Elder Peterson Week 60

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 

     I love Halloween! I love the creative decorations people set up and the fun costumes that kids are always so excited to wear . On Saturday we got to go to our ward's Trunk or Treak activity at the church. It was so much fun! It started with a chili cook-off, so I ate very well. Then there were games set up around the church and people with their trunks decorated outside. The only thing that killed the mood was the Sisters showing up "dressed as Elders." They were totally mocking us! I guess it was kind of funny, but I won't tell them that. They already thought they were hilarious  I'll put a picture down below. What was really fun was that the kids in the ward seemed to remember who I am, so they would come up and talk to me. I mean this in the most normal way I can, but I love kids. I don't know if it's just cause I miss the 30+ little cousins I have or if it's just because kids are hilarious. But it was so fun watching all the crazy kids in their weird costumes running around like tornadoes . Elder Dodge accidently bumped into a kid dressed up as SWAT and the kid proceeded to pull out his baton and poke him in the stomach with an angry face. Then he marched away. We were laughing so hard at that. Everyone kept asking why we didn't dress up and I just kept telling them we were FBI. I wish I had brought my aviators... that would have been perfect. A guy suggested we dress up as the sisters since they dressed up as us. I laughed, and then realized he wasn't really kidding. I said "fat chance" and then got some more chili.

     It was a super fun night and I'm glad we got to go. We had invited some of the people we're teaching, but none of them showed up. I understand though, I'm sure everyone had parties they were going to.

     Not much (besides that party) has happened since I last wrote. Elder Dodge and I have been walking all over the area trying to find people that will talk to us. We haven't had much success yet, but I've got faith it'll turn around. God has put people in my path before, I know He can do it again.

     We met with Linda the other night, I think Wednesday night maybe. We talked with her and we all felt that now wasn't the best time for her to take the next step. Her husband has agreed to start going to church with her again, though not this church. But we are all very hopeful at the fact that he's opening up more to going with her. We feel that it's best that she follows his lead for now, so as not to risk driving any kind of wedge in their relationship. I know that the Lord will work something out and eventually circumstances will allow them to progress towards the Covenant path. I am very grateful for getting to know Linda so much. The hope that the Gospel has brought her makes her shine like a beacon and I'm so grateful to have been an instrument in God's hand to bring that hope and peace to her. I just pray that she'll be able to continue with it in the future. 

      I'm not sure if I explained all that very well or if it makes much sense, but I know I feel peace in what we've decided. I know Linda will be given the opportunity again.

     We shared our testimonies with her before leaving and I shared this verse with her as part of my testimony.

     "I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.

      I have charity for my people, and great faith in Christ that I shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment-seat" (2 Nephi 33: 6-7).

     

        Jesus Christ means everything to me. Without Him there would be no hope for the future. But because of Him, I have all hope for the future. I echo the words of Nephi in this scripture in that I also have great hope and great faith for that day. I know my Redeemer lives, and I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His kingdom on the earth. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real and it is sufficient for all of us if we simply give Him our all. Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration and the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Russell M. Nelson is a prophet of God called to lead His church today. 

     I do not just believe these things, I know them to be true. This knowledge came by my study and prayer and I testify that any person can receive this witness if they experiment upon Moroni's words in the last chapter of the Book of Mormon. 

God lives and loves.

Have a great week, don't have too much fun today !

-Elder Peterson 

The Robertson's had us over for donuts last night. They were gooood.

Halloween

Halloween this year was on a Monday which was my dance day, so fun! I told my classes the previous week to come dressed up in their Halloween costumes and I dressed up as Minnie Mouse. 

For the first time since I stopped teaching Friday nights I have people teaching classes the same time as me. Sydney is teaching two homeschool classes and I had so many sign up for my Kinderstars class that we had to have Stephanie teach a class and they are both full, its crazy, I have always had small classes on Monday but this year we had a ton of kids signing up. Stephanie and Sydney both also dressed up, Stephanie a frog and Sydney a Kitty, I made sure to get pictures of us before our classes started. 

