Park City 2013 Getaway At The Hyatt Escala

Scott and I had the opportunity to get away for 5 days in August. Let me just say that although we do feel like it is a priority to get away together, we don't do it very often or for very long. Luckily, Scott's mom was willing to fly into town and hold Grandma Camp for the kids. Scott and I traveled to Park City, UT, which only takes 3 hours in the car. It was so much fun getting away. We hiked a lot. Rented Mountain Bikes, attended the Salt Lake temple, shopped, ate great food, sipped lots of Hot chocolate and went to a movie.

We rented our Mountain Bikes at Cole's Sport and they are my favorite bike rental shop. The prices are reasonable and they get you in and out quickly. We biked for two days. Riding the lift at Park City Resort is so much fun and the trails are fantastic. We were covered in mud from head to toe because it poured rain on us. It made the experience even better because we were freezing and laughing so hard and eating tons of dirt. We left our car at Cole Sport and rode our bikes back to the Hyatt Escala.

I strongly recommend staying at this Resort. The prices were great for this time of year and the suite was amazing. We had so much room. I took a few pictures so you can browse through them a little, but this place was updated and nice. It was very clean, easy to get to, great pool, wonderful hiking, and the bathroom was AWESOME. It is located right next to The Canyon's Resort.

I didn't do dishes or laundry or make a bed or pick up a mess for 5 blissful days. Scott and I are pretty tidy and it reminded me that most of our messes come from the kids.

Spending 5 days with Scott was so beyond wonderful. We were able to do all the things that we love and we took advantage of every second together. Vacationing with your best friend is such a blessing and we appreciated it even more because we don't get to do it very often.

The good news is that the kids missed us and the house was in great shape.
The bad news is that I'm already itching to get away with Scotty.

I.
Love.
Him.

3...almost 4, Violins

On Sunday, Dylan and Kate played their violins with Scott for the first time in Sacrament meeting. I couldn't help taking a quick iphone picture so that I could remember what they looked like forever. I almost joined them and played my violin, but I chickened out. My pride got the best of me and I didn't want to ruin the number for them, especially since I haven't been practicing lately and my skills are beginner anyway. Maybe someday, but probably not. Dylan and Kate already passed me and they have nerves of steel. I am so proud of them for sharing their budding talent with the our ward.

I'll will never forget it. My cup runneth over.

Sunday Thoughts: Sunday On The River

Sunday is my favorite day.

It is calm.

Quiet.

Peaceful.

&.

Spiritual.

Sunday's energize me. It is my weekly recharge. 

Sunday is a Holy day.

Sunday is a day I renew my Covenants with the Lord.

Sunday is a day of Service.

Sunday is a Family day.

Sunday is a day of Rest.

I often think about the stress and  anxiety I might feel if I didn't have Sunday to just...

STOP.

LISTEN.

&.

HEAR.

But I do.

And I am so. so. so. grateful for that.

These pictures were taken impromptu on our last Sunday Walk. Something about the water and the waves and my sweet family make these pictures depict how I feel about The Sabbath Day perfectly.

Babies still cry.

Kids still fight.

Dinner still has to be made.

Clothes still need to be ironed.

And yet I find more peace on this day, than any other day.

And I know it is because I attend church.

I take the Sacrament.

I think about the Savior.

And I learn about his gospel.

I love Sundays.

And spending Sunday with the one closest to your heart is magical. meaningful. magnificent.

I love him.

10 Years Of Marriage: Thoughts on my Anniversary

Today Scott & I are celebrating our 10th Wedding Anniversary.

This is an amazing day.

I'm still not sure how so much time has passed so quickly.

Tonight Scott & I will be in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Dressed in white.

Again.

It is our favorite way to remember our special marriage covenants.

We even decided to write marriage vows for each other and 

I can't wait to read Scott mine.

Most of what I have to say about this wonderful day I will save and share with Scott.

Its mushy and lovey and private.

But I do want to share with you our two favorite talks on marriage.

Read these with your spouse.

Pray about them and ponder them over and over again.

Then put their teachings to work.

I promise you that they will touch your heart, strengthen your marriage 

help bring more fulfillment than you could ever imagine.

John & Mary, Beginning Life Together by Spencer W. Kimball

Of Souls, Symbols & Sacraments by Jeffery R. Holland

Please let me know how you like them and if you have any favorite talks of your own.

We would love to add them to our favorites list.

30 Day and 90 Day Book Of Mormon Reading Schedules

The Book Of Mormon Forum Challenge is going on today over at BeingLDS:

Ever since I first challenged myself to read The Book Of Mormon in 30 Days I have had a deeper love for the scriptures and a stronger desire to love, serve and keep the commandments. When I Finished my 30 Day challenge I had a complete change of heart. I felt a deeper resolve to live the gospel than I had ever had before. I have had many people download my 30 Day Reading Schedule and I love it when they let me know that they have accepted the challenge. I have decided to include a 90 Day Reading Schedule here as well, so that everybody can find a reading plan that fits their schedule. 

