Kesslyn's World

Over the weekend our family had the flu bug come to town and it was NOT fun. At all.

BUT...as I was laying on the couch in the dark quiet basement, I heard the sweet little voice of Kesslyn...

"Mommy, I made this for you!"

It made me so happy that I forgot for a second how yucky I felt...

 They say that what a child draws is a reflection of how they view their world...

In this case I would say that Kesslyn is a very happy little girl who loves her family so much!

 Especially her sissy's and her momma...:)

This made me smile SO BIG! :)

I love you Kesslyn!

Beyond the Veil

 Sometimes when I look at the sunrise I see love and become completely overwhelmed with amazement and gratitude. Other times (like this week) I look at the sunrise and think of thousands of angels thronging the mountainside and wonder what goes on in heaven as people young and old pass through the veil...One day I will know what that is like, but for now, I feel peace as I wonder...

 This week we lost a few dear loved ones...Clint's cousin Tyler, my Uncle Max, and Carew's good friend Brady. As we attended funerals, I was sweetly reminded of how much we are loved by our Heavenly Father, and how the Atonement of Jesus Christ is all encompassing and healing. It is there for each of us ALL the time.I also felt the Spirit "nudge" me and teach me to look closer for opportunities to love people, to build them up, and to find ways to bless their lives and to help them through their days...both the good and the bad. Life is hard and we NEED each other.

The silver lining to attending funerals though is the opportunity to be united as families. Although it's hard to watch those you love suffer in sadness and pain, it helps the hurt when you see loved ones embrace, lift, encourage, and strengthen each other simply by being together. There is strength in numbers, and each individual in our family is important to me. AND, I LOVE seeing Clint's family together. They are close and really love each other..

AND Clint is the cutest... :)

Dear Tooth Fairy

Kambriella lost another tooth!

This momma is hoping that the tooth fairy will remember to come tonight though because she has forgotten the last 2 nights in a row!!! She must be one busy tooth fairy!!! ;)

Farm Adventures

 Our little cowgirl Kesslyn is loving Little Farmer's preschool! She is having a fun time learning, playing, exploring, and making new friends! (And some of those friends are animals! ;)

Her teacher said she was a little hesitant at first about petting the goats, but after she went in their pen, she was so happy and felt so brave! :)

I love the little opportunities that she is getting to experience new things, like yesterdays farm adventure learning about bees with the Beekeeper. This is by far my favorite preschool ever and I'm so grateful that Kesslyn is having the opportunity to learn new things while also being surrounded by all of Heavenly Father's creations. I feel like it gives her a sense of love and appreciation for the little things in life and I love it!

Happy Birthday to Me!

 After attending the Hale Center Theater play of "The Addams Family" on Friday with Clint, Tiffany, Colby, and Kambriella, we went out to dinner to celebrate my birthday at a new Napolian Pizza restaurant! 

It was delicious!

 We ate pizza, had banana, berry, and Nutella calzones for dessert, and tried our best to imitate Lurch's only smile that he did in the play...

He was my favorite character and made me laugh... :)

 Then on my actual birthday yesterday, my sweet little girls made me a birthday cake all by themselves!

 (With a tiny bit of help from dad...:)

 I can't believe I'm 43! In my mind I should still only be about 21...(But then I guess that would make it pretty impossible for my oldest child to BE 21...Hmmm...

 It was a good day full of meetings and church, and honestly some of my favorite parts of the day were doing absolutely nothing...sitting and holding Clint's hand in sacrament meeting, having my sisters sing Happy Birthday to me in relief society, going on a family walk in the Autumn air, and talking to my sweet sister Cynthia and my children on the phone.

With being so busy with packing and getting ready to move, I feel like doing nothing for a minute is a luxury!

 Finally at about 10:00 at night after Clint's family had stopped by to visit, we cut the cake and called it a night. I fell asleep in Clint's arms with a smile on my face and in my heart because I'm just so grateful for this wonderful life. I am in love with this family and life that Heavenly Father has blessed me with, and each day I get with them is a gift...Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Mourn With Those That Mourn

Yesterday was probably a pretty typical Wednesday for most people, but for my friends who lost their beautiful baby girl to SIDS on this day 6 years ago, it represented a day of heartache and sadness that kept both of them home from work, in their pajamas, and literally "hiding" from the world. 

