"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow"

So it isn't really snow snow but we have our first flurries! We are a little excited about that. We probably won't get a real good snow yet but at least there are signs that it does actually snow. If it is going to be cold at least you should get the beauty and fun of the snow. That's what I say at least. Nothing further.--Amy

Saturday night fun

Hello all. We had a nice Thanksgiving even though we couldn't be there. Alan started cooking at 6:30am and I started at 7am and we both finished about 4:30. We enjoyed the process but enjoyed the food even more. Alan's smoked turkey turned out fabulouso and the fried one was good too. It was a little different smoking in 34 degree weather but he did just fine. We had a great time at the Simister's home with 6 or 7 couples all of them ortho residents and about 12 kids. It was a lot of fun, food and noise, alot like home. We missed you all and hope you had a fun and thankful time. I tried to take some pictures of our day but they all ended up fuzzy. I guess I can't hold a baby and take pictures at the same time. Mark and Bradley are off to a little party at our neighbors with silly pajamas and crazy hair so I had them pose for some pictures. These are hot off the presses. I took them about five minutes ago. Happy blogging to all!--Amy

Just Saturday

Hi guys,
We had a great thanksgiving, Mindy forgot the dressing and Mom had to make fake gravy but other wise it was perfect. We ate outside on a u-shaped table that held everybody, the weather was perfect and the company was not perfect but trying. We just sold spencer's house for the second time ( who said loan approvals really meant that they were actually approved, or anyone looked at their credit report) and that only after being six weeks late. Let's hope this bank did their homework. We are all looking for more property to build on and having fun planning our hugh fortunes we will get from it. Why is it that never works out. Anyway Carri's house is really coming along and they might be in it for the annual Christmas morning feast. You know the one before the annual Christmas Afternoon feast. Do you think their is a reason we are all looking a little broad. I need to adjust my eating to all the feasting. Wait I forgot the missionaries are coming tonight for dinner and Rieko barbecued. Yum! Well maybe next week. I love you all, especially if you BLOG ON
MOM

Happy thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Amy and Alan, Kari and Johnathon, Colin and Cory, we hope you guys have a great day. Know that we miss you and are thinking of you guys. Alan your turkeys sound wonderful and we can't wait to get you and your talents back to our Thanksgiving table. Tell the kids that their cousins say hi. The boys keep asking to play with Mark and Bradley. We will try to get some pictures up soon.
Aaron, Jen and the tribe

Common Sense

Andrew, if you have to ask who wrote what- well, I can't even think of that possibility. I was reprimanded today for not being ready to take notes in lecture. Since when are notes mandatory? I pulled a couple of teeth from a 6 year old girl. She started waving her arms around while I was holding the needle by her face. What is the deal with kids these days? I almost had her horse whipped, but the threat of a lawsuit loomed large. So I just stabbed her in the eye- ok not really. Sheer legerdemain was adequate to the task. On another note, I let Amy know that during the Christmas break I will have a quota of bacon and sausage that must be filled. I don't think that's a bad goal. A man ought to set goals and achieve them- women too. Amy's goal will be to make sure I get the bacon and sausage. I have begun to prepare my turkeys. I have apple wood to smoke one. I will brine it starting tomorrow. I'm thinking of adding brown sugar in the brine for a sweet apple smoked turkey- sound good? I will be frying the other one with a creole garlic marinade. The problem is, the person in charge of planning the food for 6 couples only planned two pies. How in the world do I deal with that. That's what you get when you ask a really thin person to plan meals for groups. If you really want a good meal, have a fat person plan it. Hmmm who could that be? Oh yeah, me. Needless to say, we will be adding a couple pies to the ensemble.

Read this:
Raserchres at Cmadgibre Uivnrisety did a sudty on how we raed. Tehy funod out taht the spleileng of the wrdos was not vrey imortapnt as lnog as the fsirt and lsat lteetr wree crclortey plecad. Tihs is baceuse we do not raed by lioknog at lteetrs but by rcongzienig pettrans of wdors and lkoinog for thsoe ptertans. Pettry irnetetisng infarimoton.

