him in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He said he is the only person that didn't have to audition, which is apparently a 9 month process. As I was cruising blogs I found this video on my friend's page.

I have never felt the Spirit in my home more than I did after watch and listening to this video where he sings "I Know My Redeemer Lives". JUST WATCH IT. I know most people may skip over this, but just watch it and listen once. There's worse things you've wasted 6 minutes on!!!!
I love this man!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nvslgRx2sE

(Sorry I am too retarded to stream the video)

Mommy's Little Helper

2008-10-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

Graham is FINALLY pullin' his weight around here! he is so smart!!! And yes I know I am biased!

All these posts are for you crazy bored people who keeping buggin me to update my blog!!!!

2008-10-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

So we bought this jacket before Graham was born and it's been my favorite piece of wardrobe. It "almost" fits. It's 12-18 months, Graham is 14, yes he is a half-pint.

He was trying to put Jon's sock on so I helped him out. Then he could barely walk straight with it on, like it was curving him to the right. It was funny.

Jon wanted Graham to know how Mama felt having a big belly "with child". Too bad you couldn't see him try to bend over. It was probably just as entertaining as watching me when my belly was that big.

*I love the volleyball in the background of two of those pictures. It's like Where's Waldo. Graham ventured down to the basement and brought it upstairs with him.

Diaper Rashes SUCK!

2008-10-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

So Graham's "B.M.s" have not been so lovely lately and he developed the worst diaper rash. Well thanks to my awesome sister-in-law with the best advice EVER, I thought I would share them. When it comes to awful diaper rash I made these homemade wipes on the right. Cut a paper towel roll in half and take out the core. Shove it in a tupperware. Mix 2 cups of water with 2 T. baby oil and 2 T. baby wash and pour it inside. Flip upside down and PRESTO!!! Super inexpensive, hyper sensitive baby wipes. It worked so well. His rash was TONS better within 24 hours. As for these questionable shot drinks- it's like a little yogurt drink and that whole pkg is like 88 cents. Graham loves them. Beware of your children biting them though cuz the plastic seperated and pinched Graham's mouth.

My little piglet!

This is out our backyard window. I love the colors that come this time of year. These neon colors of yellow and my favorite are these trees and bushes that turn this crazy magenta color. Pictures don't do them justice, but I promise you'll never see anything like this nature in Vegas (not assisted by lightbulbs).

80 has never looked so beautiful!!!

2008-10-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

My Grandma Short turned 80 today. We had a party down in SLC at Little America for her. It was a good time. She is so beautiful and I'm glad I have her genes for my 80 year old looks!!! LOVE YOU GRANDMA!!!

Peterson Family Reunion

2008-10-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

This is everyone's attempt to get Grandma Great's great grandkids together. Graham was just looking around at all the kids crying like- What's the big deal!? It was hilarious

We went to St. George for the Peterson Reunion. It was such a good time. There was like 65 people there. My family's reunions are nothing like that. The weather was beautiful and Grammy did a great job planning. These pictures are in the big blowup castle. It was so fun to get to know everyone better. Thanks Grammy and Grampy!!!

Monkey See, Monkey Do

2008-10-14T13:48:00.001-07:00

Graham's just workin' on his car. Haha. We got him this car for his birthday and he adores it so much the batteries already wore out. So after I got through changing them I stumbled upon this. Man I sure love this little boy!

The Night that Graham Decided to Walk...

2008-10-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

So last night we were over at my sister's and I guess watching his 3 nieces running around inspired him to walk across the room to me at her house. Of course, Jon was at work so when he got home I was telling him how far he had walked and no more than 5 minutes later he walked further to me again. And that's where it started. First it was back and forth from me to Jon. Then he just started walking around the entire house, going to Jon but veering into the kitchen, turning around and coming back. This went on for an hour while Jon and I just laughed through tears. This went on for about an hour. He was sweating so bad. It was so funny. So here's a little look at our walking midget.