When I showed up on their front porch with these gorgeous roses and hugs for everyone, it really meant something to them.

Tina said, "I can't believe you remembered" and "No one has said anything, and "It really means a lot."

As she fought back her emotions, we sat and talked for over an hour.

We laughed and caught up and "mourned together."

Mosiah 18:9 

9 Yea, and are ^awilling to mourn with those that ^bmourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as ^cwitnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the ^dfirst resurrection, that ye may have eternal life.

I am grateful for sweet friends and opportunities to grow closer to each other, just as the Savior would want us to. I would never want to experience some of the trials that others face, but I do want to be with them in their darkest hour to help them to see the light and to feel the love of God. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost who guides, teaches, and inspires us and helps us to do the Lord's work, and I truly know that we can be "His hands."

Best Friends

 One thing that makes me so happy is to see how much my children love each other. They really are best friends and would rather be together doing things than with anyone else. And I love it.

On Sunday night after Gavin's birthday was over, Dallin and Gavin informed me that they were going to be sleeping outside in the 1 man tent together.

We checked the weather to be sure it wouldn't rain, and then they set it up and went to bed!

In the morning when I went to wake them up for school, I found them cozy and snug and plenty warm! 

I like to think that these children made promises to each other before they came here, and when I see them loving and caring for each other, I like to think that these are some of the simple ways that they are keeping their promises to each other. Especially when it comes to supporting each other in living the gospel. I think they come to expect the best out of each other, and as best friends, I feel like they can help each other reach their goals and be their best. I love my children so much and I love that they love each other too! :)

Happy 14th Birthday Gavin!

Guess who turned 14 on Sunday??

Our sweet Gavin!!!

What a fun celebration he had on Saturday with some of his friends...

Gavin had his first game of the season on Saturday and so he brought his friends to cheer him on...and THAT they did!!! All of the parents said that we need to bring these friends to all of our games because they were so much fun cheering everyone on!!! Gavin's team ended up winning by about 24 points and Gavin even had a fast break steal into a layup for 2! It was a great first game!

After the game Clint took all the boys to Provo where they went indoor surfing on the Flow Rider at Provo Beach! ALL the boys loved it and had a blast!

 I am so grateful that my kids have such good friends, and that they know how to be a good friend too. At this stage of life for these youth, their friends can sometimes "make them" or "break them."

These boys "make" each other be the best they can be.

(And there's no better friend than your family! Xaxton and Dallin ;)

After Flow Rider Gavin chose to go to a Hawaiian Grill for dinner where they got spoiled with yummy food, free fry bread and drinks for everyone!!!

When the boys got home they opened presents. had cake and ice cream, and went night swimming in the pool. I'm pretty sure that Gavin's birthday was a huge success!

Happy Happy 14th Birthday Gavin!!! 

We. Love. YOU!!!!

BYU Idaho!

 On Friday morning, Carew and I were up at 3:30 am getting ready to hit the road early to make it to Rexburg, Idaho for Move-In day!

This sweet returned missionary boy of mine was home for 3 weeks, and now is gone again! Off to bigger and better things...like going to college at BYU Idaho!

 We arrived there around 8:00 am, checked in to his new apartment, met his new roommates, and got him unpacked.

 I really enjoyed being there with Carew mostly for the fact that I could see where he would be, who he would be living with, and really just to watch my little boy (I know, I know, he's NOT so little) be excited for these experiences and to be so brave to try doing these had things!

 He has his own bed, his own desk, his own closet, and his own car. But other than that he gets to live with and share his apartment with 5 other young men who seem as equally excited about their new adventures that they will share together! 

Carew and I were both pretty tired from the early morning and the long drive, but as soon as we finished unpacking, we headed to the Rexburg Police Department to get his parking pass, and then drove around for a bit exploring campus.

 We also stopped at Cafe Rio for lunch (Carew hadn't been there since before his mission and so he was so happy to have it again!:)

Then after we ate lunch we found this cute little bakery and decided we would buy some cookies to give to his new roommates! After all, there is no better way to make a good first impression than with FOOD...and sweet food at that! ;)

 Reeses Peanut Butter Cookies, Salted Carmel Cookies, and "A Party In My Mouth" Cookies!

