It's now December

The past months have been crazy busy and somewhat challenging to say the least.  I have so many opportunities and experiences through family, church and work that sometimes I don't get to documenting things like I should on my blog.  This blog is a journal of sorts for me.  I have other journals but they are pretty random collections of thoughts describing ideas and comments on what's happening in the moment.  My blog on the other hand can be a synthesis of events and experiences and feelings.

I spent the last few days of October in Chicago attending a meeting on school climate and behavior.  Our school district was awarded a multi-million dollar Federal grant to be used over the next five years to implement strategies to improve school climate and behavior in our secondary schools.  The premise or hypothesis is that if school climate is more engaging and students know what their expectations are for behavior that learning will improve.  Kind of interesting, don't you think, that we have to have a grant to get schools, students and staff focusing on climate and behavior?  It will be interesting to see how things roll out.  I am a co-chair over the grant which is interesting, too.  Not sure why we need $$$$ to impact this area of our schools. Basically, I think we can get everything done by just emphasizing the importance of being nice and kind to all and making sure we hire teachers and staff who love kids and accept them unconditionally.   Go figure.

My dad insists on keeping as many of Mom's family traditions going as possible.  For Halloween, that means a chili dinner for all interested in celebrating.  It gives me an opportunity to make homemade chili and get things ready for a party and that's fine.  The difference is that the grandchildren are now married and have children of their own.  Most of them aren't really chili lovers and so we order pizza for them.  It's a nice party but I am not sure how much longer to keep it going.

The entire KD Petersen family enjoyed Disney on Ice in the middle of the month.  Two hours of ice skating is good for most, but the littlest children (Quinn and Jack) got tired after an hour or so.  But, it was fun to sit and enjoy each others company and watch the kids faces as some of their favorite Disney characters skated around. 

I have been involved in a White House initiative to improve school counseling and college access for all students.  I attended a meeting in Cambridge, MA, at Harvard in July (convening number 1) on the issue. And then spent a couple of days at San Diego State University for convening number 2.  Michelle Obama is taking the lead on the initiative called Reach Higher.  She has attend both convenings via a pre-recorded video message and her "person" assigned to oversee everything, Eric Waldo, has been more involved.  I support the effort to improve school counseling and college access but I believe there is far more to do in helping young people know what their future options are, identify what they are interested in doing, and then mapping out a plan to make things happen. 

Thanksgiving for the Petersen family was at my home this year.  We had 28 for dinner.  It was such a nice day complete with good company and everything tasted delicious.  I am so blessed and thankful for all that we have and for family and friends who still like to get together.

Now it's December. Somehow, Karl and I were assigned to be in charge of the ward Christmas Party.  I can't remember all of the ward dinners and parties we have taken the lead on.  This time however, we were only to be the "in charge" people.  Well, you know how that goes.  In charge means the night before you get the church ready for the activity -- chairs and tables to set up and decorate, roaster ovens to get in place, last minute set up for Santa.  The day of means texting back and forth with all involved to make sure the turkeys are cooked and all of the trimmings for the dinner are ready to go.  At 9:00 p.m. Friday evening we finished up and headed to McDonald's for a Diet Coke.  I think is was a nice party -- we had good support and help.

Just yesterday I finished getting most of my decorations out and placed around the house.  I ended up getting a fresh tree for the family room and put my big artificial tree in the living room.  I love the freshness of an old fashioned tree and the perfect and well-light artificial tree.  If I could, I would put a Christmas tree in every room - I love them.  Haley and Cindy and I spent time at Dad's getting his home ready for Christmas.  He has a new tree this year.  The old flocked one got a little too yellow for our liking.  He has a green artificial tree.  I don't think he likes it that much.  Sorry, Dad.

December means Christmas dishes for Sunday dinner.  It means a home extra cluttered with all of the things that go with Christmas.  December is extra special with the little ones around.  They are so very excited for Santa and all that is involved with the sleigh, reindeer and good/bad list.  December is all about drives through the neighborhood after dark to see all of the "lights" on the houses.  December is the last month of the calendar year and a time to finish up whatever in preparation for a new year.

This December is definitely different without all of the family close by.  There is this one big, handsome blonde kid who is only 6,000+ miles away for Christmas this December.  Although he isn't here physically we will get to Skype with him and feel his amazing spirit in our home through his emails and everything.  I am excited for December, too, because we celebrate Willie's birthday.  Can't figure out where the 20 years he has been around have gone -- they have zipped by.  I am so very excited for his future.  He is a special person in our family and to so many others.  Great things are in store for him.

Happy December to all!  Enjoy each day of the month and the spirit for the person this month is all about, Christ.

10-12-14

So, today is significant in that it is 10-12-14.  Something to think about that won't occur ever again.  Our good friends Emily and Devin were married on 10-9-08 - easy to remember.  One of the ladies at the office has a daughter who wanted to get married on 12-12-12 -- but she didn't.  Then she was hoping to get married on 11-12-13 -- but she didn't.  The next significant sequencing of dates this year will occur on 12-13-14 and then who knows what will come next . . . .

