Our Brave Little Ashlin

So, for those of you who have been around us lately, you know that Ashlin has been really sick for a few weeks and we haven't been able to figure out what's going on. The details are kind of yucky, so I won't tell you too much. Saturday night, she was in so much pain and discomfort, so we had Trevor and his dad give her a blessing of healing. But Sunday came with even more pain and sadness for her. I cried so hard because everything we were trying to do for her was hurting her. Any mother knows that the worst thing to endure is watching your child suffer while you stand helplessly by. Finally, I felt strongly that we needed to take her to another doctor right then, even though we had already consulted a doctor who prescribed some medicine to help her. So, we packed up and headed out to the insta-care where we were surprisingly able to get in immediately. After the doctor poked and prodded for several minutes, and asked lots of questions, she finally asked us this question: "Does anyone in her family have a history of Celiac Disease?" It was like a light just clicked on in my head, and like mother's intuition, I was positive that's what it was. I had Celiac Disease in high school, but I was one of the few who is able to outgrow it. For those who are unfamiliar with it, Celiac is a multi-symptom autoimmune disorder that is triggered by gluten, a natural protein found in wheat, barely, and rye. So, it is basically in almost every food the average person eats. It's like everything we had been feeding Ash; crackers, cereal, bread, maccaroni, cookies, etc; had been poisoning her little system. As soon as the doctor mentioned it, I KNEW that was the answer. So, we immediately got to the store where we picked up some gluten-free treats and breads and things, so she can still have a healthy diet. I feel sorry that we have to take away all her favorite things to eat, but at least she'll be healthy and happy. Throughout this whole ordeal, she's had such a happy smiley disposition, and been such a good little girl. I'm amazed....I certainly wasn't that happy when I was going through it as a teenager! We love our little Ashlin Saige so much. She brings such happiness and joy to our lives, and always knows how to make us laugh and brighten our day. I'm so thankful for mother's intuition, and for the power of the priesthood that my husband holds. I don't know how we would get through life without both of those things. And I'm thankful for those little moments that Heavenly Father gives us when we know what is right and true.

My blog is Fab!

Our cousin Stacie awarded us this "Fabulous Blog" award! Thank you so much, I'm glad people enjoy seeing what's going on with our little family =) So, now I have to nominate 5 other people who I think have awesome blogs. Here goes:

1. Leslie (my amazing friend) We've been friends since high school and it's fun that we get to live so close to one another and have kids close to the same age. I really look up to her in so many areas of her life. She's already received an award like this, so she doesn't have to re-post this if she doesn't want to. But I had to award her first....since she's the one who taught me how to blog in the first place!

2.Derek (my cousin) He and his wife live in Japan, so blogging is the best way to keep in touch with him. Although we aren't close, his blog is always an interesting read to me. He is so funny too!

3. Jackie (Trevor's cousin) She and Trev were always close, and we love taking a peek to see what she and her family have been up to. Plus, her blog is really cute!

4. Kaitlan (Our sister) She moved to Arizona this past summer with her new hubby George. It's fun to see what they are doing since we don't get to see them every day anymore. I've harassed her many times about not blogging often enough and not keeping us well enough informed, but I have to award her anyway since she has cute things on her blog and I check it almost every day just to see if there's something new up.

5. Kira (our cousin/neighbor) It's fun to get to live right next door to one another, although this does mean that we have similar posts most of the time since we do so much together. She always has such cute pictures of her daughter Brinley, and I love getting see pictures of all the things they do when we're NOT there, since I hear all the stories anyway =)

Now, I have to list my "5 fabulous addictions." I'm not sure they are quite fabulous, but here we go:

1. Blogging. How'd you guess?? It's what I pass my time with when the kids are playing or taking naps and I have nothing else to do.

2. Shopping for home decor online. I always find the cutest stuff, and then show Trev. I rarely buy anything, but it's way fun to look.

3. Shopping for clothes for my girls. My favorite stores are Baby Gap, Gymboree, The Children's Place, and Old Navy. I have a hard time walking away empty handed, and almost never do. But hey, my kids look great!

4. Desperate Housewives. I started watching this show when it first started, and I was pregnant with Kenzi. It's probably my all time favorite show, and I got Trev addicted using Kira's season DVD's 1-4. We watch it every Sunday with Brett and Kira....and look forward to it all week!

5. Clothes and Shoes. I was pretty bad with this one in high school, but then ever since I married a guy who loves to spoil me, this addiction has gotten much worse. The sad thing is, I'm pregnant so much, I rarely fit into most of my closet. Grrrr!

