Some notes about the last 6 months.

I was thinking today of all that has happened over the last 6 months...there is a lot. I will try to sum it up as well as I can.

• Beckett was born...perfect as can be. 8 pounds, 2 ounces, 21 inches long. Blonde hair, and blue eyes. He was everything we hoped for. Nick and I were overcome with happiness with the newest addition to our family.
• When Beck was 2 months old, I got sick. VERY sick. We passed illness around our house for about a month. I didn't go to church for a very long time. It got to the point that I actually asked for meals for our family, and I hate asking for help. I just didn't have the energy to cook. We had meals brought in for nearly 2 weeks. I will forever be grateful to all that helped us during that time.
• At 3 months, we noticed Beckett's eyes moving, and took him to the doctor. He was diagnosed with nystagmus, and referred to Little Rock for further testing. We recently had these tests done, and Beckett was diagnosed with Ocular Albinism and Fovea Hypoplasia. We learned that he has poor vision. While this is heartbreaking news, we are committed to do whatever we need to for our little boy.
• Brody graduated Kindergarten! Cannot believe my little guy is almost 6 years old and about to be in First grade! Where have the last 6 years gone?
• Peyton completed her first year of Joy School! She LOVED doing the Joy School program with her friends, and we are looking forward to participating again next year.
• Nick's business exploded. Literally. He has been working sun up to sun down doing carpet cleaning. I'm not complaining, but I sure do miss his handsome face!
• I went back to work between 10-20 hours a week at Hospice. I still love my job, but also love being home with my kids as much as possible. I feel I have found a good balance.
• We went to the Kansas City Temple open house with the kids. It was a fun weekend of Cheesecake Factory, a hotel water park, the Temple, and fun at the mall. It was an unforgettable weekend!
• I attended the Temple one day with Angie. We had a blast! The 3.5 hour drive (one way) always seems to fly by with a good friend by my side. We always have some great conversations, and a lot of fun.
• Mom and Steve came for Christmas and got to see Beckett for the first time at 1 month old. Mom came again in May, when Beckett was 6 months old.
• Peyton started gymnastics. She is super good! We are thinking about taking most of the summer off though, because we are so busy this summer.
• Brody played soccer for the NWA Lightning league. He was on the Gators team. He is such a great soccer player! I love watching him play, and improve with each season.

I'm sure a ton more happened over the last 6 months, but those are the things that come to mind right now.

Gymnastics

Peyton started gymnastics a few weeks ago at Genesis Gymnastics in Bentonville. We are LOVING it! Her coach, Coach Erin is amazing! She is so patient, and great with the girls (right now it is just Peyton and one other girl in her class.)

Peyton is doing so well. She listens really well to her teacher and is SO flexible. Nick and I feel like we need to keep her in this because she has south potential to be a great gymnast.

Every morning she wakes up and asks me if she is going to gymnastics today. I remind her that it is only on Thursday's, and once thursday comes around, it is a non stop round of questions about when we are leaving until we actually leave. She is so excited to be a part of this.

P.S. sorry about the quality of the pictures. I had to zoom pretty far from the parents area upstairs.

A blogger app?

Ok people! I'm so totally back! I can now blog from my phone! So excited, as I take most of my on the go pictures from my phone! Can't wait to start sharing all the funny happenings and sayings from our days. Here are some phone pictures to update everyone!

Beckett Cole Petersen

On November 21, 2012, our lives for forever changed for the better. We welcomed our third child into our world. Beckett Cole Petersen was born at Northwest Medical Center, in Bentonville, AR. He weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 21 inches long. My labor was long (close to 12 hours after I was induced), but when he was ready to come, the pushing was very quick (1 push!)

I wound up staying in the hospital for 2 nights, so that they could keep an eye on Beckett after his "little boy" procedure. While I don't care for staying in the hospital, it was nice to have 2 days where all I absolutley had to do was lay in bed and snuggle my sweet new baby.

Brody and Peyton were instantly in love with their new brother. They love him so much, and spend a lot of time cuddling him, and kissing on him.

Thanksgiving, Day 8

Today, I am thankful for my wonderful sister in law Tashya! I could not ask for a better sister in law! She is always willing to drop anything to help Nick and I with the kids, and she is very actively involved in their lives. I am grateful for the joy that she brings to our lives, and grateful that we have the opportunity to live close enough that she can be a big part of our lives and the kids' lives. So, thank you Tashya for being so wonderful! We love you!

Thanksgiving, Day 7

Today, I am thankful for my "extended family" that I have gained this year. So grateful for Angie, Russell, and their girls for taking us in and accepting us as family. Thankful to have Angie as a best friend, and a "sister" that I can call (or text) anytime day or night. Someone I can share my fatty treats with, drink frozen cocoas with, watch movies with, and just hang out when we are both husbandless. I'm thankful for all that Angie did for me when I was at my lowest after my miscarriage, and for supporting me every step of the way with this pregnancy (and dealing with me when I was hormonal and crazy). I am thankful that they are willing to offer their home as shelter from bad weather when it comes around. I am thankful for Angie keeping me on the right track when I need it most. I'm thankful for their sweet girls, Katie and Emily and how they are so good to my kids. I am thankful for Amanda, who from afar, has become like a little sister to me. So, thank you, Chase's, for being so great to us! Love you guys!

Thanksgiving, Day 6

Today, I am thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have been a baptized member of the church for 6 and a half years now, and am so grateful for the happiness the Church has brought into my life. I don't know what I would do without the truth and knowledge that I have gained over the last 6 years. I'm grateful to be worthy to attend the temple, and to be sealed to my sweet husband and kids for time and all eternity. I'm grateful to be able to attend sacrament meeting each week and renew my baptisimal covenants. I'm thankful to serve in the Young Women, with amazing leaders, and fantastic girls. I can't express enough how grateful I am to have the Gospel in my life.

To learn more about my church and what I believe, go to www.mormon.org