Den and Kat

Lincoln and Family

2012-02-15T12:08:00.007-07:00

Clay and sons!!!

Lincoln's thinking......what are my parents doing now???
This is the best we could do for a family pic with the little wild ones that are so endearing and wiggly!! Good thing Clay is super strong!!

Clay and sons!!!

#23 LINCOLN MITCHELL VAN LEEUWEN

2012-02-10T12:52:00.010-07:00

Clay and Telisa Van Leeuwen

welcomed their third baby BOY on January 27, 2012!

LINCOLN MITCHELL

Stats: 8lbs. 3 oz. 21 inches long

Healthy and Strong!!

Super cute!

Big brothers-- Bodie and Tatum- over the moon !!

Mom and Dad--a bit overwhelmed but very grateful!!

Grandpa and Grandma Peters--CAN'T BELIEVE HOW BLESSED WE ARE!!!

2012 Goals

2012-01-20T14:35:00.004-07:00

I've been thinking as hard as my feeble brain can think, pretty scary! We are learning about the prophet George Albert Smith this year. I read the goals he made for himself and decided I need to incorporate some of the same goals in my life.

"I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the successes of all the children of my Heavenly Father."

"I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends."

"I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind."

"I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who had wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend."

KAT'S GOALS

Feel more Gratitude

Think more Positively

Study and learn from the best books

EXPRESS MORE LOVE!!

Convince my husband we need a pool!

Leaping for Joy!!

2012-01-19T16:48:00.009-07:00

My FAB FOUR--Jessica, Whitley, Kourtney and Sabrina!!

Krazy Kourt!!
Wacky Whit!!
Silly Sabrina!!

Jovial Jess!!!

Joy to the World!!

2012-01-19T11:35:00.008-07:00

Shocker alert!! The gal who usually gives you an overload of photos has nothing. I didn't take any photos during the Christmas holiday with the exception of the portraits of my family (see below), few other clients and our four oldest granddaughters which was just for fun. I was a little bit on survival mode I think!? Since I have no actual Christmas photos to remind me, I want to share some of the highlights of the season before I forget.....????

"Time Out For Women" with Tara, Sara and Tristen!!! So much laughter, food, inspiring messages, food, a little shopping, laughter and more food!!!

Finishing the 12 Gifts of Christmas again this year!! Holy Cow!! I hope my kids took some pics, because I sure didn't!!

Telisa and her adorable boys gracing our home with their presence!! Love it!! Love the mess, the conversations with Bodie, the hugs from Tatum, the constance love, encouraging words, Mac lessons from Telisa, laughs from Clay (even when he's hurling all over the place!)

Dennis surviving a bad skin infection (cellulitus) after several trips to the hospital!! Good thing I REALLY REALLY LOVE him!! It was pretty nasty! And thank you to my children who came running to his side!!

Dennis' annual Christmas shopping with the daughters plus one mom (me) was combined with a birthday celebration for Telisa and a service opportunity which helped us all focus on the real meaning of Christmas!!!!

Watching my grandchildren dance, tumble, sing, recite, take pictures, throw and catch footballs and just being the unique and awesome personalities that brings joy to my heart!!!

Feeding the Five Thousand! AKA, my family!!

Attending the glorious Tab Choir Christmas Concert with a dinner at the Grand America prior, (WOW!) with some of our adult kids!! Temple Square at Christmas time is magical!!!

Craft days at Tiffany's place!!

Volleyball and game night where the craziness never stops!!

Hanging out for two whole days with the oldest Granddaughters, Jessica, Sabrina, Whitley and Kourtney!!! Pure joy!!

Singing in the Choir for the Christmas Program on Christmas morning!

Visiting the families on Christmas day!!!! Santa was good to the kiddos this year! I love the excitement in our grandchildren faces when they show us their goods!

But mostly, the unexpected spontaneous moments of hugs, tears, smelling a Christmas tree, runs to Target with a loved one, listening to the lyrics of a Christmas song, a surprise visit from a friend, new red polka dot PJs that are long enough for my legs and reading everyone's Christmas cards!! An added bonus.....if there is a photo attached!!

That's my memory in a nutshell. If I have forgotten something, please remind me!!!

Love you all!!!!!

Farewell 2011 !!

2012-01-15T14:56:00.004-07:00

Travis, Kim, Sabrina, Whitley, Bailey, Morgan and Mylee Peters
Chad, Tiffany, Gunnar, Jessica, Kourtney, Zach and Rylee Beus
Stephen, Tara, Trinity, Grace, Jovie and Indy Sansom
Adam, Tristen, Cade, Luke, Pyper and Redd VanLeeuwen
Treavor, Sara, Owen and Lewis Peters
Clay, Telisa, Bodie, Tatum and #3 boy on the way!!!

Peters Fun Run 2011

2011-11-28T07:52:00.005-07:00

A new activity for the family this Thanksgiving was a 5k fun run/walk! Weather wise, we couldn't have asked for better!

And she's off........!! Jovie leads the way!

4 year old Pyper ran the whole 5K without stopping and won the race!! Not pictured because Grandma was in the house working on Thanksgiving dinner!! Way to go Pyper!!

Grandchildren Galore!!! 2011

2011-10-31T21:22:00.011-06:00

Gunnar Scott Beus
Jessica Anne Beus
Sabrina Leigh Peters
Kourtney Marie Beus
Whitley Erin Peters

Zachary T Beus

Bailey Alexandra Peters

Trinity Ann Sansom

Grace Nicole Sansom
Cade Michael VanLeeuwen
Morgan Jade Peters
Luke Richard VanLeeuwen
Rylee Jo Beus
Jovie Hazel Sansom
Mylee Kate Peters
Pyper Isabel VanLeeuwen
Bodie Dennis VanLeeuwen
Owen Howard Peters
Redd William VanLeeuwen
Tatum Dutch VanLeeuwen

Indy Janae SansomLewis Hendrik Peters

Someone asked me the other day if I have a lot of clients! The answer is YES! I have my big family and 22 of the most adorable grandchildren ever! Clearly biased, I know, but what can I say! ALL grandmas feel that way! And in about three months, there will be another little face for me to capture on film!

HALLOWEEN 2011

2011-10-31T16:47:00.005-06:00

FIFTIES COUPLE- Den and Kat- I looked in the mirror and what did I see? My mother and grandmother!! weird!
BARBIE AND KEN- Treavor and Sara- Ok, we were dying!!!!! So funny, so clever!!
BUDDY THE ELF AND JOVIE- Adam and Tristen "I just like smiling, smiling's my favorite!" BTW- Hand made by Tristen!!
FLOWER POWER- Travis and Kim- " This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius!"
COACH AND HIS TRAINEE- Chad and Tiffany- most comfy costume for sure!!
HIPPIES- Stephen and Tara--LOVE THE SHOES STEVE!