Here are the rules to receiving this award:
1. You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous blogs in a post.
2. You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.
3. You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.
Instructions:
On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them. When you post your five winners, make sure you link them as well. To add the award to your post, simply right-click, save image, then "add image" it in your post as a picture so your winners can save it as To add it to your sidebar, add the "picture" gadget. Also, don't forget to let your winners know they won an award from you by emailing them or leaving a comment on their blog.Now get to it I can't wait to see your creativity in recreating your own blog awards!

love,
Karyn

**Our Little Star**

Kenzi Makae had her dance recital this weekend, and let me tell you: She STOLE the show! She got up on that stage, and {shook her little booty for all it was worth!} We are super proud of her. I have a few cute pics, but the video is the best...I don't have a way to add it to my computer right now though =( As soon as I get the right cable, we'll post it for all to see!

So......last night Trevor and I got to have a little date night away from the girls. This is always a highlight for me, but last night in particular, because we got to go see the long awaited movie...

I don't want to say more than anyone wants to hear, especially if you're planning to go see it. But the best thing for me was how well the movie was cast. The actors fit perfectly to the characters they were portraying. They really did an awesome job in that regard.

Trevor hasn't read the books (although I think I'm going to make him over Christmas break) and he enjoyed it. He said he would watch it again, although he wishes that the action scenes were a bit longer and that they had done more with them. I do agree that they could have done a little better with the fight scenes, but of course, you have to realize that the main audience they were directing the movie towards is a bunch of teenage girls who just want the mushy stuff and don't care about fighting at all.

Although the main "heart throb" is of course Edward, and the other male vampires following close behind, the one that I liked the most was actually

Jacob.

Like I said, it was really well cast, so everyone just looked exactly like who they were supposed to be. I guess to sum it up, it was pretty good. It was no match, obviously, to the book. But what movie based on a book ever really is? I would, however, definitely watch it again.

But the best part of the night was the fact that we had bought our tickets a month prior to the premier, and had assigned seats in a reserved theater. One of my favorite things to do in this world, is to sail right on by all the losers standing in line waiting for a million years. Ha! Suckas! Just kiddin =)

Daddy's Family Home Evening

Last Monday, Trevor and I couldn't think of anything fun to do with the girls for FHE on a low budget. After a little while, Trev had his own fun idea, and sent the girls into the other room for a little bit. For the next several minutes, he proceeded to make a large, but extremely fun, mess in my living room.Using over half the sheets and blankets in our entire house, he built a huge fort that you could walk into standing up! It took up the whole living room and part of the hallway, complete with front door and a tunnel! The girls came out of the bedroom in pure delight!We all crawled around in our "house" as Kenzi called it, and played for a good hour or so. Kenzi kept wanting to bring all her stuffed animals and dolls in, while Ashlin just kept herself busy crawling in and out of the tunnel. We finished off the evening with yummy homemade popcorn and eggnog ice cream. Trevor never fails to come up with a great idea that totally thrills the kids. I love having a husband who wants and enjoys spending time strengthening the family. Especially since I know how it it is to have a husband who doesn't. Trevor is so amazing with the girls, and he loves playing with them and taking care of them. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing man in my life.

LDS Church Responds to Same-Sex Marriage Votes

http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-responds-to-same-sex-marriage-votes#continued

Since Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot in June of this year, the citizens of California have considered the arguments for and against same-sex marriage. After extensive debate between those of different persuasions, voters have chosen to amend the California State Constitution to state that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Voters in Arizona and Florida took the same course and amended their constitutions to establish that marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman.

Such an emotionally charged issue concerning the most personal and cherished aspects of life — family, identity, intimacy and equality — stirs fervent and deep feelings.

Most likely, the election results for these constitutional amendments will not mean an end to the debate over same-sex marriage in this country.

We hope that now and in the future all parties involved in this issue will be well informed and act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different position. No one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information.

It is important to understand that this issue for the Church has always been about the sacred and divine institution of marriage — a union between a man and a woman.

Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.

Some, however, have mistakenly asserted that churches should not ever be involved in politics when moral issues are involved. In fact, churches and religious organizations are well within their constitutional rights to speak out and be engaged in the many moral and ethical problems facing society. While the Church does not endorse candidates or platforms, it does reserve the right to speak out on important issues.

Before it accepted the invitation to join broad-based coalitions for the amendments, the Church knew that some of its members would choose not to support its position. Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances. As we move forward from the election, Church members need to be understanding and accepting of each other and work together for a better society.