My kiddos were so cute in their costumes and we had a lot of fun dancing to Halloween music. I was glad my class was the day of Halloween and not the day after when the kids were coming off staying up late and dealing with sugar highs.

top picture, Kinderstars back row l-r: Kylie, Decklyn, Marloe, Violet, Scarlett and Bethany

bottom row: Emily, ??, Simon and Italia

bottom Picture, Tiny Tots l-r: Ella, Aiden, Hayden, Arin, Madeline and Poppy

Halloween night Kefford and I stayed home to pass out candy, Avynlea hung out with her friends and Rylee went trick or treating with her friends. She dressed up as Bugs Bunny from Space jam and looked pretty cute. 

Ella, Taylee and Rylee

 

Cheer Team Pictures, at the Farm, Vintage Clothes Tryon

Avynlea's cheer team had team pictures and solo pictures. In the past the pictures were paid for out of the cheer budget and I got the images and was able to download them and print as wanted. This year we had to buy them ourselves and I knew we were going to have Avynlea take some of her senior pictures in her uniform so I didn't bother ordering any pictures. These team pictures were ones the coach posted on Instagram and I just screenshot them.

Kenedy and Tyler went looking at engagement rings and Kenedy sent me a picture of one she tried on that she really liked. I think it is a beautiful ring and am excited that they are looking at rings.

Sunday after church we went out to the farm, I wanted to see Mikell who was in town visiting. She wasn't able to come to our Halloween party because she was sick and I really wanted to see her. They moved to Montana a couple of moths previously and I missed her and her family. We had a lot of fun being out there and playing with their kids and I loved being able to visit with Mikell.

Kefford and I were cleaning and organizing the Attic above our closet and I found some clothes form High School and College. The pants are back in style now as well as the dress. It was fun watching my kids try on clothe that I wore when I was about their age. The coat was Kefford's and is massive.

Paige, Diego. and Natalie came over to hang with Avynlea, they made Fettuccini Alfredo for dinner and had fun cooking and hanging out together.

Sunday night we were watching a movie and the girls took my phone to take some pictures. It is always interesting to get my phone back and see the pictures they took.

Elder Peterson Week 59

  I say long week not necessarily because it just felt long, but because it was long. Counting PDays as the beginning of weeks as we do, this last week was 9 days. But I've been okay with it because today we get to go to the temple! 

     I'm also doing an exchange tonight... it's gonna be a crazy day.

     This past week has also been long because it's a been a little slow. We've been losing our teaching pool lately and we barely have anyone left to talk to. This isn't bad though, all the people who aren't talking to us anymore weren't very interested, so it's good to move on from them. Because of the lack of people to talk to, we've been doing a lot of street contacting. I'm honestly surprised we weren't able to set up a lesson with anyone new. Kingwood is being more stubborn than usual lately. 

     We did get in contact with Austin again, after not talking to him in two weeks. He accidently gave us the wrong number, so none of our texts went through to him. We caught him on Sunday though and fixed it up. We also had a cool conversation about why there's sin in the world and what would happen if everyone was just perfect. It was an interesting question and we had a good conversation. He also scheduled to meet with us at the church on Sunday, so that's sweet. He's a cool kid and he says he has lots of questions, so I'm excited to meet with him again.

     Linda has been super busy all of last week up until now, so we haven't been able to meet with her at all. She has read a little bit, but yesterday she told us she hasn't read at all over the weekend. We asked if she's noticed a difference on the days she does and doesn't read and she said yes. She noticed that the days she does read on are typically a better day because of it. That was when I threw my hands up and, in my head, said "then why don't you read everyday!?" I was about to say this, but she kinda said it for me. She's understanding the importance, that makes me happy. We also gave her some advice about bringing up baptism to her husband and she jokingly said "you're too young to have good advice!" She did like what we suggested though, and agreed to try it. 