I know these photos are going to make Telisa laugh and cry! We missed the little VL's so much, but we were thinking of them the whole time!!!! It was our first Halloween Party in years and years without the grandkids. It was nice to have the mom's be able to relax a little at the party! Sadly Tara was feeling pretty ill and limping from her blisters from running the half marathon that morning!? But she was trouper, providing all the fun games for us! Thanks to everyone for showing up, bringing delicious food and outfitting yourselves for the season!! You're awesome and I love you all very much!!

Spooky Half Marathoners!!!

2011-10-31T16:32:00.002-06:00

Yes! Through sickness, hours of waiting in line (to register and to get on the bus!), bleeding blisters and too busy to really train (Tiffany), these three amazing mommys ran a half-marathon through Provo Canyon on Saturday, September 29th! They persevered and came off heros!! I'm so proud of Tiffany, Tara and Sara!!! Costumes were optional, so of course......

GO TEAM TARA & TRISTEN!

2011-09-26T09:00:00.004-06:00

I'm so proud of my two girls for their participation in a triathlon on Saturday, September 24th. They, along with approximately 400 other mommies swam 300 meters, biked 11 miles and then ran a 5k! Tara has participated in a half marathon and few other runs. But for Tristen this was her first experience! This was really out of her comfort zone, but she persevered! Both girls trained really hard, however the final couple of weeks of training they were both sick. They came in 6 minutes apart from each other! This is something I could never imagine myself doing EVER, so I am even MORE impressed and proud of their efforts!!!!

CADE'S BAPTISM

2011-09-25T23:11:00.004-06:00

Saturday, September 17, 2011 was the day Cade Michael VanLeeuwen chose to be baptized by his father Adam. For our family, it was a lovely event and a new chapter in Cade's life.

The VanLeeuwen family raise their Ute flag with pride. This was also the day of the BYU/Utah game. Disaster for BYU!!!! (may of been their worst game ever!!) Victory for the Utes!!!

BYU vs. University of Texas

2011-09-25T22:12:00.006-06:00

Grandpa made a promise to his granddaughter Sabrina a year ago that if she practiced her piano for a year without complaining he would take her to the BYU game in Texas......and she could bring a friend! She chose her cousin Jessica, also our granddaughter, so of course, I had to go along!! Not a big sports fan, but a big fan of being with my granddaughters!! Dennis invited two of his buddies, Ron Beach and Gordon Christiansen. So this odd group of travelers journeyed to Austin, Texas for the game. The loss was disappointing, but we still laughed until we cried, which is how I measure fun! It was especially delightful to hook up with my cute nephew, Greg Stout, who is a student at UT and his mother, Sherrie Russell. We had a great visit!!

Sabrina and Jess chilling in the Governor's receiving room at the Capital!
The boys touring the Alamo.

The Texas fans, for the most part, were very cool and gracious!

Redd Family Reunion

2011-09-25T21:45:00.006-06:00

For a year Dennis, along with a committee of his cousins have been planning a REDD Family Reunion in New Harmony, Utah where his great grandfather, Lemuel Hardison Redd lived until they moved to Mexico. There were nearly 500 people in attendance including the following you see pictured. It was a great success and our family enjoyed learning a little more history about their dad's family.Dennis with five of the six, Tara, Travis, Tristen, Treavor and Tiffany all drove to New Harmony for the day. Telisa, don't be sad! You would of come, if you lived in Utah!!

The actors who portrayed Dennis' grandfather, Lemuel Hardison Redd with his two wives, Keziah Jane Butler and Sariah Louisa Chamberlain. The Peters' line came from Sariah and Lemuel. We are all wondering why Lemuel's parents chose the name Lemuel. (apparently they hadn't studied the Book of Mormon too closely!?)
Aunt Tara with Redd William Van Leeuwen! This is the family line where Tristen chose the name Redd for her son.

Jessica helping with donation collections.

I was asked to take the family picture! Here is 1/8 of it! If you look closely, you can see some our immediate family.

Hot! Hot! Hot!!

2011-09-05T08:29:00.008-06:00

A dream come true for Telisa...meeting her alter-ego Arial!

Time out for BODIE!

Three brave moms, one set of tired grandparents and 13 kids spent a weekend in the blistering heat of St. George in August. Lots of laughter- check! Lots of food- check! Lots of noise- check! Highlights- Potty training for Redd, 1st birthday for Indy, Little Mermaid for the big people, swimming, shopping, training for a triathlon (Tara and Tristen only!) and dancing in the basement!!!

I'm happy to report that we had no car trouble this time!!!!

Summer Fun! Had Me A Blast!!

2011-09-03T16:57:00.008-06:00

After attempting to wash the grape popsicle off Bodie's face and hands, he somehow managed to get stuck on the cabinet knobs!!

Telisa and Bodie with her childhood friends reuniting. Once they were rollerbladding up and down our street, building club houses, shooting hoops for hours on end, passing notes back and forth in class. Now they're facebooking, blogging, changing diapers and wiping runny noses and asking themselves,"Where did the time go?"

Bailey swinging on the new swing Grandpa installed this summer!!

Tatum and Zane Lopez running through the sprinklers!

My Kim with Connie VanLeeuwen!

The two Jessicas! Jessica Beus and Jessica Evans!

Kourtney and Whitley- best buds!!

Stout cousins!! Mikel, Tiffany, Stephanie, Tristen, Ashling, Tara, Travis and Andrew!!

Stephanie and Mikel!! Our lovely nieces!

Grandpa Dennis and in his newly installed swing he made for his grandkids!

We love Stephanie's laugh!!

Telisa and Sabrina just chilling!

Since we were blessed with some out of time family visitors this summer, we had not one, but three backyard water adventures this year. I rented some rather large waterslides/ bouncy inflatables. They were a hit! Here's a few photos! Honestly, I could show about sixty more!! Stephanie, Mikel and Telisa -good times!!!!!!!!! Thanks for coming!

Morgan gets baptized!!

2011-09-03T16:39:00.003-06:00

Cute Morgan shows off her pink cake with pink flowers!!

Travis and Kim with their newly baptized daughter, Morgan Jade Peters!

Three of my in-law children, Adam, Kim and Stephen!!

Our grandchildren minus two sick little Peters' boys, at Morgan's baptism!

A rare moment!! The original six T's all together!! ..... so of course I had to capture it on film!!

Travis, Telisa, Tristen, Tara, Tiffany and Treavor!!

Grandpa Den and Grandma Kat looking (and FEELING) older every year!

Off to the rescue!!

2011-09-01T21:45:00.005-06:00

Telisa announced to us on the 4th of July that she was pregnant again!! (I've got to stop believing my kids when they tell me they are either done having children or going to wait 4 years or so to have another baby.) I believe this is the fourth surprise pregnancy in our family. Anyway! This pregnancy has taken her down and out of the game for a couple of months, so Den and I flew out there to lend a hand. Busy Dr. Clay flew in from surgery one of my last nights there and we took some family pictures! Not shown is my favorite family picture which I'm saving for the Christmas card!

