it will be O.K.

so many thoughts are running through my mind as i sit here typing.
1. is it really december in 2 days?
2. are we really only 30 + days away from celebrating a new year?
3. are we going to be finacially able to navigate all of our responsibilities (quinn's employer isn't in a great financial place right now and consequently it trickles down to us. ie- no more paid health insurance premium for the family, behind on Quinn's commission payments and definately NO christmas bonus)
4. will my children learn the true meaning of christmas?
5. will i get all my errands done and still be able to spend 2 hours at the gym?
6. should i look for a part time job?
7. do other mothers, aside from my sister, experience feelings of anxiety and panic when the house is in disarray and the children are extremely noisy? are there really humans out there that enjoy all the mess and the noise? really?????
despite the above mentioned thoughts (and some that will remain unrevealed) i feel a bit of excitement bubbling. there is a little hop in my step, a smile that is threatening to surface. i wonder-is it the approaching christmas holiday? is it the spiritually uplifting day at church? NO! it's back to school for the kids! 3 weeks they have been out for track break and finally they return tomorrow. i'm trying to hide my excitement but it's hard. i really can't wait! granted the school session will be short lived as they get out for christmas break in a few weeks BUT nonetheless i will treasure their time in school more than i ever i have. oh i can hardly wait for tomorrow! everything will be OK!

ranting and raving AND Gratitude

since this is MY blog and i feel like getting some stuff off my chest here it goes......
Adam Lambert-huge fan when he was on American Idol- one talented individual. Lost all respect last night after his performance on AMA. Couldn't even stomach the whole thing. After the first very inappropriate act, by him, we shut it off and vowed to never ever support him in any way. I guess the more important question i should ask myself is why was i even watching the AMA's in the first place. I don't really enjoy any kind of popular music and viewing the show was NOT an appropriate Sabbath day activity, in my opinion. I should have known better. The adversary really has his claws in deep. Scary times we find ourselves in these days. Then i hear that the healthcare bill passed the senate on saturday. did you know that our taxes will be paying for abortions? i am a pro lifer. if someone is stupid enough to have unprotected sex before or after they are married that IS their choice-of course there are the unfortunate circumstances such as rape or incest that warrant careful consideration but i don't believe that is the reason most abortions are performed. I don't want one penny i work for to supporting abortion in anyway. Where is my choice in that?
I have already mentioned this before BUT the two things I am most grateful for is my membership in and my testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. I often wonder how i would navigate through life without my testimony and i don't think i would.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 21

My creative juices have been shifted to high gear since starting my gratitude posts. I do think everyday we can find something new to be grateful for and i'm glad for the opportunity to think outside the box. Today I was visiting with a stranger when she revealed that her husband has brain cancer and they are moving to Argentina next month to be closer to his family for a few years. REALLY? She didn't sound bitter. She appeared to be at peace. I sensed more the "this is what life has dealt us" attitude and they were anxious for their new adventure. Today I am grateful for the opportunity I had to visit with this individual today. It's no secret for anyone who knows me.....I AM A CONTROL FREAK! i live with the illusion that i control most things around me. It's so ridiculous. I am working on letting go and as i do i can feel the anxiety leave my being and the peace take hold. The stranger gave me strength to carry on. After our short visit I had a greater appreciation for the truth.......the only thing i can really control is my response to life and what the Lord puts in my path. I trust Heavenly Father and Jesus. I know they know what is best for me. I will do better at NOT fighting against Them and embracing the trials put in my path.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 20

1. healthy competition
2. Will- he let's us shadow him at the gym and we get an amazing workout for FREE.
3. YW night in excellence.
4. guitar music.
5. opportunity to stay at home-i may have already mentioned this but even though it's a struggle i am so grateful to be able to stay in the home full time.
6. q-tips.
7. children's imaginations.
8. missed naps-that mean EARLY bedtime. YEEHAW.
9. 24 hour grocery stores.
10. the color lime green. -so cheery
11. losing.- makes winning so much sweeter.
12. winning.
13. my seamstress friend, Tina.
14. fuzzy soft scarves.
15. bookmarks
16. belts.
17. consignment stores
18. press and seal wrap-so handy
19. 100% cotton balls
20. toe nails- when i was training for my half marathon i actually lost one of my toe nails- really helped me appreciate them. see we can always find gratitude in even the most obscure things. :)

Attitude of Gratitude Day 19

1. that extra 15 minutes added to the original 45 minute spinning class-now it's one whole hour of bliss.- really it just means i can eat a little more yummy treats over the holidays.
2. tights- stylish and warm.
3. my neighbor- she brought me a yummy sugar cookie recipe last night.
4. drew- reece's friend.
5. sawyer pest control.
6. pens that write.
7. hair color.
8. short checkout lines.
9. children who sleep in.
10. garage.
11. polka dots.
12. crazy ideas.
13. quinn's patience.
14. montessori.
15. my neighbor, who is an elementary school principal, and will listen to my rants and raves.
16. a good vacuum
17. ceramic tile kitchen countertops.
18. braces
19. retainers
20. dental floss.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 18