Last night I had an experience with Kate. She had acted out in a behavior that really upset me. My first thought was that we needed to punish her. Really punish her. I even told Scott to go and give her a big spank. Luckily, Scott was more in line with Gospel teachings and insisted we wait and think about it. I was very disappointed in her, so much so that I was crying and really, really sad. I thought about how Enos father must have felt when he didn't think that Enos was grasping the principles of the gospel or trying to keep the commandments. I thought about how Alma must have felt when his son was running around trying to destroy the church and lead people astray. Both of these fathers must have mourned their son's mistakes and prayed mightily for them to feel the Saviors love, to make good choices, and to begin keeping the commandments.

As Scott and I knelt beside Kate's bed we looked into her 7 year old eyes. Suddenly I was much less concerned with her actual behavior, and much more concerned with helping her know and feel her Heavenly Father's love. Reminding her that she is a Daughter of God and that she has more value and worth than she will ever know. I went from almost ruining this sweet experience by spanking her in a moment of anger and rage, to feeling a love for her deeper than I have ever felt before. I sat and held her as she cried because of the sorrow she felt for the wrong she had done. And when I turned out the lights and tucked her into bed she told me she loved me and just how sorry she was. 

And I know that she is wonderful. 

What if I had missed out on that?

I am so grateful for The Book Of Mormon in my life. I'm grateful for prophets that feel like mentors and friends, for scriptures that sink deep into my soul, and for a husband that was able to help me stop for a moment and just think.

Here are two different reading schedules. I really hope you will let me know if you decide to use them. I love hearing about other peoples experiences with finishing The Book Of Mormon, whether it is for the first time or the 100th.

Just read it.

You can click on the picture, save it and print it or download a the jpeg {Here} 30 Day Reading Schedule

You can click on the picture, save it and print it or download the jpeg {Here} 90 Day Reading Schedule

The 30 day chart is available in a different color >>>> HERE.

And if you have a Book Of Mormon Experience that you would like to share...LINK UP!!! Jocelyn is having another great link-up Party over at BeingLDS. She has invited everyone to participate in her Book Of Mormon Forum.

Birthday Weekend Surprise Party

As if having my entire family surprise me on my porch for my birthday wasn't enough, 24 hrs later I came home to a house full of my neighbors and friends. 

SURPRISE! 

I walked into the house with my pants rolled up, my toenails still wet and no idea that my house was full of people. 

For the past month Scott had been conspiring with my friends Haley and Shawri to throw a party for me. The food was amazing, the turn-out was great and we had a blast. Thank you so much H & S for all the hard  work. And I look forward to embarrassing you for your own surprise parties. Payback is coming.

We played Minute 2 Win It and we had so much fun. The Boys were against the girls and this led to couples competing against each other. The girls dominated. No surprise there.

Here are my parents stacking dice. My mom won. What?

Shawri and Melanie getting a little close!

Matt and Matt...they won. This cracked me up.

Ashlee won both of her competitions helping the girls to victory.

Kate was so into it. She wanted to play every single game.

Haley trying to get an Oreo from her forehead to her mouth. She killed Tyler and I almost wet my pants I was laughing so hard.

Scott and his new 4-wheeler prize.

Grandparents and Grand babies. Nothing better.

My 2 younger brothers. Dustin & John.

Papa and Sawyer.

And if you made it this far, here is a little treat for you.

Scott and I playing the ping pong ball in tissue box game. Scott killed me and after looking at his

moves it is no surprise why.

Enjoy.

And Scott, this is your payback for hitting me two nights in a row with mind-blowing surprises.

Nice Buns.

xoxo

Older, Blessed and Speechless at 37

Friday night there was a knock on the door. It was 10:30 pm and Scott was grinning at me from ear to ear. As I made my way to the door, I looked back at Scott and thought to myself, "that man is adorable." Little did I know what miracle was waiting for me on the other side of the door. Opening the door I was met with 7 pairs of familiar eyes. 

It was my family! 

My parents, my Brothers, my nieces and my Sister-in-law Jenna. 

In order for you to understand the magnitude of this miraculous event, you should know that my brother John lives in Washington, D.C. and flew out here with his two daughters (we missed you Anne, thanks for letting them come!) my brother Dustin is in Residency right now working around the clock shifts, my sister-in-law Jenna is a Full-Time student at BYU and my parents are Busy, Busy people. So the fact that they were all standing on my porch at the same time was incredible. Tears filled my eyes as I looked from face to face. Even now, days later it seems somehow like a dream. Scott worked for two months to pull off this ultimate birthday surprise and I am still speechless. The unfolding of events all for little old me is so humbling. I feel so grateful to have a husband who knows the deepest wishes of my heart and helped my wishes come true. This gift was the purest and most rare kind. This gift was Eternal.

And having Happy Birthday sung to me by my family on my porch at 10:30 pm can never be topped. It was the ultimate!!!

I mean, look at these faces.

Scott, you are simply better than the best. You are Everything. 

I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

Times that by forever.

Happy Father's Day To You!