Love this!!!!

2011-09-01T21:40:00.002-06:00

I have six amazingly talented daughters! Each of their talents are different and diverse, WHICH I LOVE! The talented Tristen made this purse for me for my birthday!! You really can't tell from the photo all the details that went into it. It's pretty amazing!! I had to share! Love you Tristen!!

The Peters Bros!

2011-09-01T21:30:00.005-06:00

When Sara asked me to take picture of her boys, I was of course, delighted. Look at those faces!! We see Sara's face in Lewis and Treavor's face in Owen!! Cute boys all around!!

I know there is more photos of Owen, but Lewis is still a little camera shy! Next time buddy!

Photo Shoots!!

2011-07-13T16:41:00.008-06:00

In August, eight years ago, these two cousins, Morgan and Cade were born 6 days apart. We had to do their photo shoot together, of course, since they have chosen to be baptized this year! I know I am a bit biased, but talk about adorable!! They came separately and their moms didn't plan on them matching. REALLY! (the orange tie and the orange flower in Morgan's hair)

Morgan Jade Peters turns 8 years old!!!

Cade Michael Van Leeuwen turns 8 years old!!
Sabrina Leigh Peters turns 15 years old!!

Mylee Kate Peters turns 4 years old!!

4th of July 2011

2011-07-12T16:13:00.002-06:00

Any helpful hints on how to make those photos bigger! I've literally been sitting here for hours. Sorry! It was fun day anyway!

The Pioneer Experience!

2011-07-12T11:07:00.006-06:00

Me and Den's Pioneer Trek in June 2005. Can you find us?

Tara and Stephen's Trek in 2009

Travis, Kim and Sabrina's Pioneer Trek 2011

For those of us that have had the privilege of a Pioneer Trek, I can testify it is one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. Just getting a tiny tiny glimpse into the life, struggle and sacrifice of a pioneer is an invaluable lesson. I hope and pray all those I love can experience that journey. I wish to remember it always.

Dennis B-Day 62!

2011-07-12T11:04:00.002-06:00

Dennis in his element!! Golf Tournament 2011

2011-07-12T10:26:00.005-06:00

Dennis and his foursome, Steve Archer, Gary Evans and Gunnar Beus!
Travis and his team!
The Adam and Mike VanLeeuwen foursome
Winners of the Tournament- The Patrick and Mike Johnson foursome
Gunnar and a really darling girl!!! (Jessica Evans)
Cade and Pyper helping out!

My husband is a golfer! He loves it, he can't wait until someone invites him to golf. He loves the game, he loves the outdoors and he LOVES socializing with family, friends and strangers! It doesn't even matter. It seems if you golf, there is always something to talk about! He won't rest until he gets a hole in one! He has had a golf tournament every year since we gave him one for his 50th birthday, instead of a birthday party. (He's 62 now!) This year so many of his friends were suffering from some sort of illness that he gave awards to those who made the effort to support him in spite of their physical challenges. A big shout out goes to his ever loyal buddy Gord, who has not missed a Tournament, and who is the MC and score keeper and all around support for the Tournament every year!

Hawaii with the Beus Family!

2011-07-10T16:03:00.012-06:00

Chad, Tiffany, Gunnar, Jessica, Kourtney, Zach and Rylee Beus. The Four Seasons Hotel on the island of Lanai!!

While in Hawaii, Den and I celebrated our 39th Wedding Anniversary. Tiffany and her children made sure it was celebrated properly!I put this photo in here of me snorkeling because besides the fact that I look like a corpse floating face down in the ocean, at that moment I am looking at about a 6 foot Shark! I think I was frozen with fear, but atlas, it didn't eat me!
Yep! That young man next to me is my GRANDSON, Gunnar!
Jessica, Kourtney and Gunnar getting snuba lessons. I think that's what it is called!?
Dennis with his mother's namesake, Hazel Peters, daughter of Paul and Angie Peters.

Den and Kat sneaking a kiss while our friendly parrot looks on.
Rylee not too excited about posing with these amazingly beautiful parrots! The rest of the family thought it was pretty cool!
Dennis and Gunnar were the only ones brave enough to jump off the waterfall.

Gunnar catching some rays and eating a snail!?
Kat and Tiffany at the Luau!
Tiffany and daughters! The water felt like heaven to me!
Zach and Rylee Jo
Beus kids in downtown Lanai!
Chad made it!!
The pig served at our Luau! Jess was more interested in the hot servers!

354lb Marlen
Gunnar and Chad catching the big one!!!
One of my favorite photos! Me and Jess enjoying the waves!!
Dennis and Gunnar on the grounds of the Four Seasons on Linai!
The theme from "Somewhere in Time" came to my mind when we drove up to our hotel! A little bit of heaven!!

Golfing on the grounds!The boat ride back to MauiBeautiful Beus Family!!
This year it was the Beus' turn to choose a destination and a time when we could take them on a vacation. At first it was just going to be Tiffany and her kids, but then Chad choose to come hang out with us for the last 6 days. It was a little tortuous for him to try and relax, but truth is, he deserves it and we did witness a laugh or two. We stayed the first four days in a Bed and Breakfast Inn that our nephew and his wife, Paul and Angie Peters own called The Blue Tile Inn. The kids LOVED the beach, the geckos, the crabs and all sorts of nature they found while exploring the south side of Maui. We stayed two nights in a Condo near Kaanipali and then four nights on the island of Lanai! Lanai was a slice of heaven in every way! Thanks to Chad and Tiffany's friends, we had a considerable discount staying at the Four Seasons Hotel!

It was a joy to spend 10 days with this remarkable family! They were fun, adventurous, grateful, entertaining and gave us the pleasure of their company!!

It Started with a Rug!!!

2011-05-29T18:12:00.007-06:00

The rug store in Turkey!

Well actually, it started when our friends, Rulon and Nancy invited us on a Mediterranean Cruise last year. When the ship arrived in Turkey, we were taken to this amazing 6 or 7 story rug store; store seems like an understatement. The salesmen wine you and dine you (or in our case, apple juice you and dine you), show you the rugs in the colors and styles you are interested in, share the history of the hand made rugs and then the bartering begins! That's when I walk out! I wasn't even aware rug shopping was on our agenda. I did know however, that Dennis has always had a passion for oriental rugs, since he was raised in a home with hardwood floors and rugs everywhere. So, we bought a beautiful rug, which they told us they would have it delivered to our home. I was surprised to see that they actually delivered our new rug, in person, to our home in Utah! Now that's service! About six months later, they showed up at our home again with a moving truck full of, what else, more rugs. While I was tending to grandchildren in the other room, Dennis purchased another rug!!! This is a very frugal man I am married to, so it surprised me to no end!!