1. snow melt-melts those icy patches quick.
2. glue guns.
3. so thankful for the sound of the front door opening and closing at 5:30 p.m. because that means quinn is home!
4. our ranch style home- it's big enough for our family and i can hear everything that is going on in all the rooms.
5. cotton.
6. step stools.
7. express lanes.
8. feather pillows
9. family home evening.
10. the sound of Reece singing primary songs to trey.
11. ziploc bags.
12. people who will explain things to me more than once.
13. safety seals
14. smoke detectors
15. fire fighters
16. mirrors
17. junior mints
18. self check out lines
19. finding money in a coat pocket
20. utensils.

A few days of attitude!

It's been over one week since i have posted my gratitude list. Of course i couldn't keep posting such a list everyday for the rest of my life, right? (or could I? and Should I?)
These last couple of days I haven't felt much gratitude rather a "i just can't muster up the energy to list 20 things i'm grateful for" attitude. Here's what's been going on in our world:
1. reece and quincy started track break- that's right they are out of school for 3 weeks,- need i say more?
2. Trey has decided he is my number one helper- he wants to clean toilets, do the dishes, pour the bleach in the washing machine, hand me toilet paper when i am using the bathroom, flush the toilet for me, etc. he literally follows me everywhere to offer his help. some moms can handle this- some moms think it's productive to teach their kiddos to do the dishes, laundry, toilets, etc. I. DO. NOT! especially at 3. Nonetheless I am trying- i wake up with all the patient intentions in the world and after breakfast ( you know because Trey wants to stir the pancakes and then watch the pancakes cook and then flip them over. Meanwhile reece is busy being a typical older brother to quincy and quincy is busy perfecting her dramatic performance) now where was I??? oh ya after breakfast my nerves have unraveled to nearly the very end.
ANYWHOO.........life has been happening at the Peterson's AND i can either embrace life with a grateful heart or i can begrudgingly endure to the end. I committ to continue on with my gratitude lists until Thanksgiving day as it really does help me keep my heart in the right frame.
1. violin music
2. primary programs
3. front row seats
4. silence
5. sonic ice
6. rear windshield wipers
7. car horns
8. glitter
9. auctions
10. free weekend minutes
11. online shopping
12. the colors emerald green and deep purple- my favorite combination- glad i ran into tiffany on friday at the library- she looked beautiful in her green shirt and purple coat.
13. rooms with doors
14. door handles with locks
15. grout sealer
16. gingham ribbon
17. papa murphy's
18. sugar free popscicles
19. people who remember other people's birthdays
20. coinstar

Attitude of Gratitude Day 16

1. scoring a great promotional deal.
2. Bishop Moorhouse.
3. sticker charts- they are soooo motivating
4. pepto bismal- however it means i'm getting older.
5. courteous store clerks
6. old movies, you know like Fiddler on the Roof.
7. partaking of the sacrament.
8. a good gospel doctrine lesson.
9. reverent children. happens everyone once in a while.
10. nursery leaders.
11. primary teachers.
12. motivational scout leaders
13. sugar cookies that don't turn out- my kids still had fun making them but now i won't waster any calories eating them.
14. neighborhood kids who ate the yucky sugar cookies so i didn't have to feel guilty about throwing them away.
15. $.40 a pound turkeys
16. 2000 stripling warriors- their story is amazing.
17. living in the west coast.
18. dirt-keeps my kids busy for hours.
19. flexible bandaids.
20. black boots- so slimming and don't have to wear tights to church.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 15

1. freshly vacuumed floors
2. a clean kitchen
3. $1 craft projects for kids
4. thank you cards
5. skinny cow ice-cream sandwiches
6. opportunity for kids to have relationship with their grandparents.
7. tempered glass.
8. our trampoline.
9. online helps for teaching church lessons
10. Brother Tanner.
11. cute shoes-one of fetishes
12. knowledge that ALL good things come from the Lord.
13. christmas music-sometimes i play it in July
14. differin cream- keeps all pimples at bay.
15. bronzing powder- a safer way to look sun kissed.
16. tankini's- still modest but so much easier to use the bathroom.
17. food in my pantry
18. my first aid kit
19. puzzles
20. sunshine