OH MY BABY'S ALL GROWN UP!!!

2008-09-10T10:15:00.001-07:00

Oh, sometimes I wish he was this little again!

Oh wow! One year ago today our little angel entered our lives and changed them forever! It has been the greatest year of my life! I never would have thought this little being would bring so much happiness to me each and every day with the little wonderful things he does. I feel so blessed to be the mother of this gorgeous child and am grateful he has already survived one year of my motherhood! He is so fun to be around and I miss him terribly when we are apart. Everyday I find myself just watching him in awe and wonder and just soak in the precious moments of being his mother. I can't believe how much I love him!

He has got quite the personality and I thought I'd list some fun things he likes, etc.

LOVES:

Pushing or dragging things around, making spitting noises, playing in water, pineapple, sitting forward in the car, imitating you laughing, swinging at the park, to walk holding hands, watching cars or planes, Curious George, Yo Gabba Gabba, crawling super fast, helping with the dishes, giving Mom and Dad kisses and hugs (OK I love them!), pushing cars with wheels on any surface including Dad, getting tickled, funny noises, to scream and see if he gets in trouble, and playing with other kids.

HATES:

His ears under water, shut doors, Mommy's eyes closed, shouting "Hey", things that don't move when pushed, rocky cement (just crawls on his hands and toes, no knees), getting his diaper changed, being alone, tub water being shut off, and the list may go on.

He was born at 10:07 a.m. after 2 hours of pushing, and being suctioned out with a vacuum, twice. His head had too much hair so it popped off once. He weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. and was 20 inches long. Now at one year, he is in the 5th percentile at about 19 lbs. and 27 inches. (I think, we'll find out tomorrow).

We absolutely adore him and can't wait for another year of wonderful miracles.

My Graduation Present...

2008-09-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

So for graduating college my Grandma Short planned a week in Cancun for me with her, my mom, and Graham. We stayed in this really nice resort called the Mayan palace. It had a TON of pools that had several spots shallow enough that Graham could just crawl around and he LOVED it. He loved playing in the sand and proves to live up to "being a boy" and accumulating the dirt and grunge necessary for that. Grandmas spoiled him with Oreos (picture). I love the little trail he made crawling in the sand. Then as we waited to check out Grandma toted him around on her bag and he loved it, the little Prince. He was so much fun and he was quite the entertainer everywhere we went. I sure love this little boy!

Another Adventure

2008-08-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

So, apparently Graham is allergic to tomatoes. These new things we learn are always fun. In our backyard we are growing a few things and we have 2 different types of tomato plants. A week ago I gave him a bite of what was left from making a sandwich and he loved it. Then today I gave him a piece of another one left over and after a few minutes his face started getting these horrible blotches and rashes! It was crazy! He was breathing fine so I didn't feel the need to go to the doctor so I threw him in the tub to wash it all off. It was the strangest thing! Luckily the spots went away. He looked like he'd been in a fistfight. So the mystery may be that he is allergic to one of the types and not to the other that we have growing in the backyard. This will be fun through life, "Hello McDonald's does that salad have Big Beef Tomatoes or Big Boy? Because my son is allergic to just Big Beef." Oh! Good times.

My Sweet Lil Boy

2008-08-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

My sweet little boy Zzzzing away
Look at that precious face!
And yes, he sleeps with his eyes a little bit cracked open.

The Best Bet EVER!!!

2008-07-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

So MAYBE Jon made a bet with me and MAYBE I did it. It was so worth it though. He bet me to dump this jar of Peaches baby food on my head and rub it into my hair and he would wake up with Graham for the next month. For those of you that know me...I LOVE SLEEP, so I did it and it was the best thing I ever did. But it ruined my tank top. Oh well...I'll just sleep it off!!!