I am having a birthday this week and it is a significant birthday for me.  According to scripture, "They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing," (Psalm 92:14) aging is okay.  President Gordon B. Hinckley wrote, "Age is more a matter of how you feel, how you think, and what's gong on in your head than what's going on in your feet."  I am not sure what to think about reaching an older, ripe, "fat and flourishing," age this week.  But it will come and go and I will still be the same, I hope.

On or around my 50th -- Karl and I took Willie to Sea World over the fall recess break.  We drove in the rain to St. George late on a Wednesday night and to San Diego the next day.  We made it home that Saturday in time for a Halloween celebration at Mom's.  Karl gave me a nice mother's ring with three dark sapphires instead of the birthstones of the kids.  I wear it every day.  I also finished up more schooling around this time -- yes, going to the university at age 50 was a little crazy but the resulting administrative license led to good things.

At 40 -- I was very pregnant with a baby boy and on my birthday made an announcement to family members that "he" would be arriving sometime late December or early January.  Many of them were in shock when they heard the news.  Others had suspected as such with unusual weight gain in a concentrated area.  I had just taken a new job with the Utah State Office of Education and wasn't sure what would happen with a new baby in the house.  As you are well aware, with the love and support from amazing sisters and a faithful Dad we raised this baby who is now serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Lithuania.

At 30 -- I enjoyed time at home during the day with my daughters - Annie was 6 and Haley 4.  I was in the middle of a master's degree program in school counseling, taught pre-school in my home during the day, and taught in the adult education program at both Granger and Kearns High Schools.  I also took care of my niece, Melinda.  I think I was also the Primary President in the Lake Ridge 4th Ward. Life was crazy but good.

At 20 -- I was a college coed and making plans to do a summer abroad program in France.  I worked weekends at Huber's Market and pretty much did the normal stuff 20 something people do.  I'm sure I thought I was really cool.  I remember going to concerts and singing in the U of U Women's Chorus and then U of U A Cappella Choir.  I was pretty boy crazy and although Karl was in the picture, he was serving a mission in the Netherlands/Belgium, so I did date now and again.  It was fun -

At 10 -- I was in 4th grade and my teacher, Mrs. Nelson, was a little crazy.  She made the newspaper when she used masking tape to more securely attach an out-of-control student to his desk.  I am not sure I learned anything in her class, but she was nice.

I know the day I was born was a great day!  I became the second daughter of Jerry who was the second child of Fern who was the second child of Anne. Interesting how numbers began this post and numbers end this post.

A great birthday it will be.

What to write . . .

All the family and a few welcomed extras went to the Utah State Fair on Monday. The weather was overcast but comfortable and no rain. We had such a nice time walking around exploring the animals, the displays, and watching the kids giggle and smile at everything. We looked at the world's largest (dead) alligator whose owner said she only feeds it once a month.  We pushed our fingers into the sheep's thick wool coats and stared at the cows' rear ends and their bodily functions in full operation. We admired the flashing lights of the carnival rides but only let the kids do the gunny sack slide - it was a hit.  Our walk around the fair also included the live sound of  the Surfin USA - Beach Boy concert.  They sounded pretty good and it was kind of energizing listening to the "old duffers" perform.  Food tasting included a bag of doughnuts, funnel cake, caramels, corn dog, pizza, lemonade, and more.

Longest blog post ever . . . .

So what do I do in my spare time now that Willie is on a mission and our washing, cleaning, eating, talking, entertaining, going, doing, washing more, talking, eating more, etc., have been minimized?  Well I manage to see each day whisked away with about the same limited time left for getting things done. By the end of the day, I still have things to do and no time to get them done.

I am a mom or grandmamma to 10 and wife to one. I am a daughter to my dad.  Sister to seven, sister-in-law to 14 and aunt, great aunt or aunt-in-law to around 43.  I think about all of these people every day.  I pray for them and hope that they will all make good choices and be nice and kind to everyone they meet, encounter, work with, go to school and church with, etc.  I make sure we have dinner as a family almost every Sunday.  I communicate with my kids nearly every day.  We go to Utah basketball games as a family and attend the grand chillins' soccer, t-ball, basketball, baseball, dance, pre-school programs, and more as many as possible. I talk to my dad or visit him every day.  I fix dinner for Dad every Wednesday and invite whoever to join us. I help Dad get ready for bed on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and spend a fair amount of time with him on Saturday. I go out to his house on Sunday mornings to help him with buttons on his white shirt and make his bed.  (Dee usually takes him to church.)  I also cut his hair every three weeks and buzz his ear hair every Saturday.

