Sariah is Sick

Our pup is sick. She's only three years old, but we're looking at auto-immune problems and cancer testing. When we took her in a few weeks back, the test results didn't show anything abnormal, and the blood work seemed within normal limits. When things didn't improve we took her back. This was the clinic we go to.  This time there was a drop in her liver count, and they told us we needed to see a specialist. We drove her to the VCA hospital near our home. There's definitely something wrong. I More testing has been done. We'll know more in the next few days. I wasn't ready for this at this young an age. I keep hoping it's what the breeder told us it is which is Valley Fever. She's had two dogs with it and nearly lost one of them. But we're being told that they've tested for that, and it's not Valley Fever. I so want this to be something fixable. She is too young, and such a good dog.

College

Things just got real. We're going to be parents of a college girl. Heather got her acceptance email today and will be a Fall/Spring student at BYU-Idaho. We couldn't be more proud of our first born.

Jordan Reynolds' Recital

It was a privilege to watch our dear friend perform tonight. Jordan has an exquisite voice, and we've been fans for years. He did a recital here in Huntington Beach. He is in Boston currently at the New England Conservatory of Music working on his Masters Degree in vocal performance so, this was a treat to have him here. This was our "village mom" picture with Michelle Holbrook. We met Jordan when he was 12 and his family moved in down the street.  It's so amazing to watch youth grow up and follow their dreams. We are proud groupies! Excellent work Jordan!

Jenna's Piñata

Jenna's piñata project is finally finished. Heather had these same projects when she took Spanish 1, but I guess I blocked them out. They get assigned, and we end up using our school breaks to work on them. That's the part I hate. I wish school breaks could be just that--breaks from school. But Jenna did a great job on her piñata. Now we have to clean up. Yikes.

New Year's Eve 2016

First New Year's Eve Dance for Jenna and her friends, and the annual game night for Heather and her friends.

As I reflect on the year 2016, my heart is full. We've had an activity-filled year and although we've been busy, we have tried to balance with fun, relaxation, celebrations and lots and lots of love. This year included my callings with the Jubilee and the Camp food committee which took many hours of planning and practice, Jenna graduating from middle school, starting high school and growing in her volleyball skills, Heather having success in track and building deeper friendships as she ended her junior year and began her senior year, and a lot of fun activities and family time. We have been blessed beyond measure. Here's to a healthy and happy 2017!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Some of my favorite gifts this Christmas were from my girls. The journal and smile from Jenna, and the Mom message and delicious smelling candle from Heather. I love the positive messages, the thought they put into finding these gifts, and the love that was wrapped up with them. I love these girls to the moon and back again, times infinity.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day was busy, yet quiet this year. As the Ward Music Chairman with the 11:00 a.m. Sacrament Meeting time, I had the responsibility to organize the program for a multi-ward choir that would comprise the entire Sacrament Meeting program after the Sacrament was served for Christmas Day. We had just Sacrament meeting, met with the Mile Square and Single Adult wards, and we had an incredibly spiritual Sacrament Meeting program.  I didn't know if I could pick all the music and assemble the program, but with the help of the Spirit, I chose music which turned out to be easily learned yet beautiful in harmonies and messages of the Savior. It was, by far, my favorite part of my calling to date.  Kevin and Beth chose not to come this Christmas so, it was just the Peterson family and Grandpa. The girls requested turkey enchiladas, and they were delicious. Thanks to Judy, we had a beautiful Christmas card this year. Christmas Day was especially spiritual, and it felt like the perfect thing to do to go church in the morning and spend the day with family.  Our Savior is the reason for this season, and we feel blessed and grateful.