Crazy Uncle Steve

2008-07-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

So this is my Uncle Steve. We went to the Thoman Family Reunion at Bear Lake. This was the first time Uncle Steve ever met Graham. It was hilarious to me cuz this is man who might scare most with his hard-core Harley Davidson appearence and our sweet little boy wanted no one else. They were instant friends. Graham never wanted to leave his arms or side. It was nice for me too. Uncle Steve lovingly nicknamed him "Grahama-hamma!" The reunion was fun, but ended too soon for Jon and I having to return for work and YW meetings. Back to reality...

Angels Baseball Game

2008-07-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

Our family in front of the stadium
So my dad disappeared with his only grandson for a while. Notice anything different? My dad is a HUGE sports guy so he bought Graham an Angels shirt that says "My first Angels Tee" and an Angels hat that says "A is for Angels". They both came back with these huge grins on their faces. Can you tell who was more excited?
Graham playing with Grandpa and Grandma Dawn
Hugs for Grandpa "Thanks for the gear!"
He just sat like this on my lap for the last 40 minutes of the game and just watched. He was my own little perfect angel at the game!

We were very sad to go home. We instantly missed the heated pool, homecooked meals, constant laughing, and the close love of family. Thanks Dad and Dawn for such a great and memorable family trip! We love you!

California

2008-07-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

My whole family had a little reunion at my Dad's house in California. IT was so fun to hang out with my brothers and sister and their families and to kick back and relax with my Dad and Dawn, my stepmom. We had such a great time. Dawn made every single meal, minus our immediate arrival request of IN&OUT BURGER!!! It was so nice to have homemade food, be full for every meal, but not gaining 10 lbs in a week. All the grandkids had a super great time and even more so did the parents thanks to Dawn and Dad for taking the kids off our hands. While there we went to Sea World and an Angles baseball game. Everyday we were in some form of water, whether that was the beach, but mostly the 82 degree heated pool in the beautiful backyard. It was heaven. And the kids were so tuckered out by the end of the day that bedtimes weren't even a hassle. So here is some super duper fun photos.

Graham and I as Shamu comes
Graham, Grandpa, and cousin Lexie
Tess and Isa adoring their cousin and shoe
Isa going to second base with Graham.

We were dieing laughing.

It really wasn't this bad, but the camera caught a whole different perspective.

Papa with Graham in the backyard pool. Graham loves swimming!

Graham's First Visit to the ER

2008-06-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

Yep, I am afraid so. Yesterday I was at a Mutual activity. I decided to take Graham even though Jon was home, since I'd have to get used to bringing him anyway. It was a combined activity playing sports at Willow Park. One of my girls was watching Graham on a picnic table under a Pavilion. He was sitting on the picnic table and leaned over the end and smacked head first on the concrete. Of course I frantically flipped out as any "first-time mom" does when their baby gets hurt. Luckily he was screaming and held consciousness. Jon just happened to show up right then and we rushed to the ER. I just held him crying, looking at his blue/pale face and was so scared. The whole longest drive ever!!! to the hospital he was really groggy and kept trying to fall asleep. I only knew enough to know I needed to keep him awake. We got to the hospital and were admitted, and by that time he was getting color back and starting to act like himself, playing with Papa. We were there for two hours. Mom and Lindsay came and two brethren from our ward came and gave Graham a blessing. He was so cute and sat so still and reverent the whole time. Then he got a head scan to make sure everything was ok. The tech expected me to have him hold still for 2 minutes so they could get the X-ray. I was like- DREAM ON! Yeah it was more than a struggle. The doctor checked him more and was shocked he didn't have a laceration and need stitches for how far he fell, which was softened by one of the YM's leaders trying to catch him as he fell (but missed) so he just has this nice big scrape on his head. The pictures make it not look as bad as it does. But anyway, everything checked out ok and Graham is back to his normal self. My gosh though it's like one of the worst things you fear come true. I was so glad to have Jon there with me who didn't even flinch through the whole ordeal. He's definately my rock. We had a huge blessing in that it's only a scrape. Now we are praying Graham doesn't take after his "accident-prone" father.