That one event spawned a remodel in our living and dining room, and our Master Bathroom. I had been bugging Dennis to raise our Living Room floor to be level with our Dining room floor for years now. When we built our home in the 90's, it was vogue to have a sunken living room! What were we thinking!? It doesn't really work when you are trying to fit an ever growing family in your dining room to eat.----- Ok, long story short, I flooded the upstairs during the remodel (on accident!! REALLY!!) making it necessary to re-carpet and repaint pretty much the entire main floor, as well as the upstairs now. I swear, it would of been easier to just build a new home. Dennis doesn't agree, and he probably would know, but it has been months and months and months of ripping off, tearing down, re-sheetrocking, repainting and lots of lots of sanding etc. etc. We are almost to the end of our journey. I still need to make window treatments for the Living Room and Dining Room and we are still waiting for the Master Tub to be repaired, but we are definitely in a livable state again!

That cruise ended up being a lot more expensive that we ever imagined! One of the reasons we went, besides being with our dear friends, the Hornes, was because it was such a good deal!! Ha Ha! on us!

Bailey and Trinity turn 10 years old!!!

2011-05-29T18:04:00.003-06:00

These two cousins born a week apart, May 22 and May 29th couldn't be more opposite. But their differences is what makes them so charming! I love them so much, and had a blast spending the afternoon with them! Happy Birthday Bailey Alexandra Peters and Trinity Ann Sansom!!!

Happy 86th DAD!

2011-05-29T17:56:00.003-06:00

The last several months, my father's health has declined quite alarmingly for me. It has saddened me to see him struggle with his memory and his body. His birthday was May 11th, we tried to show him our love with a birthday luncheon at his place of residence. I think he will remember it this year since I took pictures and put them in his room. I just want him to remember he is still loved by his family. Last week, we moved him to an Assisted Living facility, which will be better suited to meet his needs. Thanks a million to my family members that were able to come visit him or give him a phone call that day!!

Lewis!!!!

2011-05-29T17:50:00.004-06:00

Our newest grandchild is Lewis Hendrik Peters. We have done his photo shot in stages. He is a beautiful little man and a great addition to his family. If you check out Sara's blog, you will see he has already changed from a few weeks ago when I took this shots!

Mother's Day 2011-gifts from the heart

2011-05-29T17:24:00.004-06:00

This canvas picture was designed and made by my dear daughter Telisa!! The quote is by Abraham Lincoln!

This beautiful pillow was hand sewn by the talented Tristen! I love it!!!!

Tara graciously offered to host the Mother's Day dinner at her newly remodeled home. Our home was a construction zone on Mother's Day. Besides having the joy to be with my children, even the little VanLeeuwens via Skype, we had another lovely surprise that day. Elder Oscar Aguilar, one of our dearest missionaries, was in town that weekend for a seminar. He was Dennis' AP, twice, actually! So our kids were very close with him. When we walked into Tara's home, the kids were surprised to see a blast from their past! Chad, our son-in-law was also very close friends with Elder Aguilar. It was nearly a perfect day!! (missed Clay and Telisa, Kim was very sick and Adam was taking care of his sick kids) Thanks you to my sweet children for their love, cards and handmade gifts and exciting gift cards to some of my favorite places!!

I LOVE BEING A MOM!!!!

Mother's Day 2007

2011-05-07T12:48:00.005-06:00

This was a major surprise for me!! Dennis and I were touring parts of Europe with a group of friends. Once again this year, we were gone during Mother's Day. I'm not going to lie, I was SAD to be away from my children and grandchildren. Sunday morning on Mother's day I was sitting in a restaurant in Vienna, Austria having breakfast when a friend came up to me and said, "Check out what I have on my laptop!" I was screaming and crying at the same time. I'm surprised I wasn't kicked out of the restaurant!!! What my children lack in singing ability, they make up for in enthusiasm, passion, devotion and unconditional love!!!! Telisa just found this clip and emailed to me this morning!! Tears came all over again!!!

Bodie and Tatum in Utah!!!

2011-04-16T14:18:00.003-06:00

Took a few shots of Telisa's boys. She wanted me to make them antique looking. What do you think?

Cougar Fans!!!!

2011-04-16T14:10:00.003-06:00

True blue BYU fans, Dennis, Treavor and Owen Peters weathered the storm to watch their football team play their spring(!?) game. According to Dennis, Bronco Mendenhall begged and begged to get a picture taken with them, they finally consented!

Baby Shower for Sara and Lewis!

2011-04-16T14:01:00.004-06:00

The Peters' girls and the Bell girls got together for a little baby shower for Sara and Lewis!! We waited until after Lewis' birth so we would know the gender of Treavor and Sara's second baby! We feel very blessed to have another healthy little guy in our family!! Good work Treavor and Sara!!! Thanks to everyone who helped with the shower!! Especially Tristen, for hosting the event!

Lewis Hendrik Peters #22

2011-04-10T17:43:00.005-06:00

Treavor, Sara and Owen Peters have much to thankful for. Lewis Hendrik Peters was born to them on March 24, 2011 with a healthy holler, "I'm here!" "My dad thought I was girl!"

Sara's delivery was much smoother than the last time! Lewis' parents were overcome with joy and excitement for another healthy little boy!! Tears streaming down both their faces. Lewis got his name from his parents' great grandfathers. Treavor's great-grandfather was Lewis Wilson Stout and Sara's great great-grandfather was Hendrik Bell. As for the big brother Owen, I think he would like Lewis to just get up and start playing tackle with him!! Soon Owen!

Sugar Tot Designs

2011-04-10T17:37:00.002-06:00

I want to take a moment to share my daughter's new Business Blog. She has been designing and creating cards, posters and anything else that involves words and art for sometime now! She decided to make a business of it since Clay won't be making any income next year. It's all her!! Check it out! sugartotdesigns.blogspot.com

Telisa, we're so proud of you!!!!

Trinity the model!

2011-04-10T17:24:00.004-06:00

Trin was my little partner during a photo shoot. The family was about an hour late showing up for their appointment, so I took the opportunity to take a few shots of my cute grand daughter, Trinity Ann while we waited!!!

Whitley turned 12!!

2011-04-10T16:46:00.002-06:00

It's hard to believe we have another teenager in our midst! But we do!! Our Beautiful Whitley Erin Peters turned 12 years old in November. We were a little late with the photo shoot, due to crazy lives and even crazier weather. The weather chose not to improve much. I don't know if you can tell, but both Whitley and I were freezing during these shots!!!!!!

Missing Teeth and Giggles

2011-03-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

Morgan, Cade and Grace showing off their missing teeth!! Cade was pretty excited to be hanging out with two cutie cousins!! It was his idea!
They loved playing with their DS's !?

