Birthday Boy

Somehow, I have a nine year old. Crazy times. Ethan's birthday was on Thursday. He had field day at school that morning, which he asked me to volunteer to help at. Which I did, because it was his birthday. I wanted to have a little surprise for him at school. But since we had to be there at the same time it complicated my plans a bit. But I found an awesome teacher friend who delivered the birthday balloons to his classroom before school for me.

School got out after lunch, so I thought it would be fun to take the kids to the pool. It was a hot day and it would provide us a diversion until dad got home. Tip- check the schedule before you leave! The pool was open, but two hours later than usual. We drove around and made a few stops before getting to go swim.

Once dad got home it was present time! Ethan got an awesome Lego Knight's Castle set from his grandparents in KY, a camo comforter from his local grandparents, and mom and dad got him a Razor scooter and a gift certificate for a bedroom redo. (He is ready for the dinosaurs to become extinct.)

After presents we went to dinner. Ethan got to pick. First choice- Tucanos. (Nice try- but too expensive. I asked him why he wanted to go there. His answer was the grilled pineapple. So I told him that if he chose somewhere else I would grill him a whole pineapple at home later.) His second choice was Chuck-A-Rama. My grandparents took us there earlier this year and Ethan was in heaven. We went with the theme but ended up at Golden Corral instead. *Note his compartmentalist tendencies. Each food had to have it's own plate. No worries- just job security for the dishwasher.

Ethan: "They said this place is all-you-can-eat. But I think they are wrong. It's more-than-you can-eat!"

The next day was the Last Day of School!!! And the friend birthday party. Ethan went with the invite lots of friends to get many presents approach. We had ten friends over for a pizza movie night. They ate and played, watched Jumanji, ate cake** and ice cream, and watched Ethan open the present load. They had fun and I survived fairly well considering I woke up that morning with a bad flu bug. The cake got made and the decorations were up though. Jeff was a big help in keeping things running.

**The baseball cake- what Ethan wanted. He is still hooked on baseball thanks to our trip to Kentucky and the Bats Game and Slugger Museum.

And finally- a snapshot of my then newborn babe. Ethan I love you! You have made my life so exciting. I am happy to be your mom. You are creative and smart, a super swimmer, and a good big brother to your sisters. It has been so fun teaching you, loving you, and watching you grow and learn. You will always be my buggy!

Pinewood Derby

Ethan had his first Pinewood Derby for Cub Scouts. I was a winner and forgot to take pictures. I'm the Cubmaster- so I have an excuse. The whole night was a way bit crazy, but we survived. And the boys had a good time. My friend took a picture of Ethan with his car during the races. Thanks Lana!


Ethan with his camo Hummer. He designed it all himself.

Again, no camera that night. But I did manage to take a picture of him with his award the next day. He won Best Paint Job. All the boys got display plaques for their cars for their awards. A way cool idea that I got from a friend who was the old cubmaster. She's awesome so I copied her- thanks Jackee!

Summer Fun

It finally got HOT around here! One way to beat the heat is to get the pools and sprinklers out in the backyard. So that's what we did. And it was lots of fun. To be repeated again soon, I'm sure of it!

Adieu

Goodbye Red Car. You were a great part of the family. We appreciate your 8 years and 8 months of good rides rendered. You came into our lives when we had only one small babe, and now there are three. You have survived amoxicillin barf and fathers and sons campouts. You brought Erin home from the hospital. Even though you were aging, we didn't mind. We love your special kind of air conditioning (aka the wind), your quirks (like the trunk won't open with the key), and even the peeling paint. But alas, it was time to let you go. Have fun in college- may your years still be many- and try not to forget us!

Posin'

Erin is always asking me to take a picture of her. She always has an idea for a pose and what outfit she will be wearing. (This outfit is obviously a favorite. Two pose sessions, but different days.) Katelyn is the adoring "me too" little sister. I think that I will have Erin coordinate the next family picture. That could be very interesting!
*Oh- and Dave- if you ever need a model- you know who to ask.

Lost and Found

Lost tooth number 8. Special because Ethan pulled it out all by himself (first one)- at school even. His teacher gave him a special tooth box to put it in. He was having so much fun that he dropped the tooth outside somewhere while showing it off. After much anguish it was finally found by the keen eyes of dad. Ethan left the tooth fairy a note requesting extra money (because he pulled it himself) and to leave the box. She came and even left the box. But apparently she just doesn't differentiate payment based on how the tooth comes out. Can't blame Ethan for trying though.

The Big 3-5

Jeff turned 35 three weeks ago. That seems kinda old (halfway to 70), but I am not that far behind him. So, mid 30's is just getting into life, right? Jeff's birthday was on a Sunday, and a fast Sunday at that. But that did mean that he got home from church a little earlier than usual. For dinner I made him beef brisket and roasted red potatoes, one of his favorites. Then he got to open his presents. A new game (Colosseum) and a game for the Wii (Worms: A Space Oddity). Then we had family over for cake and ice cream.





That's a yummy Hawaiian cake for all you non-Petersens.

















Oh- and this too. And '07 Mazda 6. Not so much of a birthday gift, but we bought it the day before his birthday. Jeff has been looking at new cars and SUV's. Once he decided on the kind, we found this one rather quickly. I'd call it a midlife crisis, but it was more of a need for AC on the freeways in the hot summer. He has been without for a few years now. Plus the whole reliability issue. So here is a picture of the 12 year upgrade. Now he gets to drive it for at least ten years. Hope you like it babe!

Mother's Day Recap

It was probably the most memorable Mother's Day that I have had thus far. I would almost say it was magical. All of my children woke up on their own by the time I would normally have to drag them out of bed for church. Erin even got up and was dressed before I even saw her. I was able to shower and get dressed alone. No interruptions, or "MOM!" screams. I made some yummy butterscotch rolls the night before and my loving husband put them in the oven for us. We took a leisurely walk to church in perfect weather. After church Jeff came home right away, which is a special treat by itself. I was then showered with love and gifts from the family. This included cards made at school and primary, flowers, and three figurines from Willow Tree that represent perfectly each one of my children. Jeff was so sneaky and thoughtful! I love him! Afterwards, I was then able to take a little rest while the kids played downstairs with their dad. For dinner Jeff made a delicious dinner of chicken Kiev and roasted red potatoes. He cleaned up the dishes too! Then we took a nice walk as a family. Before bed we had yummy strawberry banana shakes and then Jeff put the kids to bed. It was a very relaxing day and full of all the luxuries that are hard to come by most days. A truly memorable, magical day. My Mom batteries are recharged and I am ready to tackle a new week. Thanks so much to Jeff and my kiddos. It was great!

I would also like to take a moment to tell my wonderful mother how much I love her.

Mom, you are the best. Thank you for nurturing me through childhood, helping me see my divine potential, and loving me through it all. I cannot imagine a better mother for me. As I have become a mother myself I realize all the sacrifices that you made for me. You still continue to make sacrifices and to love me, support me, and help me. Thank you for shaping me into the woman I am today. I love you momma!

Contentment

Windows open.

Gentle breeze.

Birds chirping.

Blue sky.

Kids playing.

Perfect day.