I enjoyed the monologue a la multiple comments. This blog thing is getting better. I was reading a tragedy in the paper today. A group of democrats were going from one rally to another, and they all climbed in the back of a pickup truck. Travelling down the road, the driver lost control and went into a river. Everyone drowned as they could not figure out how to get the tailgate down. These kind of tragedies must be stopped. This does however remind me of another story.
A Republican couple, a Democratic couple and a Pig and Sow showed up to the hospital at the same time as each female was ready to give birth. Just as they gave birth, the electricity went out and mass confusion caused a mix up in the babies. The republicans were given the first choice of which baby to take. The couple both shouted, THE PIGLET, at the same time. The doctor looked up shocked and asked why. Apparently, the 50% chance of getting a democrat child was not worth the risk.

I hope there aren't any democrats reading this, oh wait, that's impossible, they don't read.

Happy Thanksgiving - Alan Mark Petersen

Tractors

Mateo had his finger up his nose, again. Mindy told him to stop because it was dirty. "There is dirt up there."
Matthew paused. Thoughfully he asked, "Mom, are there tractors in my nose?"
Miriam, trying not to laugh, said "No, tractors would not fit in your nose."
"No, Mom," came his perfectly logical reply. "I mean little, tiny tractors."

Silly Peter

Hi Everyone! I was just reading some of the other posts and one of them said that weshould post any pictures we might have! Well, I think I might have one that you like. This picture was taken while we were waiting to get off of our cruise ship to go snorkling. This is the true Peter, you know, how he acts/dresses when no one is around! Now you see that he's not as suave as everyone thinks! I knew you would like it!

Lindsay

What's this?

What's this? What's this? A queer device indeed.
What's this? What's this? A funny something to read?

So I have a few confessions to make. Outside of school assignments I have never chatted online or posted to a discussion board (What kind of freaks do that sort of thing?). Then all of a sudden, within one week and old freind invites me to join his group of Online-Friends (you know that thing that Tara, Sabina, and Matt are always on) and our family has it's own web-posting board... Did I miss something. I must admit that I was a bit scared when I got Amy's email invitation. Now my worst fears have come true, we have instant capabilities to complain about bad family get togethers (props to Alan for that funny story, sadly I was not able to join the premature burial of Cory).

Lindsay and I are swamped with work and school. Finals are rapidly approaching and I swear some of my teachers have their degrees in "Modern Torture" and "Worthless Homework." No worries though, we have small things like the internet to comfort us by reminding us of the terrible separation that keeps us from our siblings (Jonathan and Kari, we miss you.).

So I read a few of the postings and decided to narrow the Peterson:Everyone Else ratio a bit and put in a Blorg or Bog or Blog or whatever it was. Now I can join the cool kids a Mom and Dads and acct all hip like I am an old hand at Online Communication and say, "I Blorged yesterday." and everyone will look at me like, "you need to see a Doctor about that."

So between homework and being e-iliterat, I am doing laundry at our apartment's Laundromat. And I have to wear sunglasses the sun is soooo bright it hurts my eyes. I feel terrible that you guys(Amy and Alan and co and Colin) are freezing some essential body parts, but I have to admit our weather is almost worth any 120 degree August lawn mowing. I don't mean to be cruel or to make you homesick, but this is Arizona at it's best.

So on that cheery note, I bid you all Blog-well and Good Day.

Ps.
Harry Potter IV rocked my world. Lindsay and I saw it last night and that Dragon scene was intense!

James and Karla Vanderpool Family

Hi everyone,
I laughed so hard at Alan's memory of that camping trip. I thought it was a little like Hades also, sorry about the serial killer thing, but would probably do the same thing again. I am trying to think of something funny about Alan but all I can come up with is his obsession with perfectly cooked meat, too me it is just meat, not salvation, but everybody is different. And to defend myself (I seem to be doing that alot) about Mindy babysitting the ever pleasant twins all the time. I do watch her angels on occasion also. Matthew is finally, after living with me for over a year, allowing me to give him a weekly love and Michael (the Bomber) can reach up and steal food out of Jamin's plate so fast that Jamin doesn't know what hit him. I am trying to not be too jealous of the Peterson's visiting you guys in Missouri. HOw long did they stay. What can we do to get others to BLOG ON? Talk to you tomorrow(I hope) Mom