     We did a blitz with the Zone Leaders this past week and it was fun. Elder Jackson and I went to the top of our area and talked to EVERYONE. But no one cares to strenghten their faith in Jesus Christ I guess. All we got was a bunch of "no"s and lame exuses. Those will come back to bite you eventually! At one house Elder Jackson complimented the guy's mustache. The guy and myself laughed and Elder Jackson was a little confused, cause he was totally genuine. Funny guy. 

     I can't think of anything else that happened that is interesting enough to put here... I'll share a scripture I liked from my studies. Alma 37:46

"O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.

     This verse got me thinking about something I've noticed with members of the church (myself included sometimes). We often get comfortable in the way life is going and forget that there is always stuff for us to do. 2 Nephi 31:20 teaches us that we are not ever done. There is always something to improve and ways we can show greater faith and dedication to God. We know the way and because of that I think we get a little slothful sometimes. We must focus on the little things as well as the great, because it is by small and simple things that great things are brought to pass. Let's avoid getting carried away by the fact that we have the truth and the restored gospel. There is still much to do and God does not tolerate slothfulness. Look forward to the goal and never lean from it.

     I often wonder how many people get this email... My mother does the distribution for me, so I really don't know. I assume more than just my grandparents and siblings (I doubt my siblings even read these anyway). 

     Have a good week!

-Elder Peterson

Our apartment had a pupkin carving contest yesterday. We don't know who won yet, but we feel pretty good about ours.

I'm not doing very good with the photos... I'll do better.

Peterson 9th Annual Halloween Party

I got back from California just in time to host my annual Peterson Halloween Party which was the next day. Jeremy brought pulled pork and I had everyone else bring a side with Mikell bringing dessert. I made pumpkin bars and supplied buns, drinks, plates and utensils. This year we also had a bouncy house and that was a big hit with all of the kids and some of the adults. Whitney and I had fun going down the slide with the kids and cemented our place as the fun Aunts!

back row: Asher(Stick Man), Brooke(Kitty), James(Ghost), Avynlea, Leah(jack-o-lantern), Joshua(jack-o-lantern), Rylee, Qiana, Brielle, Xander(Bear) and Hazel(Jasmine)

middle row: Maddie(Huey), Tayvia(Merida) and Jenna(Butterfly)

front row: Kelly(Butterfly), Amelia(Isabella), Kinsley(Louie), Sadie(Huey), Dillon(Scrooge McDuck), Jason(Launchpad McDuck), Caleb(jack-o-lantern) and Garrett(jack-o-lantern)

After the party we still had some time left with the bouncy house so we invited our neighbors Scotty and Bo Lamb over to play on it for a little bit. Their parents were out of town but their Grandma let them come over and play on it with Avynlea and Rylee.

 

Football vs Eagle; District Campionships

Kenedy made. sculpture of Tyler using some play doh she was playing with during General Conference.

Kenedy sent us. picture of her doing yard duty at the school she is doing her student teaching at, she is pretty cute in that bright yellow safety vest.

A new Niece was born, Michelle gave birth to Leah and she is pretty cute.

Meridian Played Eagle for the District Championships and Meridian won! I wasn't able to be there because I extended my stay in California to help my Mom a couple of extra days. I was sad to miss the game but my Mom stilled needed someone to be with her and I was able to stay so I did. Amy sent me two pictures that she took at the game so that was fun.

 

Mom's Surgery

My Mom had to have a second hip surgery this time on her Left hip and I told her that when she had it done I would try to come down and help her. It was originally scheduled for August and so I booked a plane ticket and made plans to go and help. A week before the surgery my Mom had to be on medications for something and because she was on a certain medication they had to reschedule her surgery. It was rescheduled for October 11 and I was able to rebook my ticket for that week which was pretty great. I flew in on the evening of the 10th and the next morning Heather and I took Mom to the hospital for her surgery. We had to arrive at 6 but they kept us waiting and wouldn't let us check in until 7, it was an annoying and long wait. I put Mom's hair in French braids so she didn't have to worry about her hair being messed up after surgery and she looked pretty cute. 