For the first time in 13 years (while living in Hunter) I am not in a leadership calling in church service.  I teach Sunday School to 10 or so amazing young people ages 17 and 18+.  I have learned more in my time as a Sunday School teacher than I have in many years of church leadership.  My first church calling came at age 13 when I was called to be a co-teacher in Primary with Veda Hill.  We taught the Co-Pilots (not sure of the age but it was fun).  Primary was during the week so it didn't interfere with my age-group assignments.  As a young adult, I taught a Sunday School class and managed to get roped into being in charge of a road show or two.  As a married person I served as a Young Women's leader and in the Primary.  While living in Lake Ridge, I taught Primary and Young Women and served as the Ward Librarian.  I also took on the Primary Presidency a couple of times, did a few more road shows, served as the Bishop's wife and with Karl as the Stake Specialists over a play and other activities. I also had a brief opportunity to be the Primary chorister, my all-time favorite church calling.  Over the years Karl and I have also been in charge of ward dinners and stake and ward activities.  You need to know that whatever calling I (we) do, my (our) family also does it and visa versa. When I total up all the years it's like 47 years of serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Pretty cool!

I work full-time and have done so for 32 years (not ot mention part-time for 6 years) as a professional educator.  I actually started working at Huber's Market at age 12, but I can't really call that work because it was really hanging out with my grandparents every day (summers only).  When I started to drive, work at the grocery store extended to Saturdays and then Friday afternoons and Saturdays.  I think I worked at the grocery store longer than any of my siblings (they got better jobs).  I also spent some time working for Valley Bank (back in the day).  I never could balance my till - no wonder I am always running out of money.  Good thing Karl never spends any $$$$.

I currently spend my work time as an administrator at the Granite School District Office where I oversee school counselors and social workers K-12 and the programs they implement, AVID and LIA, a US Department of Ed counseling grant, Positive Behavior Supports and really anything related to high school graduation and college and career readiness in Granite District.

I take a class whenever I can.  In May I completed a 9 week course on how to facilitate an on-line class for graduate level students.  It was very rigorous and took a lot of time, but I am glad I did it.  Last summer I took an online course on college and career readiness.  For the degrees and licenses I have, I spent 13 years in post high school courses.  I have taught at the pre-school (in my home), junior high, high school, adult education, and graduate levels. 

I am a Past President of the Utah School Counselors Association (USCA) and have served on the USCA Governing Board until recently.  I have also served a three-year elected term as Guidance Division Vice President of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and as a member of a policy committee for that organization off and on for 15 years or so.  I have been a PTA Board member, a room mother, and helped with field days, maturation programs and other PTA stuff.

I love the ocean.  This summer I have seen both the Pacific and Atlantic and I must say I prefer the Pacific.  There are no surfer-type, Beach Boy beaches in the world like Huntington Beach (a.k.a. the HB).  I like to cook, really, for my family.  My specialties are high in calories and served on Sunday - roast beef/roast pork, mashed potatoes (or brown betties), and gravy; beef brisket and fried potatoes (bacon fat); ham and au gratin or yummy potatoes; and hot rolls to go with every meal.  I also make a pretty mean lasagna and a few other things. I love music of the 50's and 60's - my mom always had the radio on in the car and records playing on the stereo.  I don't really have a most favorite musical group but I like the Beach Boys and Beatles and America and all music that inspires and motivates.  My favorite colors are earth tones/autumn colors in my house and red for most other things.  Annie and Haley used to tease me that my favorite color was tan or black and white checked things.

There is really nothing better in this world than spending time with my family - eating and talking and laughing and singing and just having fun.  I am who I am because I have an amazingly supportive and responsible husband and three of the best kids in the universe.  I so appreciate all they have done to make my life what it has been and will yet be. 

The End!

How blessed we are!

Looking back on June and July is really a look at all of the blessings that come our way.  Too many to list or to write about; just know that our family is blessed.  The greatest blessings come for our children.  They are smart, obedient, and somewhat good looking.  I consider all members of my immediate family my children (except Karl of course) and that includes Annie, Haley, Willie, Ross, James, Elliott, Wyatt, Molly, Jack and Quinn.  I love them.

In Sunday School today our lesson centered on keeping a record of your life experiences so that your family can learn from it and better know you.  I am not a very good journal writer or blogger for that matter, but I am going to try to get going on some journal writing.  Needless to say, I have had many experiences I have not necessarily shared with my family.  Sometimes I think they will be bored or uninterested.  But I need to get some of these things written down, especially those that have been influenced by a divine power.  Who knows, someday someone may read what I've written and be influenced for good.

Willie has been serving in the mission field now five months.  He reports to us every Monday and his letters are informative, inspiring and motivating.  I can feel his love for what he is doing through the words he writes.  I so look forward to Monday morning emails.  They make Monday the very best day of the week. 

In the past couple of weeks we have connected with two missionaries with whom Willie has served.  I spoke with Sister Trejo (from Tucson, AZ) on Wednesday afternoon (July 23)!  What a nice person and a teacher!  She wanted me to know that my son is an exceptional missionary.  She also asked for my email and in return sent me some photos and two movies of the Siauliai group!!!!  The movies are so out of this world awesome -- in one, all of Willie's group (plus two others) are in a train compartment with bunk beads and the other movie is of Willie, Sister Trejo, and Elder Marshall singing, "How Can I Be".  It is truly off the charts good!!!!  I have watched it a hundred times.  They sound very good together and very harmonious.  Willie also has some nice jive moves as he accompanied with the uke -- reminiscent of his poly friends. 