Lonely

Hello, hello, Bueller, Bueller, anyone? Is anyone out there. This is looking too much like the Amy and Alan Petersen website. Quit making us look so bad. Log on and Blog. We had a great time with Grandma and Grandpa Petersen this last weekend. Lots of time just hanging out at home playing and talking with a couple of small outings. It was great to have family around. I did great until Linda started to cry as she was walking out the door to go to the airport and then a load of sadness hit. We probably will not come home until next Christmas and that seems like an eternity from now. The weather has turned cold again and probably will stay that way until March or April. Yikes! I don't think any amount of winter clothes is going to be enough for us this first winter. Poor Colin has to be out in it all day. I only am going to go out if absolutely necessary. It is 33 degrees as I speak. Anyways, lots of love to all hope to hear from you soon.--Amy

Recipe for FUN

I was just browsing some camping equipment online, and I found this little picture. I was suddenly reminded of some precious time spent in a tent similar to this one. I believe it was October, maybe it was September, but that's not the point. I do remember packing a large tent, an air mattress, pillows, and sleeping bags for our time at Lake Powell. I remember the sun was shining, the lake was like glass, and I had visions of sugarplums dancing in my head. We arrived at dusk. I had just completed my daily briefing with the CIA director. Around here everything goes fuzzy, maybe it's just a protective mechanism. The details are sketchy, but I will try to weed them out. Cory threw a tantrum and at the same time, a bag on top of my car. Oops, there was a lantern in there, one broken lantern, one dented car- nice. We loaded the boat up with our stuff and made the suicide push towards ground zero (the campsite). The wind was a bit strong, and I began to set up the 8 man tent I had brought- though no more than 6 had ever shared the space. Joe and Carri had lent their tent to someone and it was returned minus the poles. Oops, kind of an important part of the tent, but no matter, we had room. Enter gale force winds here. I blow up my air mattress. Now it is time to eat. I had some sort of sandwich with lettuce, mustard, tomato, a pound of sand, and some piece of meat. Mmmm good!!! Next, we have the arrival of what mom termed "possible serial killers" - a perfectly rational thought. Odds are, if you meet a stranger, he or she is a serial killer. Rain begins. Slight oversight becomes blatantly obvious. NOBODY ELSE BROUGHT A TENT. Everybody enters our tent, oh so comfortable. Now I don't know about you, but I can identify my pillow without any hesitation. As we all get ready for bed, I wonder where my pillow is. Mind you, everyone was awake at this point. "Hey, who has my pillow?" I ask. Cricket chirps. "No really, who has my pillow?" No answer. Apparently no one else even bothered to look at the pillow they were sleeping on. Oh well, I guess I went to the trouble of packing it so somebody who forgot theirs could have it. Over the next 10 hours or so, I slept 20 minutes, being forced into the corner of the tent. Mom was worrying about the serial killers, the tent poles came out of the ground- Joe and I went out to pitch a fit- I mean the tent again. Reminder, when the wind blows hard, go downwind. Morning, finally. Everyone eventually gets out of the tent. I wonder did I really bring my pillow or maybe I left it home, but no, there it is. Conditions do not warrant any skiing. What could we do? Hey Cory, let us bury you in the sand and you try to get out. Joe and I proceed to enjoy the next three hours more than we should have. I think Cory cried. This trip is H-E- double hockey sticks. Let's go home. I am a little older now, a little wiser, and I can laugh about that now, at least that's what my therapist says. WHO WOULD TAKE SOMEONE ELSE'S PILLOW? I think I was closer to being a serial killer than those other guys. They probably slept more comfortably. Sorry Cory, but it was really funny, I had to get my car dent's worth out of you anyway.

Now this is a post worth reading, this is what makes the website fun. If you get a chance post something, a memory, pictures, whatever. Make comments on other posts- read others comments. I hope you enjoyed my stroll down memory lane. - Alan

You did it

We have Eleanor's birthday, the boys first day of school and Mark's birthday. Just a few things we couldn't share with you.