Even though the democratic process can be demanding and difficult, Latter-day Saints are profoundly grateful for and respect the ideals of a true democracy.

The Church expresses deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the many Latter-day Saints and others who supported the coalitions in efforts regarding these amendments.

I think it is important for people to realize that mormons are not the only people who voted on this issue. Everyone in California had the right and the chance to make their voices heard. While I love and respect the people who have chosen to live this lifestyle, I also have a firm testimony of our church and it's leaders. As members, we need tohave faith and trust that the prophet and other leaders know what they are doing. If they feel strongly enough to get involved in such an issue, then we need to follow and support them. I feel that this is a huge test of the faith and loyalty of our church's members.

Plum Tuckered Out!

Brinley and Kenzi after a long, fun day of playing with their little buddy Isaak!

Thanks for a fun day, Steph!

`*~Brinley and Kenzi's Tinkerbell Party~*`

A little while ago, Kira had this great idea to throw a little party for our little girls in celebration of the new Tinkerbell movie that was coming out, since both Brinley and Kenzi absolutely LOVE Tinkerbell. So, last Friday, we threw together this little party and had a blast!

Kira spent way too much time making a cute poster that greeted our little fairy guests. The girls were all invited to come looking like fairies. Kenzi had a blast...

Kira had found some cute things to do for the girls. First, she decked them all out with...

Then, all the little girls lined up on the couch to watch the movie.

Such cuties!

After the movie was over, we all went in the kitchen to have a yummy dinner of...

(I actually DID make the cupcakes....everything else was Kira. But I did do something!)

Then, we handed out the little goodie bags that my mom had thrown together for the girls, and they all played until it was time for mommies to come get them! It was super fun. Now Kira has to out-do that for Brinley's birthday party in December though! Ha! Just Kiddin =)

Memories of Us!

Here's what you do:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you!

A Visit to a Loved One

When I was a little girl, we had an old couple who lived next door to us. Their names were Cliff and Zetha. In that neighborhood, there weren't a lot of kids my age, so I spent my days running next door to get spoiled by Zetha, and my little brother played with Cliff and always got to ride on his driveable lawnmower. They were like our best friends. But after a few years, my parents wanted a bigger and nicer house, so we moved to West Jordan, away from Cliff and Zetha. Cliff passed away not too long after we moved, and my mom tried to get out to visit Zetha at least once a week to help her clean, or shop, or just to take her to lunch. Last year, her family put her in a care center. But she's lonely and a bit grumpy because she's alone so much and she hates that her independance has been taken away.

Last week, my mom and I decided to take a trip down to Payson to visit her so she could see my little girls and so we could take her a little pumpkin decoration to cheer her up. Kenzi was so sweet and gentle with her, it was just adorable. Ashlin was tired and really grouchy, so she wasn't the nicest company, but at least Zetha got to see her for the first time!

This was a reminder to me that we need to keep the elderly in our thoughts and prayers at all times. Even those who are not our relatives, we need to visit them and take care of them. It's so sad to me that people put their parents or grandparents in homes or care centers and then just leave them there. They cared for us our whole lives....isn't it time we return the favor? This Thanksgiving season, take the time to visit an elderly relative. If you don't have one, schedule a time for your family to go visit any one of these homes, and see if you can brighten a few people's day!

GOING PRIVATE!

So, I've decided to join the smart crowd and make our family blog private...which means you will only be able to view it if you have been invited. Too many creep-o's in this world! I will be sending out invites via email to everyone who I have in my address book. If I miss you, or I don't have your email address, and you would still like to be able to view this blog, feel free to send me an email and I'll get you on the list.

You do not have to have your own blog to be able to view mine, but you will have to create a google account if you don't already have one. It's no big deal, and it will tell you how to do it.

Please let me know if I miss you!

Love you all,
-Karyn*

dancingkaryn@yahoo.com

Hubby Tag!

What is your husband's full name: Trevor Rey Peterson

How long have you been married? 1 year, 3 months
How long did you date? 2 months
How old is he? 26
Who eats more sweets? Oh, EASILY Trevor!