 

Still more, . . . . . Saturday morning (July 26) I got this random text, "Sister Petersen, this is Elder Marshall, I was your son's trainer.  I just got home yesterday and I want to invite you to my homecoming Sunday if you are available.  It will be at 11:00 a.m. at 600 East 120 South in Smithfield, UT.  Let me know if you can make it.  It would be fun to meet you."  Oh my goodness -- I started to cry!  I replied, "We will be there!" and "PS, welcome home!"

 

Sister Trejo and Elder Marshall are on the right.

So last Sunday morning we got up early and headed to Cache County.  The Howdens decided to go, as well.  We got there a few minutes before sacrament meeting and Karl, of course, spotted Elder Marshall first and cornered him (politely).  He was quite a celebrity to all of us but just a returned missionary to his ward.  His talk was on the "Light of Christ" and I recorded it so Haley could hear it.  What a great day!

I think they sleep on the floor . . .

So last week I posted a nice photo of Willie's room -- the study center of their place.  This morning he uploaded some new photos to the drop box and I caught a glimpse of what this room really is -- bedroom, ET AL.

Willie's mattress with the blue manatee pillowcase

I thought they had a big apartment with separate study area, kitchen, living area, etc.  With what I can see in this photo there is really one big room for everything.  That's ok -- it looks neat and clean and somewhat organized.

3:00 a.m. and checking my email??? What!?

So I woke up suddenly at 3:00 a.m. this morning.  Not sure why.  Decided to check my email -- blurry-eyed and drowsy.  I had a sense that I may just catch my son in the act of emailing.  Sure enough, I did!

3:11 a.m. Me:  I know this is cheating, but are you there?
3:12 a.m. Willie:  Yes
3:13 a.m. Me:  How are you doing sweet son of mine?
3:17 a.m. Me:  Be a good boy! I am going back to bed in a minute.
3:19 a.m. Willie: I am good.  This really isn't allowed . . .  But I do have some questions, so we will call it a tender mercy.
3:20 a.m.  Me:  I know the rules, too.  Tender mercy or nice blessing is good.
3:21 a.m.  Willie:  Bank website still doesn't work - can you set it to the LDS email account? Can you send my retainer with the next package, whenever that may be. I think it would be a good idea. I read somewhere that if you do it for a month straight your teeth will go back. Maybe you could do some research.  Also, I don't know how we will work out shoes when mine die. There is no way I will find giant ones here.
3:25 a.m.  Me:  I will update your bank account profile; you have $$.  I am not sure where your retainer is but I will look around.  Are your teeth okay?  I can send you shoes -- no problem -- just tell me when to send them -  I will get on it now.
3:34 a.m.  Willie: Just nice classy shoes.  Stylish and black.  Order them, and I will tell you when to send them.  My teeth are okay, but I can feel the middle gap starting to come back.  I figure if I'm going to suffer death by retainer, I might as well do it now.  Thanks for everything!  I love you!
3:40 a.m.  Me:  Au revoir!  Laiminga diena!  (have a good day in Lithuanian)

Then is was over!  A conversation thousands of miles away with less than a minute required to send emails back and forth.  I love technology!  I couldn't go back to sleep so I watched an episode of House Hunters International.

 

Missionary apartment -- study center

 

Willie has passed the 100 day milestone -

Willie has been serving as a missionary for now over 100 days!  Can you believe it?  The time goes by pretty quickly when you look back and seems like forever when you look to the future.  He reports that he is doing well and that the proselyting work is slow but he is very busy and all is going pretty well. 

We hear from Willie on Monday mornings.  His email is sent between 3-4:00 a.m., so when I get up I head to the computer and anxiously wait for my email to load and then look carefully for that familiar name, William Karl Petersen.  There is no greater feeling of relief and satisfaction than when I see his name in my inbox.  I know he is okay and doing fine, but I do get nervous at some point every day about his safety, health, and well-being mainly because he is some 5,000 miles from home. He puts photos in a drop box that we share but having no voice or F2F communication is tough to swallow some days.

I can't express in words how blessed Karl and I are to have such a great family -- they are good, educated, employed, own their homes, attend church and serve faithfully, and are kind and nice to others.  We get together when we can which includes Sunday dinner, ball games, programs, and just helping each other out now and again.  We also get along really well largely because we agree to disagree and respect differing interests and perspectives.

June 1 - and all is well!

June, already?  Another high school graduation season  - Class of 2014!