All for Carew, Kwon, Drake, Nathan, and 2 others that he hadn't met yet...

 After we finished up our little break it was time to head back to Carew's apartment where his Peer Mentors would be meeting him shortly to take him around campus, show him where to find his classes, and help him meet other people in his class major and introduce him to other opportunities that he may not know about...

 I was happy to learn too that Carew already had a few plans for the weekend, like going to Anziano Albright's house (a former mission companion) for Sunday dinner and to meet his new wife and other friends.

 As I said goodbye to Carew and watched him walk away, a little piece of my heart went with him. I sat there in my car for about 30 more minutes before I drove away, just in case he still needed me for something... ;)

But he never needed to come back out. He is ready for this. He is doing exactly what we have prepared him to do, but it really is a little harder to see my children grow up and leave the home than I thought it would be. I am happy for him and I know he will do good things!

He was saved for these days and he is strong.

I love you Carew!

Good luck to you in all you do at BYUI!!!!

Tender Mercy Moments

 Yesterday was our last day with Carew before he left for college, and so what did we do??

We had a lunch date at Pizzeria Limone! :)

We just HAD to have our Italian boy try our favorite pizza place...so it was an impromptu date! :)

It was fun, and I enjoyed the moment...like I always enjoy all of the sweet "tender mercy moments" that Heavenly Father sees fit to give to me...:)

 Then Carew taught me a thing or two about how to use the camera on my phone and took this fabulous picture of me! ;)

Then we ended the night at the church with Hank Smith for our stake youth standards night.

He did an amazing job talking about some very important topics that I am re-motivated to visit as a mother with my children. I know that with the Lord on my side and the powers of heaven at my beckoning call, the angels that watch over us have the power to intervene and BE there...if I only ask in faith.

I'm grateful to know who I am and WHOSE I am. With that knowledge and power I can do ALL things!

Let's do it!

Prepared To Go

Carew has been home from his mission for almost 3 weeks, and he is prepared to go places! :)

In that 3 weeks we have:

Welcomed him home

Gone to dinner

Watched Marvel movies

Bought him new clothes

Helped him get a car

Checked new student lists, and checked them "twice" (daily) to get all of the classes that he wanted for his first semester at BYUI...

Gone to the dentist

Served in the temple

Went to the cabin and rode side by sides and horses!

Watched more Marvel movies

Visited family and friends

Got him a new phone and a laptop and supplies for school

Got Invisalign!

Payed tithing and packed

Had lunch at Costco

Toured Clint's new business

Attended concerts and fundraisers

Celebrated birthdays

Got Tuberculosis shots

Stayed up late and got up early...

and on and on and on!

It has been a busy, hectic, happy, few weeks and I think Carew has enjoyed being back home, but I also know that he is excited to start the next new chapter in his life.

I am excited to watch my son as he continues to blossom and grow, and I keep praying that he will meet good people up at school that will be good to him, encourage him, and assist him on the path that he is taking through this next stage of life.

The kids are asking him if he will please come back every weekend...and I am encouraging him to stay there and do what HE needs to do! We will see him plenty I am sure, but I will continue everyday to pray for him and support him in all the ways that a loving mother can.

Good luck to you Carew! You are going to do amazing things!

We Are Moving!

 We. Are. Moving.

It's amazing how things can come along in life and change so quickly, especially when you let Heavenly Father be in charge. 

Earlier this summer I had a strong feeling that we needed to move and trade in our home with the swimming pool, for a home with a basement apartment. As season's of our life change, and our family continues to grow and our needs change, so is our home. And we are excited. 

We are moving to a new home just a couple of streets away where the kids will be in the same schools, and we will still be in the same ward. But now, we can be more prepared for extra people, extra visitors, and even my sweet mom if there is ever a day when she won't be able to live by herself.

I love it. 

And I love how Heavenly Father was aware of all of this before we even asked Him about it. 

He is so good and so kind. And so very, very aware.