Grandmother's Day and Boating

2008-06-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

So Grandma Short had a Grandmother's Day party with her sorority. It was cute and fun. There was a clown that all the kids enjoyed. Ok I did too, mostly cuz I kinda felt bad for him. Afterward we went to Willard with Lindsay's in- laws boat. It was Graham's first time boating. It was looking pretty dismal until the boat got going and then he LOVED it. We went on the Banana together and in my head I am thinking "What the heck am I doing?!!! I'm a horrible mother!!!" And then Graham started giggling. It was so great. He loved to stand at the front of the boat and just look where we were going. It was so fun, but we missed Papa, who had to work. Nonetheless I'm sure it wasn't our last boating trip.

Our 3rd Anniversary

2008-06-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

My cutest husband ever!!! Haha.
Us awaiting the concert to start. I guess Jon was checking out some Provo girls.
Lead singer, John, Super Hot!! Could lose the V-neck though.

I can't believe it's been 3 years. The best of allof course. I didn't realize another person cold be responsible for making me this happy, ok make that two people. So for our anniversary Jon got us tickets to one of our favortie bands. He I guess is called Secondhand Serenade. The concert was outside at Thanksgiving Point. Aunt Robyn and Aunt Sherri helped us out by babysitting while we went to dinner at Tucanos and then to the concert. We missed our little boy the whole time, but it was a lot easier to feel the love between us without a child screaming in the middle. After the concert the singer, John, came out and talked to all of us. He even gave us high fives. It was awesome, especially wrestling past all the teenage girls. So our anniversary was nothing big but fantastic!!! I love my companion and can't believe I was so lucky to snag him!

9 months!!!

2008-06-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

So 9 months goes by a lot faster when they aren't growing inside of you!!! Who knew Jon and I could make such a gorgeous baby! Maybe I'm just biased. So he is 9 months and is crawling at an incredible rate. He loves watching Baby Einsteins, as shown. He is pulling himself up on EVERYTHING!!!, but not close to walking. He loves to be tickled and is starting to imitate us and play back. He loves to feed himself saltines and puffs. He is so fun and such a joy to have in our lives. We absolutely adore him and if any face could get away with murder, here it is. I never thought being a mom could be this much fun and that I could create something that I could love this much.

Who would've thought...

2008-06-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

So guess who just got called to be the new Young Women's President?!!! You got it. I just inherited 14 new babysitters. I am actually really thrilled despite the naiveness I have in all this. I guess since I failed YW the first time around Heavenly Father is giving me a chance to redeem myself. Even though it was not that long ago I was one myself, I swear the whole program is different. Never thought I'd get this calling at 23, so don't you all start thinking you are too young for some callings, cuz BAAAM!!! Time to raise other people's kids! Nonetheless, I really am super excited and am amazed by the Lord's works. So wish me luck! Graham's going to be the first boy to receive his Woman in Excellence (if that's even what they call it anymore).

My Gerber Baby

2008-06-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Yeah I wish that one picture was clearer, but I love these pictures of Graham.

Starting to Crawl

2008-05-14T17:14:00.001-07:00

So Graham is officially crawling. I am so proud, but sad I have to chase him away from the stairs. He is using his saucer in a less conventional way, nonetheless, it's entertaining him. He's so cute and I can't believe how big he's getting. He can sometimes pull himself up and is getting used to his pinchers. He loves feeding himself and you can see on his face how proud he is. Mom is a little less than proud that he vacuums with them. And here's a message to you from him.....kbxy nft mtm fttttrvgv bvr vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvb trDDFR^Tt78iU NB FT56TT. I'm sure that is some brillant algorithum for creating a non-fuel running car.

Graham giving Great Grandma Short love

2008-05-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

Graduation- what a great day!