Valentine Craft!

2011-02-09T21:09:00.003-07:00

We have some extremely talented crafters in this family and also those of us that like to copy genius! We decided to have a Girls Craft Day each month. I took the first turn, and called upon Telisa and Tristen for the ideas. The topiary was from Tristen and Telisa designed the Valentine Word Art that we simply framed and embellished with felt flowers. It's a fun afternoon!! Looking forward to more!!!! Your turn next month Kim!

New Years 2011 - The Oldest Five!

2011-01-24T13:37:00.007-07:00

Sabrina and Whitley learning to Snowboard!
Kourtney- second time out! She's a pro now.
Gunnar was interested in speed!
Jess was a bit more cautious!

Den and I had a little sta-cation with our oldest five grandkids, Gunnar, Jessica, Sabrina, Whitley and Kourtney over New Years! Gunnar brought some back up with his friend Harley. A few weeks later, the three 7 year old cousins, Cade, Morgan and Grace wanted a sleepover at Grandma Kat and Grandpa's house.

Snow boarding, movies, Carl Bloch Museum, swimming, shopping, eating, giggling a lot! (the girls only) games, DS, good talks and goal setting was just part of the fun.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-07T08:31:00.009-07:00

I know I always show a ton of pictures at each holiday, but it's what I do! I have to have a record for my posterity!!

I want to thank all my family for the wonderful gifts ( the family tree and money for a frame, diamond earrings, darling apron, fuzzy warm slippers, golf gift cards galore) and for your complete willingness to participate in our Christmas program this year. As was requested by our children, we did our program at my Dad's Retirement Home. I don't think they could really hear us too well, but they seemed to enjoy what they saw! Especially when Joseph walked in with his arm gently around Mary (Luke and Rylee). There was a big awe from the audience. Whitley and Bailey did a great job as the story tellers! Trinity was the perfect angel. Treavor, Adam, Zach and Cade were the shepherds and our Wisemen, Travis, Gunnar and Stephen had the majority of the speaking parts, while Jessica and Sabrina played the background music. After the Nativity, it wouldn't be a complete Christmas Program without Kim and Tiffany sharing their musical talents. This year we were also excited to hear from Jovie, Mylee and Rylee.

After that program we all went back to our home where the adult kids (spear headed by Treavor, Tara and Kim) performed an amazing number on BUILDING A SNOWMAN!" Unfortunately, I have no pictures of the grand production number as of yet!! I was laughing so hard, my mouth muscles hurt! It was so cute and too much work. I felt a little guilty for asking them to come up with a number.

WE DID MISS THE LITTLE VAN LEEUWEN FAMILY IN OMAHA THOUGH. That was a bit of a downer. There wasn't a second we weren't thinking about them and missing them so badly!!!!

Thanks for a great Christmas!!

The Twelve Gifts of Christmas

2011-01-03T09:34:00.009-07:00

GIFT 1- THE GIFT OF SERVICE Dennis made the mangers last year, so we added the bag with straw and name cards , along with the book to start their family service projects.
GIFT 2- THE GIFT OF MUSIC I made a Christmas CD with some our favorites!!
GIFT 3- GIFT OF LOVE They made Red Velvet Cookies to give to neighbors.
GIFT 4- THE GIFT OF FRIENDS They wrote letters to their closest friend.
GIFT 5- THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE
GIFT 6- THE GIFT OF SACRIFICE- We gave them money in the envelopes, they in turn took that money and used it to help someone in need. I loved hearing all their stories afterwards.
GIFT 7- GIFT OF MEMORIES ( a favorite!! I pulled out about 12 family photos from Christmases past, then Den and I recorded our voices sharing our memories from those years)
GIFT 8- THE GIFT OF WORK (OPPS! that one landed on a Sunday!?)
GIFT 9- THE GIFT OF FOOD
GIFT 10- GIFT OF TIME (TELISA made amazing family calendars again this year!!)
GIFT 11- GIFT OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST (She also made darling ABC Gospel books for the children)
GIFT 12- GIFT OF FAMILY

For Christmas this year we changed things up a bit. Instead of giving regular Christmas presents, Den and I decided to do the 12 Gifts of Christmas. I tried to focus this gifts of the importance of the season and hopefully give a cherished memory to our family in lieu of the traditional kind of gifts. After each gift was completed, the kids could put a magnet that I attached to the envelope, on the Christmas Tree magnet board. The idea was born from my friend, Carol Lambert, who has done it with her family for years. Boy, it was a lot of work!! But it turned into quite a spiritual journey for me. I hope my family enjoyed the journey, as well.

On Christmas Eve, we discovered our stockings were completely jammed with letters of Gratitude and Appreciation from nearly every family member!!! It meant the world to us! Best Christmas present ever!

Girls Trip!!!?

2010-12-09T15:23:00.004-07:00

All my darling daughters!!!!! I love them all so much!!
Our suite!!!
Crafting all day and into the night!
Dancing all night!!!

I can honestly say, it doesn't matter where you go, it's all about the people you are with!! Our girls trip this year was going to be in St. George. Due to our last adventure on the road to St. George (keep reading), we changed it to my house at the last minute because there was a prediction of snow again. But we had a total blast!!! The girls made Christmas presents for their kids and Christmas decorations for their homes. We all said, it didn't last long enough!! Everyone was in charge of one meal, and the girls all slept on the floor in my basement rather than sleeping in separate bedrooms. Thanks a million to all the Grandmas, Grandpas and Daddies who gave their wives and daughters much needed breaks.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-09T15:18:00.004-07:00

The Granddaughters!!!
The Grandsons!!!
This year we are thankful for plastic plates and cultural halls!!
Our Thankful tree!!
A few of our STUDS!

On the road to St. George!!!