Attitude of Gratitude Day 14

1. patient cashiers- i had a big day of coupon shopping.
2. finding everything in the store that is on your list.
3. unexpected catalina's (additional coupons)
4. one time courtesy reversal of overdrawn charges- there was a little mix up with Quinn and his personal bank account. he was overdrawn by $20.00 and the fees attached to that were $55.00- he doesn't normally use this account. thank you US bank for rewarding our 16 years of business.
5. my family ate all of their dinner tonight and didn't complain once. MIRACLE
6. good neighbor kids for my kids to play with.
7. make-up. it's such a wonderful thing-thanks tiffani for pointing that out on your list.
8. ability to stay within grocery budget.
9. calculators
10. cell phones with calculators.-
11. excel spreadsheets
12. quinn will take my kids to work with him so i can have some peace.
13. ability to read
14. my college degree.
15. ability to retain information.
16. gift to learn the gospel easily.
17. ability to get to know other's easily.
18. porch lights.
19. washed windows.
20. a working dryer- for a load or two i thought the heating element in the dryer had burned out but it seems to be working just now.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 13

1. lawyers
2. a toddler who napped at just the perfect time today.
3. eating out- yeah i don't have to cook dinner tonight.
4. people with happy voices.
5. opportunity to try new things.
6. pickle ball-that's a fun game.
7. puzzles-
8. playing dominoes with the adults.
9. the ability to cook meals for my family-that eating out adventure cost us a lot of money.
10. snuggling with my kids.
11. ability to play the piano.
12. courage.
13. my children's innocence.
14. challenges
15. friends and family who have verizon.
16. pumkin chocolate chip cookies- yummy
17. opportunity to go walking with kids
18. a safe neighborhood to go walking with kids
19. national sex offender list-knowlege is power.
20. so grateful that none of my nieghbors are on the sexual predator list.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 12

1. steady paycheck- pay day was yesterday and quinn didn't get his. hopefully he'll get it today BUT it really made me grateful for all the paychecks that have come when they were supposed to.
2. free drug tests-at Reece's meridian PAL award ceremonies last night they gave out free drug test kits ($40 value). I'll just place it on the piano, as a reminder, for the next 15 years.
3. a mayor who is committed to a drug free community.
4. grateful today that reece realized i AM NOT the meanest mom.
5. loose change- it really adds up.
6. instant oatmeal
7. a good fitting bra-this makes all the difference
8. quinn found Reece's scriptures this morning.
9. conference addition ensign-i haven't received mine yet but i'm hoping today is the day.
10. drivers who yield
11. drivers who understand merging.
12. law abiding citizens.
13. kristi-the gym instructor-we had a great spin workout today.
14. les schwab tires
15. black spray paint-it can do wonders for an old piece of furniture.
16. creative people who share ideas.
17. my worn in sneakers
18. furniture to sit on
19. a bare laundry room floor-that means all the laundry is done for the week.
20. comments left on my blog-i love to hear other people's feedback-thank you.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 11

1. a stranger's generosity
2. being on the receiving end of a smile
3. witnessing the miracles of tithing.
4. john Hilton III's book, Why. it's really informative.
5. friendly librarians-some of them are not so nice.
6. opportunity to drive and pick up kids to school.
7. a car big enough to squeeze in kid's friends
8. amy, the crossing guard at school. she makes sure the kiddos are safe.
9. my itchy blistery eczema is almost gone. YEAH!!!!
10. time to wash my families laundry.
11. dry cleaners-quinn wears shirt and tie everyday to work-i hate ironing!
12. dry cleaning allowance-thanks goodness quinn's work gives him a monthly dry cleaning allowance otherwise i would have to learn to love ironing.
13. duplicate checks.
14. yankees are winning the world series-quinn's baseball cards are selling on ebay!
15. honest individuals.
16. straws-my kiddos will drink anything from a straw, including green smoothies.
17. book reviews.
18. my DVR- how did i ever watch television without it.
19. a healed ankle-wed. i'm gonna start running again.
20. alternative healers. my pharmacist brother thinks i'm nuts BUT i'm still grateful for alternatives!

Halloween pics & Attitude of Gratitude Day 10

1. the Halloween witch-she takes all the candy away on halloween night and brings non edible gifts in exchange. then i don't have to spend the next week saying, "no more candy".

2. spontaneous hugs and kisses from my kids.

3. barb hermansen's homeade sugar cookies-never tasted any better

4. ward choir

5. daylight savings time-especially in the fall and i gain an hour of sleep.

6. tampons-seriously how did the pioneer women do it??????????????????

7. answered prayers.

8. primary songs

9. reece learned how to change a diaper tonight! yeehaw-

10. I'm so grateful that Trey isn't ready to potty train yet- i hate potty training boys.

11. safe neighborhood for my kids to trick or treat in.

12. automatic securty lights.

13. the beginning of a new month.

14. the pilgrims

15. Native Americans- (indians)

16. a sturdy roasting pan- i used one of those foil pans to cook my first turkey and the somehow poked a whole in the bottom before placing in the oven. yes turkey drippings can start oven fires.

17. new family search program-in 30 minutes i traced my ancestry line clear back to 1732.

18. efficient record keeping.

19. matches

20. child proof scissors.