Who said "I love you" first? I did. I always tease him saying that I loved him first, but he swears that he loved me before that, and didn't want to say it yet cuz he thought it would scare me off.
Who is taller? Trev, by about a foot
Who can sing best? Trevor. He has an AMAZING voice!
Who is smarter? I think Trevor is, but he says that I am. In all actuality, we probably won't know until we both take I.Q. tests.
Who does the laundry? I do. Unless it gets really bad and I've let it pile up too much. Then Trevor is really nice not to say anything, he just goes and starts his own load without a single complaint.
Who pays the bills? We both do. It kinda changes every month. Trev always handles the car payment, and the bills he had before we got married. I do rent and most of the utility bills.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Trevor does.
Who mows the lawn? Trev.....although it hasn't been done in over a month. He's SO busy.
Who cooks dinner? I always do. But I know I can always count on Trevor to help chop an onion or mince some garlic so I get done faster.
Who drives? Both of us. We have only one car now, so if Trevor is going to school, he drives. But if he goes up to work with his dad, then I have the car to run around doing errands and stuff.
Who kissed who first? I think it was kind of a mutual thing. We both wanted to, and it just sorta happened.
Who asked who out first? Trevor asked me out on a text message. We had set up our first date for dinner and a movie on a Saturday, but we couldn't wait the 4 days until then, and I ended up going to hang out with him at his house on Thursday night. We stayed up talking till 4 in the morning, and I had an early dance competition the next day! But we saw each other the next day too, and by the time it was time for our actual "first date," we knew we wanted to get married. Crazy!

Who wears the pants? Trevor does. But that's how I think it should be. I've always told him that I will follow him wherever he thinks we need to go, do whatever he feels we should do, and support him in all his endeavors. Plus, he's definitely the disciplinarian with the kids!

I tag, Leslie, Kaitlan, Stacie, and Kristin!

*Natural Born Flirt!*

I'm pretty sure that with every little girl baby born, comes the profound ability to shamelessly flirt with the opposite sex. Sunday night, Ashlin exhibited this silly, but unbelievably cute behavior. Ashlin has many Aunts and Uncles, and she loves them all...but Sunday evening, she singled out Uncle Tyler, Trevor's 14 year old brother. For some reason, she walked right up to Tyler, who was lounging on the floor, took his face in her little hands, and got very close to him, smiling and giggling. It was SO cute! Then, for about the next half an hour, she would crawl up to him, and roll on to her back flirting, batting her eyes, and giggling up at him. I got some great pictures of this, and I thought I would share them.

Attention all parents of little girls: Once a flirt, Always a flirt! Good luck!

A Long, but Happy Halloween!

Halloween Day started early in the morning for our little family. It takes a lot of work to make a little 3 year old diva into the lady bug she wants to be! Kenzi's hair took 45 minutes.

Her Lady Bug makeup took another 10 minutes...eye shadow, mascara, lipstick, TONS of glitter, and of course, little black spots!

Then Grandma came over and helped make Ashlin's bumble bee antenna headband. She actually kept it on, surprisingly. Then we packed up, and headed out to Naney and Grandpa's house. (My grandparents on my dad's side.) Great Grandpa Ernie even surprised us by coming out in a full jailer's costume!



Ashlin was a little nervous. She was pretty confused about who this guy was. But Kenzi loved it!

They both got spoiled by Naney, who gave them lots of candy and love!

They're headed down to Arizona, where they go every winter to get away from the yucky, Utah cold. We will miss them! But we'll see them again when they come home for Christmas.

Grandma bought us all some lunch, and took us back home where she helped me clean up the house. She was a life-saver! Then Daddy came home, and it was time to get ready to go trick-or-treating!

We all headed up to Grammy and Poppa's house so Daddy and the girls could go out with Danny, Kaye, and Sabra. After a while and too much candy later, we went back home to get ready for our Halloween "after-party!"

It was lots of fun! Pretty much everyone showed up at some point during our open-house party.

Steph and Sal win...these costumes are freaking awesome!

Ashin loves Grammy!

Kira and Jill. Just cuz you look like you hate each other in the picture, doesn't mean I'm not gonna post it on my blog. Ha!

Mom and Dad. They helped out a lot that night, and it was fun to have them there to hang out!

Kenzi playing with Isaak and Brinley!

Poppa and Kira's dad Steve.

Lloyd and Megan.

Even Grandma Glo came over (with her camera, of course.) She's Trevor's Step-Grandmother, and Kenzi and Ashlin absolutely ADORE her.

Brett brought over his Wii, and everyone took turns playing. Finally, all the kids were totally exhausted and everyone went home. It was super fun, and we've decided that this is going to be our own Halloween tradition each year. We're going to have an "after party" from this Halloween on! Hopefully next year we will have a bigger house.... we had almost 30 people crammed into our little place last night!