2010-12-09T14:23:00.007-07:00

A few months ago, Telisa sent a mass email out to all of us stating that Clay was getting a week off of work and would love a family vacation in St. George! The entire Peters' clan was invited, so we all scurried around trying to rearrange our schedules to accommodate such a delightful idea. As luck would have it, on the exact date of Clay, Telisa, Bodie and Tatum's arrival (November 21, 2010- WHITLEY'S BIRTHDAY), a huge snow storm decided to descend on Utah. The VanLeeuwen's plane was to land around 5pm. Dennis volunteered to pick them up at the airport and head straight to St. George with a Traffic App on his cell phone. Most of the Daddies stayed home, but the brave Mommies filled their cars with kids, snacks, movies and games to make the journey on their own Sunday around 2 pm. Kim and kids decided to leave bright and early Monday morning so they could celebrate Whitley's birthday properly. Tiffany and Tristen's cars led the pack. Tara asked me to ride with her to help with her newborn Indy, which I happily obliged. The roads were a little dicey through Springville to Salem, but then things seem to look bright up ahead! Then we received a phone call from Tiff reporting that there was an accident involving 4 semi trucks that had jack knifed and had blocked the roads. Basically, we were all stopped for about 3 hours. As the snow began to fall harder and the temperatures drop, we were getting a little nervous. Everyone had to go the bathroom and we were starving! Tiffany and Tristen's cars finally made it out of the bottleneck, but just as Tara's car was starting to make it's way up a black iced road, her car broke down, with us in very precarious situation. I called 911 and asked the kids to start praying that no one would hit us, because we were dark and stopped in the road. There was some hollowing for "DADDY at that point!" The Sheriff showed up and tried to jump start our car, but we quickly discovered it wasn't the battery. He told us we needed to be towed, but all the tow trucks were working overtime, so we would have to wait at least another hour. Super fun! By now Tiffany and Tristen were in Beaver waiting for us. Dennis, Clay and Telisa had nearly caught up to us, but because of the information on his phone, he got off the main road and took a dirt road avoided the giant traffic jam. When the tow truck came, I imagined we would be taken to Beaver where we could rent a car. I was quickly informed that there were no Rental Cars in Beaver, all the Hotels were booked and the car would take 3 to 4 days to repair! The mechanic said, we might be able to open a church for you. Thankfully the rest of our group made it safely to Beaver and instead of listening to me and going onto St. George, they all waited and rearranged their cars so they could fit the six of us in their vehicles. We were so grateful for greasy gas station food and a fairly clean restroom, but mostly for our family that waited for us and managed to get us all the way to St. George by midnight. Kim drove up the next morning and got all the things out of Tara's car that we just couldn't manage to fit!!

The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful, but super fun for me. We had 20 kids under one roof during the day and used two houses to sleep in at night. We mostly crafted, ate, laughed, broke up squabbles between siblings, watched movies and crafted some more. The grandkids did a service project for all the residents of Grandpa Harold's place. When we drove that patch of road back home on Wednesday, I had a big smile on my face!

BLESSINGS!

2010-11-09T07:03:00.005-07:00

As I sat in Church on Sunday with most of my children and their families, (missing so badly the little VL's in Omaha) I could literally feel my gratitude level soar! Stephen and Tara blessed their angel girl, Indy Janae Sunday morning and our family filled up many rows in the chapel in support of the Sansoms. Stephen gave a beautiful blessing and Tara shared an amazing testimony. I know I don't stop and think of my blessings enough. Why is it so much easier to think of the negative instead of the bounteous blessings that surround all of us! My friend, Jody Done wrote the following in our Relief Society Announcements on Sunday, and I am grateful for the good reminders of all the Blessings we enjoy at this time in our lives.

Did I thank Him for being able to open my eyes this morning and see his beautiful earth?

Did I thank Him for being able to walk and breath the fresh air while I wandered through the many colors of the season?

Did I thank Him for the people I love and the people who love me?

Did I thank Him for having food to eat so I can take care of the body he blessed me with?

Did I thank Him for a sound mind? (sound mound, that's a little iffy for me?)

Did I thank Him for letting me live these latter days?

Did I thank Him for my trials that have helped me grow?

Did I thank Him for the smiles and hugs of grandchildren?

Did I thank Him for blessings of living in a free country?

Did I thank Him for my membership in His true church and the knowledge I have of eternal life?

Did I thank Him for the gift of the Holy Ghost?

Did I thank Him for my Savior who set an example of Christlike love?

Did I thank Him for carrying me through difficult times and filling my heart with love and my mind with positive thoughts?

Did I thank Him for friends?

Did I thank Him for talents he blessed me with and ask for help in developing my talents?

Happy giving thanks time everyone out there!!!! I love and appreciate you all!!

Suitcases and Security Lines!?

2010-10-26T07:56:00.013-06:00

For the last two months Den and Kat have been living out of our suitcases and spending an unusual amount of time standing in the security lines at airports. (By the way, you might as well be naked now as you go through security! They x-ray your entire body, and often pat you down!?) Super fun!? We've seen the Salt Lake Airport several times over, Monterrey Airport, Denver Airport, Omaha Airport, Atlanta Airport, Rome Airport and driven four times to St. George! Honestly, once at our destinations, life was great!! We enjoyed the company we were with and sight seeing. We especially loved visiting Clay, Telisa, Bodie and Tatum in their new home in Omaha, Nebraska! Telisa had new slippers for me, and a new golf shirt for Dad waiting on our bed when we arrived. Bodie, who was nearly asleep in his car seat when Telisa picked us up from the airport, let out a loud howler for joy when he saw us!! That sure made the naked security lines worth it!!!Awesome red barn near Clay and Telisa's house. We just had to take pictures!!!!!This was a terrific Pumpkin Patch/ mini Disneyland Telisa took us to. The boys had a great time choosing their pumpkins, playing with the animals, riding tractors, watching a pig race and listening to country music!

Cute mommy Telisa with sons, Bodie Dennis and Tatum Dutch!
Big Red and Little Red at the Pumpkin Patch in Omaha, Nebraska!!
Beautiful northern California!
Monterrey, California Beaches with Nancy, Kat and Jill Seppi
Den and I on a Tandem Bike!! Super scary, but fun. We are little rusty on the bicycling thing!
A great puzzle store we found in town! Dennis was in heaven, he persuaded his buddies into buying one too! What he didn't know is I had already been there an hour before and purchased a puzzle for him for Christmas! He ruined the surprise!
A lighthouse on a golf course! Telisa and Dennis' two favorite things!

My Four Princesses!!

2010-09-26T17:45:00.006-06:00

Halloween 2009 some pretty amazing Princess costumes were made by some pretty amazing, not to mention, busy mommies! I decided then, I wanted to have a Princess Party for my four Princesses. It's almost been a year and concerned the girls would grow out of their dresses before I got my act together, I finally came through with my promise. Jovie opted to be a Fancy Nancy Princess instead, which was of course, her choice! Telisa made the cute invitations, and the girls all arrived in their princess attire ready to party Saturday, September 25, 2010!! We ate, played games, danced, watched a little "Snow White", crafted all the while wearing our crowns!!!

Now and Then!

2010-09-13T16:30:00.002-06:00

George Paynter, Kathryn Peters, Dennis Peters- Air Force/BYU Game 1985 ! Diane must of been taking the photo! I don't remember who won, but I remember it snowed and was super cold!!
George and Diane Paynter, Kathryn and Dennis Peters- Air Force/BYU game 2010! I remember who won (Air Force) and it was super hot!!

Awesome trip anyway!!!

2010-09-13T15:04:00.007-06:00

Debra and Larry Johnson
George and Diane Paynter
Gary and Lorie Lemmons

Even though BYU had an unfortunate loss with the Air Force game in Colorado on September 11th, Den and I had a blast with our lifelong friends, George and Diane Paynter, Larry and Debra Johnson and Gary and Lorie Lemmons! We stayed at the lovely home of George and Diane where we were welcomed with open ams, DELICIOUS food, comfortable beds and lots of silliness! (EVEN OLD PEOPLE ARE SILLY!) After over thirty years of friendship, there is lots to laugh about!

