Halloween 2009

Kater-tot

Kate's two most prized possessions

Her brother

and her shoes

She's literally been wearing these shoes for over a year. They don't make as much noise now that her feet are actually GROWING INTO them! She's my glam girl and always will be.

*kissing sound*

Very Interesting Finds in the Ozarks

So I was looking at this past years photos on my computer and I came across some interesting pictures that I had forgotten about. I took most of these pictures because of how "unique" and "special" the Ozarks are - if you know what I mean!
In April we went to a small town in NW Arkansas called Eureka Springs. The "Park City" of the Ozarks as I like to call it. I was determined to go to this city's weekly farmer's market in hopes of finding further evidence of "unusuals".

I found some.....

This is a true authentic Ozark mountain music band. They are NOT actors "dressed up" to entertain. They are the real deal! This woman is playing the spoons!

If the Ozarks and art had a baby THIS would be it.

Now for the craziest thing I've ever seen in the Ozarks.......

Back to School '09

Danielle started 3rd grade, Lilly started 1st grade, and Kate now has a baby brother to play with at home during the day.

Jack's Fork Canoe Trip Aug 13-14, 2009

I took Danielle and Lilly on an overnight canoe trip on the Jack's Fork here in S. MO. We put in at Alley Spring, and took out the next day at Two Rivers. It is a beautiful river, with clear, cold spring-fed waters flowing over a gravel bottom and along picturesque limestone bluffs deep in an Ozark valley. It was our last big outing of the summer, before they start school next week.

Jon Schmidt - Love Story meets Viva la Vida

Jon Schmidt is one of Karman's favorite composers, and she often plays some of his arrangements here at home for us all. So when we found this music video, we loved it so much we just had to share.

Lance at Home

Of course, we have been taking tons of photos of Lance at home now. This is just a small sampling from the last few days.

Lilly's Kindergarten Celebration

This was Lilly's end-of-year Kindergarten class performance, with visiting and play time outside afterward.

Lance Visits with Cousins

These are the rest of the pics I promised with more family visiting Lance before he came home. Don't forget to turn on the captions for the slideshow.

Lance Has Arrived

Lance Walker Petersen. Yes, he arrived just hours ago, on May 17th, at 6:58 pm. He is 8 lbs. 4 oz., and 22 in. long. He might even have red hair; it's still too early to tell, and we're not sure, as it changes under different lighting.

We came in to the hospital at 5:00 this morning, and she progressed steadily throughout the day. Karman's labor went fantastic, with absolutely no complications. In fact, once she was ready, she had to push for only 6 min. Both Karman and Lance are doing great, and we plan to be home on Tues.

I will add more photos tomorrow, after more family has a chance to visit.

Springtime Camping in the Ozarks

I (Jeff) took the 3 girls on an overnight backpacking trip to the Herculese Glades Wilderness Area deep in the Missouri Ozarks. We had lots of fun, and saw many beautiful spring wildflowers.

Danielle's Baptism Photos!!!

For her 8th birthday Danielle had a photo shoot in our backyard with her dad taking the pictures. I think they turned out beautiful - of course they were of Danielle....!
Danielle's baptism was so wonderful and spiritual. It was a perfect day we'll never forget.

A walk/drive in the woods (and some other stuff too!)

Happy Everything!

Considering I haven't blogged in a while I've decided to do a quick picture run down of the last few months. Hope you enjoy!

These are a few of my favorite things.....

-This wonderful season and teaching my kids about Christ and his birth.
-Seeing my children's eyes light up with the magic and excitement Christmas brings.
-Hot cocoa with a candy cane melting in it. Thanks to my sister Allison for that tradition!
-Making Christmas crafts and goodies with my kids.
-Being very PROUD of my husband for getting a job in Neuro Trauma ICU and graduating with honors!
-Brown paper packages tied up with string.
-Expecting number 4 and finally feeling great and baby kicking! 19 weeks and counting!
-Watching The Christmas Story with my kids! They get a kick out of it and I get a kick out of them getting a kick out of it!
-Snuggling, relaxing, and sipping homemade wassail with my husband - after the kids go to bed,of course.
-Sitting around the piano and singing Christmas songs with my kids and hubby.
-Family and friends to share my beautiful life with.

Fall in the Ozarks

My sweet Lilly is growing up!

first time riding the school bus
" Look! I'm just as tall as my big sister!"
Now you see it,
Now you don't!

Wow, Lilly just keeps growing up and doesn't know when to stop! I think her older sister taught her how to do that......I'm going to have to have a talk with Danielle. Kate's starting to pick up on the whole "growing up" thing too. What kind of a mother am I to allow my kids to do such a thing? I think I'm doomed.....

or just wonderfully blessed!

Labor Day Fun

Labor Day Weekend was SO MUCH FUN!!! We were invited to stay at a friends cabin in Branson. The cabin was beautiful, the view was breathtaking, the boating and tubing were pure enjoyment, and the weather was perfect!

The awesome cabin we stayed at
Crazy Monkeys....whose kids are those?

Aubrey (our niece) dressed up as a pirate. The kids found pirate dress up so of course they had to wear the costumes and party like it was nobody's business!
Table Rock Lake - The view form the front of the cabin.

Thumbs up for boating cousin babes!

Uncle Jarom and cozy Kate

Cousin Joseph playing it cool!

Oh, and did we mention we had a great time?!

Fishing With The Girls

Daddy and the girls went fishing a few days ago.
We each caught a sunfish, and boy was it fun!

First Day of School!

Friday was the first day of school for my kids! I know what you're thinking - yes I am old and no I don't know why they started on a Friday. I HAVE TWO KIDS IN SCHOOL!!!!! Sorry, it's so weird I had to yell it!
Danielle started the 2nd grade, and Lilly started Kindergarten - which is in all day event out here in MO. So pretty much they take the bus to school together and come home on the bus together. They were both very brave and played the "cool" card - no tears just a bunch of hugs, kisses, and waves good-bye. What a milestone that day was. I was so proud to see my 2 grown-up kids going to school.