• Willie has been officially serving a mission for 14 weeks.  He has been in Lithuania a little over a month.  He seems good - his emails are positive and he is smiling in the pictures he sends us.  He is in a little city in north central Lithuania, Siauliai (Shou-lay).  If you want to learn about the city you can follow the blog, Baltic Avenue, of a Fulbright Scholar teaching at the University there http://balticavenu.blogspot.com/2014_05_01_archive.html.  If you would like to know what this person thinks about the missionaries, visit the post called Street Gang, written on May 3 http://balticavenu.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-street-gang_3.html.
• We celebrated a bunch of birthdays in May.  Three of my five little grandchillins have their birthday in May - Wyatt, May 12, Molly, May 14, and Jack, May 30.  Annie and Ross also celebrate birthdays in May.
• Karl and I are keeping busy watching little ones do things -- Elliott and Wyatt in baseball, Molly in a dance program, Molly and Jack in their pre-school program, and Quinn just being an almost 2 year old.
• Karl coached a grades 7-8 AAU basketball team this spring.  So, from mid March through the first of May he worked with a dozen or so boys trying to teach them how to play basketball and more importantly how to be tough and strong basketball players.  It wasn't the most talented group of boys but definitely the nicest. 
• Grandpa is still in the rehab center and making progress every day.  He fell March 17 and broke his neck - #1 and #2 cervical vertebrae.  After surgery, unexpected urological problems, and eating through a feeding tube, he is ready to get home.  His house is ready thanks to my sister, Cindy.  The two bathrooms in the house have been completely remodeled to include walk-in showers, high sinks and toilets, and solid rails and bars throughout the house.  Dad's been out to the house a couple of times and seems anxious to get home.  He hasn't passed the swallow tests to the satisfaction of the professionals, but he is eating pureed and thickened food a couple of times a day in addition to 10 hours on the feeding tube.  He's lost some weight but looks good.
• The family swimming pool is about ready for swimmers.  It is open and getting its chemical balance adjusted for a few days.  I think this is the earliest we have opened the pool for many years. 

Memorial Day!

I love this beautiful country where we live and can take a day off not just to honor those who fought wars but also to honor those who fought the daily battles of life to make our existence at this time on earth the best ever!

Mother's Day

It's Mother's Day -- a day to celebrate all women, really.  Doesn't matter to me if you have biological or adopted children or borrow children through relatives, neighbors, friends it's the implication of the word that has meaning for today.

Definition of MOTHER
a : a female parent 
b:  a woman in authority; specifically, the superior of a religious community of women
c:  an old or elderly woman

I hope that women who have influenced me over the years know that this day is for them.  I think about them, acknowledge them, and celebrate them!

I can't say that I have ever had a more exciting Mother's Day than today.  You see, the family was here in my home this morning for a couple of hours; but for 45 min 33 seconds we had the amazing pleasure of talking with Willie via Skype.  He was here, in our office, with everyone - Karl, Annie and Ross, Haley and James, Elliott, Wyatt, Molly, Jack, and Quinn, and ME!

We (people of the world) have been blessed with some pretty amazing technology these past years and Skype provided us an opportunity to be together as a family for some invaluable time this morning.  I am pleased to report that Willie is doing so very well -- looks great, enthusiastic, giggly, and excited to just see us and we him. It's hard to imagine that he was nearly 7,000 away from home and his voice and image transferred without any time delay, etc.  How cool is that!

Elliott and Willie

Elder Petersen and Elder Marshall



Time flies when you're having fun sitting in a hospital room!

Hi blog world!  I have spent a good  part the past 13 days sitting with my dad (and siblings) in a hospital room at IMC.  Arggggggggg . . . . .

As you are well aware, my Dad fell on March 17 (St. Patrick's Day, Eddie's birthday) and basically broke his neck.  The neck repair went well and he was off to a quick recovery when it became apparent that a misguided catheter placement damaged Dad's plumbing system pretty seriously which resulted in a nasty infection.  After a few intensely painful procedures and then a risky surgery last Thursday, he is finally on the mend.  He was released from the hospital this afternoon and enrolled for rehab in Legacy Village in Taylorsville.  After a few confusing transition hours he seems comfortable and ready for rehab.  The only tube in his system is the feeding line and that is a huge relief!

Hospital life is ok but extremely slow; it's like you hurry to wait!  Patients wait for medications, they wait for someone to help them to the bathroom, they wait for speech therapy and physical therapy, they wait for orders and changes in orders, they wait for someone to get them out of bed in the morning and back to bed in the evening.  However, I must admit that although life in a hospital is s l o w  we met some amazingly nice members of the hospital staff.  The nurses like Brandon, Cathy, Lindsey, Brent, January, Vonnie and others were competent, caring and helpful.  The CNAs, Regina, Carol, Laurie, Mary, and Kathy were kind and considerate and became my Dad's good friends and caregivers.  The PT, Dr. Nate and the Speech therapist, Jan were very good, as well.  They all joined in our family celebration of Dad's 85th birthday, April 4.  They became keenly aware of our love and commitment to Dad and making sure all his needs were being met.  I must say that I learned a lot.  I had no idea exactly what a prostate was/is until this experience.  Nor did I know how delicate the swallowing muscles are and if compromised take weeks, maybe months to get back to functioning.