2008-05-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

Well it was such a great dad. All Jon and my family came to the event. It was so great. Of course I had to make an even better memory for Graduation and that was riding to the commencement on the Scoot. I also got to sit through it with one of my great friends, Traci. We survived a year of volleyball and motherhood together. I attended both ceremonies and will try ASAP to get the pictures my mom took, cuz there is another great story. One of the Honorary Members was L. Tom Perry, which was so neat. I tracked him down after and got my mom to take a picture with Jon, Graham, and me with him. After we did L. Tom Perry started talking to Graham and Graham grabbed his finger and wouldn't let go with the biggest grin that's ever come out of a child. Elder Perry was teasing and said "Ok, you can let go now." but Graham had the Death Grip on him. Elder Perry said to Graham, "You're going to be a great missionary." I thought I was going to cry. It will be a story for the books. Who knows?, maybe he will be Prophet when Graham goes on a mission. That was my favorite part of this day.

We also put Graham in the pool for the first time and he absolutely LOVED it. Thanks family and friends for always supporting me and for making this day absolutely brilliant! I love you all.

No concussions today.

2008-05-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

So I was at Lindsay's and to be funny we put Kylie's helmet on him and came out with one of my favorites added to pictures of Graham. I mostly like the "far off look" in his eyes.

Graham stole the cookies from the cookie jar!!!

2008-04-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

So I was making Snickerdoodles today and Graham wanted to help, or something like that. I was dieing laughing when I turned around and saw this. All I could think of was that song- Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar? Who me? Yes, you. Couldn't be. Then Who? This little boy gets so fun everyday.

Cutest Thing Ever

2008-04-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

So I came down in the basement today and saw this. Is it not the cutest thing EVER!!! And of course I loved the fact that Jon was doing the laundry. Graham was just so mesmerized by what Poppa was doing. I LOVE THEM!!!

My Birthday

2008-04-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

So the big 2 3. I know, I'm young! So last night my girlfriends surprised me and set up a get together and we ate at Chilis. It was so fun and a great surprise!!! Then for my birthday Jon, Graham, and I went and ate Sushi- SO GOOD!!! He came home with the Planet Fitness shirt I am wearing (Thank you XL), and got me a membership, so I am super excited!!! Free Friend passes, so if anyone wants to come with me. Then we decided to go check out the DI for their selection of bikes and found these beauties. I only wanted a bike if Jon got one too, that's why I didn't get a new one. So we got both for $70. They need a little work but nothing serious. Afterwards we went and played Tennis and put Graham in the Pack N Play. He LOVED it. He watched the people next to us more. He obviously knew they were better than us. It was such a great birthday!!! I love you all, especially YOU JON!!!

His New Favorite Toy

2008-04-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

So this is his new favorite toy. It's an empty formula can and a table spoon. He just bangs it and gets so excited and makes his crazy strained face. WE LOVE IT!!!!

JIMMY!!!!

2008-04-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

So I surprised Jon and bought Jimmy Eat World tickets. It's our favorite band. I told him we were going on a date to eat at Maddox in Brigham City. He started getting really anxious when we missed the turn. It was pretty funny. He was flippin' out like- Where are we going?!!! What are we doing?!!! It was so funny. I've never seen him like that. It was great, so by Layton he finally guessed it. We were both really excited. It was at UVSC so it was a little drive but it was so worth it. We had so much fun and we missed Graham terribly, but it was sooo fantastic to have a night away "I felt like a kid again!" We both got shirts, but Jon explained to me how uncool it is to actually wear it to the concert with thousands of other people, and of course I didn't want to crump his style so I had to wait. Nonetheless, it was a fabulous night and I want to see them in concert everyday! Thanks Nana for babysitting and helping us out. So here's pictures of us before they went on and then a video of the song "Hear You Me".

Our Address

2008-04-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

OK I'm retarded!!!! So I sent out graduation announcements with no return address so none of you have my address. Well genius me...here it is...
Peterson
826 Riverwood Dr.
Logan, Utah 84321

Sorry... I blame being a new mom. haha

A Sucker for the Little Sucker!!!