Thank you George and Diane for your hospitality!! Thank you Gary and Lorie for being the activity directors!! Thank you Larry and Debra for the singing and heartfelt conversations!!

"Mathusala! Mathusala!!"

More fun!! Sabrina and Morgan

2010-08-29T08:34:00.003-06:00

Sabrina and Morgan's birthday photos! Sabrina thought she was getting her braces off in August, so we waited a month to do her shoot, but it didn't happen. However, I have to say, it's really not fair to look that good with braces on! Two sisters, two completely different looks! I love it!!

Indy's 1st Photo Shoot

2010-08-29T08:19:00.004-06:00

While I was out at Tara's last week doing the Grandma thing, I snapped a few shots, in between feedings, of Indy Janae with her beautiful mom, Tara! Is she cute or what?

INDY JANAE SANSOM!

2010-08-21T08:06:00.011-06:00

Off they go to the hospital to welcome another beautiful Sansom girl into their lives!

Meeting Aunt Telisa via Skype! We love technology!! Sometimes!?

The big smiles say it all!!

Grandpa Dawg and Grandma Kat overjoyed with our new granddaughter Indy Janae Sansom!!

Treavor, Sara and Owen!!

2010-08-19T17:46:00.004-06:00

As you can see I had some fun taking Treavor, Sara and Owen's family photos!

Beautiful Beus Sisters!

2010-08-19T16:48:00.004-06:00

Jessica Anne
Kourtney Marie
Rylee Jo

2 Cuties!

2010-08-19T16:34:00.003-06:00

Usually I forget my camera on these birthday outings, but I remembered this time! My two August birthday grandkids, Morgan and Cade turned 7 years old this month. Cade loved to show off and Morgan loved to giggle at his antics! We saw the movie "Despicable Me" and had Pizza! Aren't they cute?

Baby Shower Luncheon for Tara Janae!

2010-08-06T19:27:00.004-06:00

We gave the expecting mama a little baby luncheon on July 31st. Tara choose Kneaders as her restaurant of choice! Pictured are the family members that were able to attend. The super amazing diaper cake was lovingly made by Tiffany and Tristen! Kudos to Mikel who came on the actual day she was moving to San Francisco!! Trinity, Grace and Mia enjoyed helping Tara open her presents!! We hope Indy Janae and Tara Janae felt our love!

An Important Reminder!!

2010-07-29T10:06:00.006-06:00

On Sunday, Clay and Telisa had a real scare!! Clay nearly choked to death on a piece of hot steak. Thankfully the steak finally moved, but not after bursting several blood vessels in his eyes and around his nose. I found a few reminders on the internet for us to review. The universal message for choking is to grab your throat with both hands. If the victim is quite a bit taller than you. You probably need to stand on a stool or something to get the right angle.

Heimlich maneuver

The Instructions

Step 1
Ask the choking person to stand if he or she is sitting.
Step 2
Place yourself slightly behind the standing victim.
Step 3
Reassure the victim that you know the Heimlich maneuver and are going to help.
Step 4
Place your arms around the victim's waist.
Step 5
Make a fist with one hand and place your thumb toward the victim, just above his or her belly button.
Step 6
Grab your fist with your other hand.
Step 7
Deliver five upward squeeze-thrusts into the abdomen.
Step 8
Make each squeeze-thrust strong enough to dislodge a foreign body.
Step 9
Understand that your thrusts make the diaphragm move air out of the victim's lungs, creating a kind of artificial cough.
Step 10
Keep a firm grip on the victim, since he or she can lose consciousness and fall to the ground if the Heimlich maneuver is not effective.
Step 11
Repeat the Heimlich maneuver until the foreign body is expelled.

Instructions for Children

Step 1
Call 911 or ask someone else to call 911.
Step 2
Squat behind your child as she stands in front of you.
Step 3
Place one hand on top of the pelvis line, in the middle of the abdomen. Put your other hand on top of the first. Pull upward, forcefully, toward the child's nose, in a series of five quick thrusts. If that doesn't work:
Step 4
Place the child face down across your lap. Put one fist below the point where the ribs meet the breastbone.
Step 5
Give a solid whack to the back, between the lower shoulder blades, with your other hand.
Step 6
If the child begins to lose consciousness, lower her slowly to the floor. Be sure an emergency squad has been called.
Step 7
Straddle your child's thighs or sit at her side. Sit at her feet if she is very young.
Step 8
Put the heel of one hand at the belly button and thrust upward toward the nose five times. These motions are called abdominal thrusts.
Step 9
Open the child's mouth and look inside to see if you have dislodged the foreign body. If you see a foreign body, sweep it out with a hooked finger. Tilt your child's head to the side, in case of vomiting.
Step 10
Attempt to open the airway by tilting her head and lifting her chin. Look and listen for signs of breathing.
Step 11
Give your child a breath by pinching her nose with your fingers and putting your lips over her mouth to form a tight seal. Exhale forcefully into her mouth. Watch to see if her chest rises with your breath. If not, your child's airway is still blocked.
Step 12
Continue with abdominal thrusts

Mediterranean Cruise

2010-07-20T22:41:00.016-06:00

Rulon and Nancy Horne invited us on a Mediterranean Cruise about a month ago. For anyone that knows me well, I had sworn off of ever leaving the good old USA ever ever again! But we were tempted by, first of all, traveling with our dear friends, Rulon and Nancy, second, the promise of no schedule, third, a really large ship that won't cause me motion sickness and last, by not least, my doctor said he could give me Valium so I would actually be able to sleep on the 14 hour plane ride! So, as you can see...off we went!
Nancy and Kat on the Spanish steps in Rome.
The Colosseum in Rome.

Rulon, Nancy, Dennis and Kathryn--ready to set sail!
Boarding the Navigator of the Seas

The view from our window! Messina, Italy!

Taormina, Italy!! A little slice of heaven!
The Adriatic Sea

Every street told a different story! I loved it!

Turkey, where we visited the ancient city of Epheses, home of the temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world. Our two Hercules!!!
Nancy and Kat hiding from the intense sun!

Athens, Greece--the Parthenon
The Isle of Crete, the ruins of Knossos.
Formal Night #2! Can you tell that I had just awakened from a six hour nap? How cool is that?
Kat eating pizza at the boot of Italy!
Dennis and Italy! Notice how we match! That was an accident!
Nancy thought she was eating a tortilla shell, but after I tasted it, we realized it was cardboard!!

Rome Airport--crazy and tired, about to embark on a 28 hour ride home!? Super fun!