At one point in the past weeks, Dad was frustrated that he wasn't getting better.  He had priesthood blessings and many prayers were offered on his behalf.  He was concerned that he "needed to have a little more faith."  Believe me, my dad is one of the most faithful, Christ-like men I know.  If he feels like he needs a little more faith, where does that leave the rest of the family?  I am so very thankful for the blessings Dad has received.  I am also thankful for the time all of us (the eight Huber siblings) have spent sitting with Dad in all kinds of pairings and combinations.  I can't say it was fun, but we did get along (for the most part) and let Dad know we were united in supporting him in any situation.

Needless to say, the past weeks have flown by.  When we dropped Willie off at the MTC six weeks ago, it appeared he would be there forever.  Now, his departure to Lithuania is just fourteen days from today.  I (we) have been so busy with Dad, the time has flown by. 

You know your day isn't going well when . . . .

Friday, March 28, was a day for the record books.

Karl reminded me on Thursday night that I needed to get gas in my car.  The fuel message read 45 miles to E.  Not to worry, I could get to my office and back on 25 miles to E.

My day began with a meeting at Lincoln Elementary School.  As usual, I took the "back way" route to Lincoln through a joint parking lot shared by the Jones Center.  Today, however the shared access gate connecting the two parking lots was chained and locked.  Not a problem, I decided to park at the Jones Center and just walk through the locked gate through the parking lot to one of the back doors into the school.  I was a little bummed that all of the back doors on the parking lot side of the school were locked (student non attendance day).  So, I walked to the front of the school, entered the one and only open door and proceeded down the long hallway nearly all the way to the back parking, 10-15 minutes late for the meeting.  There wasn't a chair for me ( the late comer) in the back of the room, so there was a big commotion and disruption in the meeting just to get me a chair.  Arrggg!!!!!!

Following the meeting at Lincoln Elementary, I headed to the district office for another meeting. I stopped at McDonald's for a Diet Coke on the way. The time in my office was busy but pretty uneventful.

Around 4:15, I talked to Karl and told him I was just about ready to head for home.  I pulled out of the parking lot around 4:25 and headed north on Main Street toward 2100 South.  As I approached the intersection of 2100 S Main Street, my car sputtered a little bit.  I didn't think much about it until the engine died.  I attempted to restart the car when it hit me -- out of gas. Rats! Why didn't I remember to stop and get gas at some point during the day!

Seeing a gas station just through the intersection (a few 100 feet), I so hoped that with any luck my car would make it there on fumes.  Sadly, no such luck :(

Embarrassed???  Absolutely!!!  Humiliated????  Yes!!!!  Call for help???  Absolutely not!!!

So, I turned the emergency flashers on, got out of my nice little Flex car and walked to the Shell Gas Station/Supersonic Car Wash on the NW corner of the intersection.  Once there, I approached a few workers asking if they had a gas can I could use because I had run out of gas in the intersection (I pointed to my car sitting patiently in the left turn lane with the flashers blinking).  They looked at me confused and got someone to help me who could speak English.  The English speaking worker chuckled as he fumbled through a few things in the back of the car wash building and came to my rescue with a gas can.  One of the Spanish speaking workers offered to help me.  I gladly accepted his offer even though I couldn't understand him nor him me.  I filled the can with gas and the worker and I walked to my car.  We couldn't get the gas into the tank.  Apparently there is a latch inside the gas tank area that can only be released by a gas pump nozzle.  Hmmmm . . . what do we do now?  I walked to the Jiffy Lube on the SW corner of 2100 S Main Street.  There were three workers there trying to keep their composure knowing full well my situation.  One Jiffy Lube worker decided to help.  I made him promise not to tell anyone, especially my husband.  He got a screw driver (you can fix anything with a screw driver) and after a few attempts at trying to break the fuel pipe thing, he and the car wash worker were able to release the latch inside the fuel area and pour the gas into the tank.  I told them not to share my story with anyone!  I was embarrassed and didn't want anyone to relish in my stupidity.  I drove to the Shell station where I felt obligated to pay the $3.42 price tag for gas (the most expensive gas around).

I eventually made it home - 30-40 minutes later than expected.  Karl didn't say anything about my later than expected arrival.  Whew!  By this time, he was hungry so we decided to go to Red Robbin for a hamburger.  (We drove separately because I planned to visit Dad and he wanted to get back home to watch basketball games.  Had we driven together, he would have asked me about getting gas.  Dodged an awkward conversation!)  We were seated at Red Robbin and had our Diet Cokes when the restaurant manager approached us and wanted to ID us for drinks?  What???  First of all, I think we look old enough to buy drinks that require an ID and second, we had our Diet Cokes in full view.  Go figure - he had the wrong table.  Embarrassing for us and him!

Needless to say, the day came to an end without any additional awkward and unfortunate events.  I haven't told anyone about my not so good Friday; I do however, want it recorded for posterity that every once in awhile I fall flat into a series of weird, embarrassing situations or events.  If you are reading this blog post, laugh a little and know that stupid is as stupid does.  I just hope the next time my day isn't going very well, I check the fuel tank message before there are no fumes left in the car.