2008-04-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

So, this is Graham's new binkie!!! Who remembers Ring Pops?!!! EVERYONE loves Ring Pops!

Oh! The fun!

2008-03-31T10:06:00.000-07:00

This is Graham in the Jonny Jump Up! Do you think he loves it? If any of you have held him lately I know you know the answer!

Starting to Crawl

2008-03-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

All the sudden he started laying his head down on the floor like that. It's so funny. He's starting to get up on all fours and rock back and forth. It's funny to watch.

Easter!!

2008-03-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

Our cute little family!
My brother Ash and his youngest, Isa.

I think this is adorable!! Isa loved fiddiling with Graham, she wanted
to play with his ears and hair. Oh BOY!

He loves his cousin Tess. Everytime she holds him he kisses her face and snuggles into her. He doesn't do that with anyone else but her!

So Graham had his first Easter. We went to "Nana's" house (my mom) after church and had a great Ham dinner, Mmmmm!!! All the cousins were there and also Great Grandma Short. Char and Chris were at her parents. The Easter Bunny-(Jon) set up Easter eggs in Nana's living room and the 5 girls had at it. Luckily there are 6 different egg colors so each grandchild (Lexie, Tess, Kylie, Brooklyn, Isa, and Graham) had their own color. Do you think 3 year olds cared??! NO! They grabbed which ever ones they saw, we tried sorting it out but without much luck. The twins had already eaten all their candy from home so Linds was trying to not let them eat more at Nana's but the Sneaks snuck some anyway. It was lots of fun and I hope Nana thought it was worth the trouble.

Umm...

2008-03-20T16:55:00.001-07:00

So I'm just going to play catch up with all my pictures I want to post.

How can you not laugh?

2008-02-22T18:16:00.000-08:00

Picture one is him guilty chewing on a pancake. This one he plays with his binky and it falls on his nose and he flails his arm and doesn't know what to do. The last picture is his wig of the hair I donated to Locks of Love- a little creepy! Can you say "You're fired!"?

More great pictures

2008-02-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

First time eating cereal

Playing with Grandma Short! I guess sometimes can be that scary.
He does this in the tub and lifts his feet and head up and luges down the tub. It's great.

Playin' in the Snow!

2008-02-02T18:11:00.000-08:00

My mother bought this for him and it is plain silly!!! He hated the snow hitting his face. Jon and I built a snow cave and had a snowball fight while he took a nap. It was great family fun for a Sunday afternoon.

My Handsome Boys!

2007-12-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

This was at Danny's wedding. They supplied babysitters so Mom and Dad danced the night away. It was so fun!

Playin' with the cousins

2007-12-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

It can't be that bad!!!
My mom made all the girls skirts and Graham a vest. Isa was sick.

Blessing

2007-11-04T17:57:00.000-08:00

This was the Sunday we blessed him. It is impossible to find something to bless baby boys in without a cross on it.

Halloween!!

2007-10-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

This was Graham's first Halloween!!! It was great- Jon and I ate all the candy!!!
This was his Pirate costume my mom found. Is he the angriest Pirate you've ever seen? Or is he saying AARRRGGGHH!!!? It's your call.

Just pictures we love...

2007-10-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

Love at First Sight

2007-09-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

It was love at first sight. This was right before I started having shooting pains go through my back into my chest. They thought I was going into cardiac arrest, but my muscles were just completely tensing fomr pushing and shaking through the delivery.

2007-08-13T17:13:00.001-07:00

This is the only picture I have when I was this big.

Our 2nd Anniversary

2007-06-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

This was Jon and my's second anniversary. We went down to the "big city" and ate at the Roof. I can't remember what it was called. I was pregnant with little Graham.

Last Volleyball Banquet of My Life

2007-01-26T17:07:00.000-08:00

This is me and my BFF, (yep I said it!) Beth. I miss her sooo much since she moved home to Oklahoma, and am so blessed I had her through my four years of college volleyball. I know we will grow old together, along with our husbands.