When they finally took her back Heather and I went home and laid on the couch watching TV so we could fall back asleep if we wanted to. At about noon the hospital called us to pick up Mom's medications so we headed over to wait in another line for her medicine and then we came back home to wait again. Finally closer to 3:00 we got the call that she was ready to be picked up. Heather and I went to the Hospital and went upstairs to get Mom. They brought her out of the room in her wheelchair and gave her to us and we took possession. While in the elevator Heather flashed Mom so that later we could see if she would remember. We asked her. lot throughout the day and the days after and every time she said yes. I think she was remembering just because we were asking so much. Her hair looked cute and she said she got a lot of compliments on her hair so success!

Heather went back to work the next day and so I was solely in charge of Mom and her care. I made a schedule for her medications and gave them to her on time throughout the day. Mom went to bed at about 10:00 every night and I would set my alarm and get up at 4am to give her her medicine and help her get to the bathroom. She was able to get in and out of bed, slowly, herself but I needed to be there to give her her walker and if there were any problems. She was a really good patient and made it easy to take care of her. The Dr said she had to walk every hour and I took that job seriously and she walked a little bit in the house every hour. The physical therapist came the day after her surgery and he gave us some exercises that she had to do three times a day. They were hard but she was so good to do them knowing that they would help with her recovery. 

Ashleigh came over with her kids towards the end of the week and it was fun to see them and get to hang out. Abigail has gotten so friendly and I loved playing with her.

Kenedy had a break from student teaching and she and Tyler came down from Utah to go to Disneyland and visit our family as well as Tyler's Dad's family who live in Corona. They came over on Friday and spent all day hanging out with us. Ashleigh came over with her kids and then after work Stephanie, Jeremy and Heather were there to see Kenedy and meet Tyler. Atticus quickly made Tyler his new best friend and they spent a lot of the day playing and having fun. 

Atticus was pretty sad when he had to leave his new best friend, the hug between these two was so cute

Abigail got a hold of my phone and accidentally took a selfie. I love her chubby face!

One of my former Young Women got her mission call to serve in the Riverside California mission and I was so excited because that is my home mission! I thought it would be fun to meet up with her while I was down in California and so I asked Erin and Stephanie if they would come and hang out with Mom while Heather and I met up with Sister Eberhard and her companion and took them to lunch. We met at a Mexican restaurant and it was so fun to see Madi, spend some time with her and eat yummy Mexican food. She is such a good missionary and just glowed with that missionary spirit. Her companion was super sweet and I had a great time visiting with both of them. I Brought Madi a small package that her Mom had sent with me for her and we just visited and ate for about and hour. I loved giving her a hug and then made sure to get some pictures. 

On Sunday, Ashleigh's family, Erin and Mary Beth came over for dinner. Heather and I went to Costco while Erin and Stephanie were with Mom on Saturday to get a couple of things for dinner.  One of the items was to get something for dessert so I picked a white cake because they are delicious and then I had the Costco bakers add a special message for Mom on it. 

MaryBeth was talking about how they are going to call me Nurse Rachet but I didn't like the sound of that because it sounds so mean and I am not a mean nurse. I was trying to come ip with a better name to call me and when I said I am Nurse...all that I could think of and what came out was pretty girl. We laughed and laughed over that one because they said Nurse Pretty Girl sounded like a stripper name. It is loads better then Nurse Rachet so I am sticking with Nurse Pretty Girl.

I got a picture of mom's staples when the PT came to change her bandages and then a week and a half after the surgery I was walking behind Mom for one of her hourly walks and I saw the biggest nastiest looking bruise I have ever seen. I took a picture so I could show her. She said she can't feel it and it is just the blood from surgery settling draining down her leg.