The end!

It's in their eyes . . .

Even wonder if my children are related?  Just look at how the squint their eyes!

What to write about . . .

I haven't written much about anything but the mission and the missionary for awhile.  Not sure there's much else going on around here.  Karl and I have been "empty nesters" for 13 days now, and to be honest, it is very different.  We've been married for a long time (yes, it's a miracle that it's lasted this long).  Annie was born in 1978 and for the past 35+ years we have had a child/children living in our home with us.  We have given 110% to our kids and their upbringing -- no fancy vacations away from them, no "dates" without them, always there for them.  Needless to say they are turning out ok.  And, even though we have a full house for Sunday dinner every week and our home is always open to any and all, it's an adjustment to go from some to none.

I think one of our secrets to parenting success over the years has been pushing our kids through tough situations and helping them grow from disappointment. Mind you, we push(ed) with them; side by side and involved. 

For example, Annie thought she was a failure at AP Calculus and that I was an ogre for making her stick with it.  The teacher was not the most positive and instilled little confidence in her abilities.  For some reason, we worked through the tough homework assignments and hours of anxiety and stress and by the end of the school year, the teacher sheepishly admitted that Annie would like pass the AP test if she were to take it.  I didn't make her take the test; and by sticking it out in the class for the entire year she benefited in so many ways.

Haley excelled academically (and still does).  Her challenges were more emotionally charged.  She struggled with going to school and as the anxiety of a new week, a new term, a new year in school came around we took her emotions a step at a time.  We plowed through the ups and downs together with notes back and forth from teacher to mom and back.  We set goals and work hard to reach them, together.  She still gets emotional about school on Sunday nights, but she has made huge progress.

When Willie tried out for the 7th grade basketball team, he got cut.  He was devastated.  He recorded his feelings  in a blog post which includes his 7th grade problem-solving process:

So the bottom line is that when things appear tough for your kids, don't succumb to their level of emotion.  Rather, help them through the situation or circumstance that brings them down and gets in their way and help them to set goals to improve, to move forward, to do better and to be better.  It's worth the effort and both you and your kids will be the beneficiaries. 

I like the quote Willie included in his blog - "Disappointment, when it involves neither shame nor loss, is as good as success . . . "

One week down and 103 to go!

Last Tuesday, Willie was 100% ready to serve!  The image is a screen shot from the MTC homepage.

Then on Wednesday, we wasted time singing to the ukulele and then we headed to Provo!

Delivered our son to the MTC -- as documented on the car monitor at 12:52 p.m. - 8 minutes early!

Now just waiting for correspondence!

One Week and Ready!

We are at the final countdown with just one week until that son of mine reports for missionary duty.  Annie and Haley (mostly Annie) have prepared a "12 days before your mission" extravaganza for Willie.  Each day begins with a nice poem and includes a nice gift or activity.  We set everything up on the couch and so far the prizes have been:

 

Day 12 - 2/14: stationary, address book, stamps

Day 11 - 2/15: vitamins and vitamin d

Day 10 - 2/16: Band-Aids and mini first aid kit

Day 9 -   2/17: Tylenol and Advil

Day 8  -  2/18: mini umbrella

Day 7  -  2/19: Wednesday night dinner with grandpa and some sort of yummy treat - at mom's house.

2 Weeks (minus 1 day)

The time is creeping by as we prepare for Willie's mission.  It's exciting to be part of it all.  I have never been a missionary "Mom" before and I am, enjoying every minute of the preparation.

We have reviewed the checklists and guidelines over and over; and Willie has completed on online assessment of his preparation.  According to the missionary website, he is 80% ready to go.  By today I think that will be 91%!

50% Prepared

91% Prepared

Three Weeks!

Four Weeks from Today!

Four weeks from today is a big day for the Petersens! 

That's the day Willie reports to the Provo MTC to start his official service as a missionary.  We still have so much to do to get ready for everything. 

Most of the clothes shopping is done; just working on getting the little things purchased and ready to pack.  Getting a missionary ready for service is not an easy thing to do.  I am so glad we have had a few months to get things done.

We've had some fun getting ready.  We've been spending Friday afternoons together going to Mr. Mac's and the LDS Distribution center (ha ha).  Mostly we drive around listening to weird songs on the 60's station.  So, we were driving down Redwood Road and "What's new Pussycat" by Tom Jones came on.  The song is insane and we laughed like crazy listening to the words, you know, "You and your pussycat nose, wo-a-wo-a!"  Crazy lyrics and crazy singer.

We've taken the same pair of suit pants to Mr. Mac's 3 times and we are still waiting for the right length to happen. Getting the right fit on the new underwear at the church store has required repeat trips, too.  There are too many fabrics to choose from and you can't open the package to look at what you are getting.   But, I think we are getting closer to the fabrics Willie likes and the right combination of tops and bottoms. 