Yesterday we hit it hard with packing!!! We started in our storage room and emptied water containers that were filled with water and crushed them up. We will start fresh at the new house, which is a good feeling!

It should be time to move at the close of the month, so we have LOTS to do in the next few weeks...but we are grateful, we are prepared to work hard, and we are EXCITED!!!

Happy Birthday President Nelson!

 On Friday our family was lucky enough to get to attend the 95th birthday celebration of our beloved prophet President Russell M. Nelson.

What an amazing man with so many talents to share with the world as he conducts his Father's business here on earth.

 They did a beautiful job celebrating him and his life, and honoring him through music and thoughts from friends, colleagues, and family members...

We heard from Jenny Oaks Baker and her children, Gentri,  Donny Osmond, Nathan Pacheco, The Bonner Family, and even President Nelson himself! He played the piano for us, we sang him "Happy Birthday", and we watched stories of how he has touched so many lives all over the world with his loving kindness.

 I laughed and cried and gained even more love for that sweet man and the role that he plays in leading Jesus Christ's church here on the earth. I look forward to hearing wise and loving council once again as we prepare for General Conference in just a few weeks...

At the end of the night, President Nelson took his wife Wendy and walked up onto the stage where he could look out into the crowd and smile and wave lovingly at all those who were there at his "party"...

My heart was full of love, joy, and gratitude for that sweet man, our loving leader, and prophet of God.

Little Farmer's Preschool

 Now that Kesslyn is 4 she has started going to the Petersen Farm Preschool (a.k.a. Little Farmer's Preschool)!!!

She was so excited to get started but knew that it wouldn't start until she turned 4, so she was very excited when her birthday finally arrived! She is a lucky little girl with 2 little friends to start school with too...Leah and Gabriella!

When I attended the parent orientation night I felt the spirit so strong and knew that I had made the right decision in bringing Kesslyn here, and I just KNOW that she will thrive and learn and grow here and I am so excited for her and for the experiences and growth that she will have here on the farm this year!

Yay Kesslyn! And Yay for Little Farmer's Preschool!

Kesslyn Turns 4!

 On August 31st Kesslyn turned 4 years old!!!

We celebrated her birthday up at the cabin because it was also the Labor Day weekend.

 This little sweetie wanted a "mermaid" birthday, and so lucky for this momma, I found this amazing mermaid dress at Costco for just $25! It was all she wanted and she was so pleased with how beautiful it was and how she felt like a princess in it! But of course she knows she IS a princess...:)

 She woke up to find the kitchen table filled with her cake and presents and a few fun little decorations...

 I love setting the table each morning for my children's birthdays! I think it's a fun thing to wake up to and it kind of sets the tone for the rest of the day...

And although I didn't get to go "all out" being up at the cabin, I still felt like it was perfect for the little sweetie and she really LOVED it! She was so happy!

 We are a lucky family to have such awesome people in it!

Kesslyn we are so happy that you are a special part of it!

 We all love you SOOOO much!

(Even your goof ball brothers...;)

 You are really growing and becoming so smart! It is fun to watch you learn new things and enjoy the world around you...

 It makes me wonder what your little 4-year-old mind may have wished for as you blew out your candles...

 Maybe for a ride on a horse??  :)

 Kesslyn received some nice gifts too!

Her mermaid dress, an Elsa dress, some clothes for preschool, a Barbie and a tea set, and a purse with lipstick and nail polish in it from Grandma and Grandpa Trickett, and a tiger from her brother Carew...:)

 She was a happy little Mermaid Princess! :)

 She even had a tea party before breakfast with her sister Kambriella!

 And I don't even know about these crazy nerdy boys...

At lease we NEVER have any dull moments around here!

 And Oh yes, baby girl...YOU can ride on a horse for your birthday!

 (I love how she froze her smile and fixed her eyes on the camera for her picture even as the horse decided it was leaving...;)

 That evening after a fun day of games and riding, we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire and sat there until the sky was dark and glittered with millions of bright stars in the sky.

We talked of life and God and future goals...we listened to a conference talk titled "Our Campfire of Faith"...

It was a wonderful day, and a very Happy Birthday for Kesslyn!

We love you our little 4 year old Princess!