Jaxton and I pulled in to our neighborhood today after church and Jax said, "Hey mom, what are those three flags for again?" I replied, "That one is for North Carolina, that one is for America and that one is the Centex flag." After thinking that over he thoughtfully asked, "Now what do they speak in Centex?" LOVE that kid! (fyi, Centex is the builder for our neighborhood)

Things to remember about Mac's baptism:
- Mac was baptized in Logan, UT on March 3, 2012
- All Peterson and Olsen family members were there, except for Kim and Brandon's family, including both Grandma Great's
- Mac swam out into the font (legs kicking and arms paddling)
- When Nate dunked him, Mac kicked his feet over and over to keep them from coming up
- After being baptized Mac swam out of the font (to everyone's delight!)
- Mac and Aidan sang "We Will Bring the World His Truth" (brother's joined them for the chorus)
- Grandpa Larry gave a wonderful talk on baptism
- Nate confirmed Mac, gave him the gift of the Holy Ghost and also gave him a beautiful blessing
- All uncles (on both sides, except Brandon) stood in the confirmation circle as well as both Grandpa's
- Grandpa Bert gave the closing prayer
- It was a beautiful day and the spirit was felt

Jaxton’s Talk – Choosing the Right – February 19, 2012

There are many times each day that we can choose the right.

(TOY) When I pick up my toys I am choosing the right.

(SCRIPTURES) When I read the scriptures and pray with my family I am choosing the right.

(FOOD) When I eat healthy snacks I am choosing the right.

(EAR) When I listen to my parents and teachers I am choosing the right.

(PENCIL) When I do my homework and learn I am choosing the right.

(LIPS) When I speak kindly I am choosing the right.

When we choose the right we are also choosing to be happy.  Choosing the right makes us feel good inside and Jesus and Heavenly Father are happy with us too.

I hope that we can all try choosing the right every single day.  I know that it will bring us happiness.

In the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.

Jilli's prayer tonight: "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the day, I mean . . .  thank you for the food.  AMEN!"
She's also very into what labeling what boys and girls do.  She'll say things like, "Only girls feed babies" or "That chair is only for boys."  Some of her labels are very funny and I'll have to gently correct her with an "Actually boys AND girls can do that."
Jilli also has discovered that magic of a pinky promise.  I've heard her ask the boys several times to pinky promise with her, but tonight when I went upstairs and discovered that she had emptied a good portion of her clothes drawer and asked her not to do that again, she replied with, "I won't mom," and then sticking her little finger out to me she followed up with "pinky promise!"

Jaxton told me that he woke up during the middle of the night and was super scared.  He said he didn't know what to do and then he remembered that he could pray.  He then said that he kneeled on top of his covers, asked Jesus and Heavenly Father to help him not be scared and then he said to me, "And you know what?  I wasn't scared anymore and I went back to sleep!"  I assured him that he had done exactly the right thing and that I was so proud of him.  I love seeing my kids put their faith into action!

Jaxton’s Primary Talk – Agency is the Gift to Choose for Ourselves – 12/29/12

Think about the choices you’ve made today.  Did you make a choice about what cereal to eat for breakfast, or what tie to wear, or if you were going to listen to your parents?  Since we are all here today, I know that you made the choice to come to church. 

We will have choices every day.  There will be hard choices and easy choices and we may even choose the wrong choice sometimes, but we will always have a choice because we have AGENCY.  Agency is a gift that Jesus has given us so that we can choose for ourselves. 

I am so thankful for agency and that I can make choices for myself.  I know that if we make good choices that we will live with Jesus and Heavenly Father again. 

In the name of Jesus Christ AMEN         

2011 Goals

Everyone did fairly well with their 2011 goals. I'm still working on my 10lbs, but this year I'm more realistic and instead put that I would eat more veggies than sugar.

Here's hoping that 2012 brings us as much happiness as 2011 did!

I don't ever get tired of seeing this little face.

Mac SO loves him some Karate!

Thankful

How thankful we were to have the Bishop's come and join us for Thanksgiving. We hadn't seen them for almost a year and a half, but the kids picked right up and had a great time together. Olivia and Jilli especially took an immediate liking to one another and it was so fun to watch them interact for three days.

Our family feels so blessed. We have each other, the gospel, our home, good health, opportunities to grow and develop, a great job and more things than I could actually list. My heart is full of gratitude to the Savior for His hand in our lives!