Willie is reading and memorizing all 900+ pages of the B of M, D & C, a 1937 publication of the Missionary Handbook (he found at Grandpa's house), and more.  He is also practicing the ukulele for a future musical number and teaching himself to speak Lithuanian with the CDs he got for his birthday.  In his spare time, he is doing some tutoring work at Hunter, Kearns High and Kearns Junior, Taylorsville High School and West Lake Junior and he plays weird games on the iPad.  He's been to the dentist twice this week and comes to visit me at work every now and then.  It's been fun getting ready and spending time hanging out. 

 

Some of the things left on our list:

umbrella
clothes hangers
twin size sheets (2)
sunscreen, lip balm (I think they mean chap stick)
alarm clock - no music playing components
passport holder (for wearing close to the body)
voltage/electrical adaptor
thermal underwear
24 month supply of vitamin D
moleskin
duct tape

Why I like Sugarhouse

Every now and again, I take a break from the office and get out to visit a school or even better just simply go for a drive.  I usually end up in Sugarhouse.  It's not too far from my office.  It's a nice little community tucked away in the southeast corner of Salt Lake City.  I can't drive through the area without reminiscing about days gone by.  My grandparents lived close to Sugarhouse; Dr. Newton's office was there and and after a visit to either place it was common to stop by Snelgroves for a yummy ice cream cone, a sundae or a malt or NuCrisp Popcorn for an individual bag of buttered or caramel popcorn.  I could never figure out why the bag of caramel popcorn was smaller in quantity than the butter.

I remember going to the only Sugarhouse department store, Keith O'Brien's (KOB).  Grandpa Eccles' sister Deloras worked there for years.  Both my grandmothers shopped there.  Granite Furniture and Southeast Furniture were the only places to buy furniture, appliances, carpet, and more.  You could set up accounts at either store (90 days same as cash or longer) for purchases as small as $100.  Walker Bank was just across the street from Granite Furniture and I remember going there with Grandma Eccles a few times.


At Christmastime, Santa was always waiting to visit with little ones in a little shed-like house on the Sugarhouse diagonal (2100 S 1100 E).  And we always drove through the Blaine Street and Christmas Street neighborhoods to see the lights.

It's been nearly fifty years since many of those memories were made and they are still fresh in my mind when I take time to escape the office and take a nice warm ride down a memory lane -- 21st South through Sugarhouse.


I like the new features of Sugarhouse -- Barnes and Noble shopping area, Sundance Catalog Store, Sugarhouse Park, the Dodo Restaurant, Schmidt's Bakery and the newly rebuilt McDonald's.  I guess the bottom line is that Sugarhouse is one of those comfort places I like to visit again and again.

2014 is Here!

It's hard to believe that just a little over two weeks ago we celebrated Christmas.  It just about kills me off every year getting ready for the big day and then it's over in a matter of hours.  I do enjoy all of the preparation; and it's so fun to see and feel the excitement that comes with all that's involved.

This was a long week at the office.  After two weeks off with some sleeping in, eating out, spending time with family, etc., getting back in the routine of the 5:45 a.m. alarm was not that exciting. But, we did it and survived!

Willie is patiently waiting his mission report date - February 26!  He and I ran some errands today (mid-day lunch break for me) and picked up a few things for the mission.  He misses school.  If he were in school this semester he said he would probably be taking four science classes.  He loves math and science and writing and really enjoyed his business class last semester. He started two part-time jobs this week in the schools -- AVID tutoring in the morning and credit recovery tutoring in the afternoon. (With the high turnover of hourly school personnel, there's always something available.) He is also finding time to do the crazy INSANITY exercise routine and is getting into studying Lithuanian. (His birthday present finally arrived - Lithuanian language CDs.) Plus, he's been to my office a few times this week and that's been fun.

Molly and Jack hung out with us last night (their parents were working late).  I love all of my grandchillins so much - even more when I have them without their parents.  We have amazing conversations!  Molly is a jabber box and says the craziest things.  Grandpa Huber hasn't been feeling well and she was concerned about him, "Grandma," she said, "why is, why is, why is your dad sick?  What is wrong with him?"  We talked about great-grandpa and I told her he is feeling much better.  Then at dinner, she needed something on the table closer to Grandpa Karl than she could reach.  Instead of asking him to get what she needed, she said, "Grandma, will you tell Karl to get me . . . .?"  Kids are funny and when they get to that age of figuring out names and identities conversations are so entertaining.

Thank you for the photo, Annie!

Well, it's Friday night -- Friday nights are not as busy for us as they have been in 3-4 previous years.  We are home in our respective spaces just hanging out.  I am sitting on the couch in the family room watching HGTV Dream Home 2014; Karl is reading, somewhere; and Willie is downstairs watching a variety of basketball games.  We are happy, healthy, and thankful for all of the blessings and opportunities of 2013 hoping that we will be blessed likewise in 2014.  If you are reading this, know that we love you and hope that your 2014 is a year of blessings and opportunity!