Hurray Mindy. You posted. See how much fun it is. Just you wait soon you too will be checking the website one to two times a day to see if there is anything new. The more people we have on the better it gets. I'm am so sorry about all the babysitting you get to do. That has to be one of the toughest things in the world to do. I certainly struggle with here a kid, there a kid, everywhere are kids, kids. I just don't understand why more people have not accepted the invitation. It is almost time to start hounding people. I am giving you until Sunday and then my hunt for new bloggers begins. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Amy what a Great Idea

I am so excited about this we at the vanderpool house are calling it did you blog on today?
The Nielsens are happy and matt is busy but i am not. All i do is babysit for mom. SHe is getting 100% on her grades though. I have to put the kids down for a nap but i will be back. Again amy great idea MIndy

Mom,
You need to go to blogger.com and post and not just comment. People may not check the comment and would possibly miss your input. We wouldn't want that would we. I am busily cleaning house here Grandma and Grandpa Petersen are coming in this afternoon. I suppose I should have a clean house for them. We have all come down with colds. I think we caught them from Luke who got it at the child care at my beloved YMCA. I am absolutely enjoying every second of the Y. The kids are all taking swim lessons on Monday afternoon. I put Luke in the child care and I read a book while they swim. What is better than that? It is good to be exercising again and I really do have more energy now. Mark is having a bit of a rough week and the councilor at his school has really been on me to have him evaluated by a pediatrician for his impulsive violent behavior. We are still having trouble getting insurance and may need to get a lawyer(provided free from the state) to appeal why they keep denying us when we read the laws and statutes and we definitely qualify. What a headache. The trees here are gorgeous. I went on a walk this morning and couldn't help stopping and collecting a bunch of beautiful leaves and red berries to decorate my table or something. I felt like a little girl but they are incredible. I have to run to Wal-Mart my favorite store. Bye all--Amy

No Posting Rules

Mom, there are no posting rules at this time until someone abuses the system and ruins it for everyone else. Just kidding, I don't foresee any problems. Just post whatever you like when you like. Be funny, silly, spiritual, philisophical (not too much Andrew), crazy, serious, or take walks down memory lane. The more we use this the closer we become and the more fun we have. Hound all those who have not accepted the invitation by Sunday. Maybe we need to send them a carrier pigeon or a message by way of the pony express so they can join in. Tara, Bradley's favorite word was "boop" for poop and runner up was stupid head. He has ceased the name calling just in time for Eleanor to pick up the slack. She is a joy these days now that she has learned to hit me, albeit very softly, any time she doesn't get her way. She loves to pitch fits and call names like, excuse me Mom, "butt, butt, you've got a very big butt." She learned that one from Inspector Gadget. We have since taken that back to the library. Mom, I don't know how to change your name. I think you could do it by going to blogger.com and logging in and changing your profile there. Anytime I write something it will always say that Alan wrote it but I will sign it Amy at the end to clarify. Anyways, bed time good night all---Amy

Posting 101

In order to post to this website you go to blogger.com and log in and then you hit post. In order to add pictures you hit the little picture icon on the top of the task bar between the spell check and erase icons. You then hit publish post and it will post like I did and not just a comment. Isn't this fun? I love it.

Did you accept my invitation

It is monday morning have you written your brother missionaries yet today. Just five minutes and you can drop them a quick line. I am so excited about this family website. It is so fun to post and comment on other people's posts. The Petesen family is having way too much fun with it I hope we can enjoy this and Post, post, post. Love you all. --Amy

Welcome to our family blog!

Ward Fall fest celebration-we have tinkerbell, bumblebee, ninja and batman
At Eckert's Farm pumpkin patch
The never ending job of raking leaves.
Bradley finally learned to ride a two wheeler
Isn't Luke the cutest 4th baby the Petersen's have ever had?

Hello everybody. We have talked about a family website, well here is one for free that we can all post too and enjoy. I hope we will use it and enjoy the added closeness it will bring. Especially for those of us out of town. These pictures are just a part of the fall fun available in St. Louis. We love visitors any time hint, hint.