Dennis could write pages more about all the history!!! I took about 300 more pictures, but I think you get the jest. All and all is was a fabulous trip with wonderful friends, wonderful food and memories we will cherish always!!

P.S. Thanks for the haircut Tara, it was great not to have to deal with my mop in the heat!

Grandpa Dawg turns 61!!

2010-07-08T17:18:00.004-06:00

What can I say? His favorite birthday cake (spice cake with lemon frosting- made by Telisa) with a few of his loving grandkids!

Surviving JUNE!!

2010-07-08T07:06:00.003-06:00

June (which included the tail end of May and the first week in July) was not only a monumental month, but a completely packed month!! Between traveling, company, illnesses, birthdays, photo shoots, golf tournaments, church work and a new computer to try to figure out, I became quite behind on my blogging. So, the next eight posts are a few memories from June. ENJOY!

Independence Day Celebration!!!! 2010

2010-07-07T17:28:00.014-06:00

I took the opportunity to take pictures in my neighbor's super awesome 50's convertible Cadillac! I love the photos, even though I can't get them in Photo Shop yet, but the PHOTO shoot almost ended in disaster when the car started to roll down the hill with the five Peters girls inside. Apparently, Mylee put it in drive or neutral. Kim's attempt to stop the car with her supermom instinct slowed it down enough to keep the car from hitting a tree. However, Kim and Sabrina both fell, Kim nearly got run over!!! My heart stopped beating for a moment. Thank goodness no one was hurt too badly and the car was fine also.

The rest of the day was both history lesson on John Adams from Grandpa Dennis and water fun! We were very grateful for all those who were able to come. We invite our in-law children's family every year. We want to thank the Van Leeuwens and the Bells for putting up with our craziness!!

From John Adams: "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

(THANKS SARA FOR THE IDEA)

1st Peters Family Reunion!!!

2010-07-07T16:20:00.018-06:00

Ok, out of 500 plus photos from just my camera, these are the few I chose to display of our super awesome Peters/Scollick Family Reunion. We had the most marvelous reunion in California from June 24th to the 27th, 2010. I believe Tiffany and Susan came up with the idea. We have never participated in a family reunion, so the Peters and Scollick cousins have not all been together in about 20 years. The first few photos are obviously at the beach with the Beus and Peters children. Both their mommies DROVE to California with a car full of kids!!!! First stop was the beach while we waited for the rest to fly to the sunny southern coast.

The first day was spent in Glendale where Den and I grew up. We shared many memorable stories and places with our very interested children. They seem to love hearing about all our childhood adventures, seeing our homes, schools, places we hung out etc. We met up with the Scollicks at Glendale City Hall where Grandpa Howard Peters was Mayor for two terms. After a tour, history lesson and pictures we headed to Brand Park for lunch and reminiscing. One of the most fascinating experiences was meeting the Disney Cartoonist who now owns Howard's office. He showed the grandkids how he first came up with idea to draw Mickey Mouse. He has since gone on to make the posters for all the Disney animated movies.

We toured Forest Lawn where the Peters ancestors are buried and then spent a fun filled day at the Scollick's backyard swimming and eating and eating and eating!!! Dennis announced to his children that Friday, the day we toured Glendale, was one of the best days of his life!!! I have to say, touring the home Dennis grew up in was also very moving for me. The photo in Dennis' entry is where we stood for our wedding photos. Now, there are these six wonderful grown-up children standing behind us, that have blessed our lives with an additional 27 more people to love in our family. Most everyone left Sunday morning. Those of us that remained, Treavor, Tara, Dennis and myself went to the Newport Temple which was truly lovely.

We appreciate all the Scollicks did to make us feel loved and welcome. A big thank you to Shauna for the wonderful family cookbooks she made for all of us! I've already made some of the recipes, and will always cherish it.

Spanish Fork Parade 2010

2010-07-07T14:47:00.006-06:00

This year the parade fell on my birthday. Tiffany was in charge of a float again this year. She decided to have the four princesses, Rylee, Mylee, Jovie and Pyper ride the float. The theme was "Vintage Cuties". Trinity and Kourtney pulled the fabulous creation. Thanks to the efforts of Tiff, Tara, Tristen and myself somehow we pulled it off (no pun intended!?) After, we all went to the Beus ranch and lept and ate and played!!

Prior to the 19th, my boys, Travis and Treavor took me to see an excellent movie, "The Karate Kid" and dinner. My girls, Kim, Tiffany, Tara, Tristen and Telisa took me up to Gateway for shopping and dinner. I really missed Sara, but it was a super enjoyable evening and I want to thank everyone for the time they shared with me. I failed to bring my camera, but other people took photos, so please share with me. All and all my birthday was great!!! Thank you to everyone for the phone calls, emails, cards, gifts and the best chocolate cake ever!!!!

Girls Craft Day!!

2010-07-07T14:19:00.006-06:00

Even though we girls love to craft, it's extremely hard to find time to do so. However, we managed to find a Saturday while Stephanie and Telisa were here. Telisa mostly changed diapers, but it was still fun!! Most of the kids were with their dads, so we worked fast. Sabrina came and outdid all of us!! Her creations are the bottom photo. Let's see if I can give you a rundown on the projects: Kim choose to catch up on her blog, however the internet didn't cooperate, Tiffany choose to make pillows for her family room, Tara made pioneer clothes for her girls because they are going on a family pioneer trek in August. Tristen and Sara choose to make table runners, Sabrina choose to make a necklace, hair flowers and corsage, Stephanie choose to make name boards for her kid's rooms and Telisa and I made yo-yo flowers! We had lunch and just visited, my favorite!!!!

SURPRISE!!! Telisa came to town!

2010-07-07T14:03:00.005-06:00

Telisa and her two most adorable little boys came to surprise everyone on June 4th!! Den and I knew, but we managed to keep it from the kids, except Adam and Tristen because they were going to be in St. George when they arrived. The kids thought they were coming to our home for a bbq and see what we did in the yard. (nothing but yardwork!?!) Anyway, it was great to see the shock on everyone's face as they saw Telisa and met Tatum for the first time!!!! After eating, Stephen invited us over to his parents home to swim.

The next day another great treat---Stephanie and her two adorable boys came to stay with us. Steph drove all the way from California to be here for her dad's birthday on June 6th!! We loved both their visits!!!!!

Bailey's 9 year old photo shoot!

2010-07-07T13:54:00.003-06:00

I had a little afternoon with Trinity and Bailey for their 9th birthdays. We went to the movies and had a little lunch. Trin had to leave, but Bailey spent the night and we did her yearly photo shoot! Here are four of the 90 I took. (disclaimer: I just bought a new computer--a MAC! Love it, but don't know how to work it all yet. Haven't had a minute to take the classes. Anddddddd I don't have PhotoShop yet. Still waiting for Adobe to approve me. So these photos are unedited)