Happy Father's Day to all you dad's out there. There are a few super special dad's that we like to celebrate at our house. I took turns asking the kids questions about their dad and their grandpa's and we have a few video's to share with you.

(Please note that my voice is super, I mean super annoying and I apologize. Hey, I'm the one stuck with it. Turn your speakers down PRONTO!*warning... screeching tones and patronizing voice may leave you slightly nauseous.)

 Happy Father's Day Scott!!!  

Happy Father's Day Papa Robert!!!  

Happy Father's Day Grandpa Blake!!!

We sure love you awesome Men
and we are so blessed
to have you for our own.

Happy, Happy Father's Day.

My Definition of "True" Love

"True" Love...as in,

WOW, this isn't at all what I thought it would be.

It is HARD.

It can HURT.

And it takes A LOT of WORK.

I remember sitting down with my Bishop a week or two before our wedding date. Scott and I were young (well he was), and in love, and pretty clueless about what we were getting ourselves into. The Bishop told us that he and his wife had never {did I mention that he said NEVER} exchanged a cross word in their 30 years of marriage. I sat there with my hopeful head spinning, floating off to this place called {dream land} that my Bishop should have told me DIDN'T REALLY EXIST!!! I thought to myself,

"Oh, how romantic, and lovely. That is what our marriage is going to be. We can do it. We love each other SO much. I mean...it is TRUE LOVE after all!"

Well for those of you that are married...

it should come as  NO SURPRISE

that about 4 weeks into our marriage

I completely tossed my idea of what a PERFECT MARRIAGE should be.

Perfect just can't exist when there are TWO IMPERFECT people involved.

So for me "TRUE" love is about trying for more of this:

TRUST
COMMITMENT
HUMILITY
SELFLESSNESS
KINDNESS
HAPPINESS
LOYALTY
HUMOR
LOVE
SERVICE
INTIMACY

And less of this:

Selfishness
Greed
Insincerity
Darkness
Dishonesty
Heartache
Tears
Stubbornness
Pride
Complacency
Meanness

 And so you see,

Our Marriage isn't Perfect

But our LOVE STORY is.

We laugh.

We forgive.

We try.

We keep trying.

We kiss.

We give.

We serve.

We continue on.

Day after day after day.

Because the TRUTH about love is that the more you give, the more you get.

And the TRUTH is...
9 years ago, when I met Scott at church, and he introduced himself to me as 'Steve' because he was flirting, and I followed him out into the hall and gave him a little pinch on his bottom and a wink because I was flirting, our "TRUE LOVE" ignited. And that FLAME is still BURNING.

And here is a little note I wrote to Scott, a few years back.

Love Letters by Erin Peterson


I don't tell you often enough of the huge space you occupy in my heart.

I miss writing you love letters.
I think I shall start.

I love you.

It's a different kind of love.

It started as one big giant explosion...

and simmered to one, constant glowing flame.

It is steady, warm and pure.

Our flame is ours.
It works for us.

My love for you will  never dim.
It can't.

You ignite my heart.
You quicken my breath.
You heat my soul.
You're my perfect match.

And we will continue blazing through life together.

You and me...on fire.

~~~~~~

Happy Valentine's Day Scott.
The whole family is sick.
This day isn't going to be very romantic.
But when I asked you to please empty the dishwasher this morning because I couldn't bring myself to do it, and I came back into the room and you were scrubbing the sink with everything in it's place.
That was SEXY.

I love you STUPID. (Is this a harsh pet name because I kind of like it?) Even though you forgot your socks on our wedding day and had to wear black ones. (As the photo's above will illustrate.) And I'm so glad that you love me. (Even though I snored SO SO SO loud last night {his words} because I am super sick.)

I am loving the journey, and I'm loving you always,

Snoobs.

Christmas In January: A Re-do

Let the Record books show that I love my husband. I care for him deeply, I rely on him, I appreciate him and value him so highly. I try to express my love for him but sometimes I think I fall short. 

I have told the blogosphere here, here, here, here, and here the things I love and appreciate and admire about my husband and I have also shared a love letter that Scott wrote me here. 

But sometimes I find it easier to sincerely tell all of you how much I love him and appreciate him that it is to tell him and make him believe that I mean it. 

Do you ever find it hard to truly show appreciation for your spouse?

I find it hard sometimes to convince Scott that I truly appreciate all that he does for our family. It is easy to say the words, "thank you", or "you are awesome", or "I really appreciate that", but I have found it really difficult to show him how much I value him. 

Scott is a rare bread. He is a doer. He will do whatever job there is that needs to be done; whatever service that will lighten my burdens is his primary focus. I am starting to realize just how much I have taken him for granted. I don't try to. I don't mean to. 

I am a loving and a giving person, but I have grown accustomed to him doing more than his share of the load, more than he should, and I have started to just expect it.

EXPECT IT.

What does this say about me? (too scared to really know the answer to this one.)

I have become selfish. I have prioritized myself, my children, my interests, my needs....MY. (evil word)

One of my resolutions for 2012 is to start prioritizing the needs of my husband. I don't think this is going to be easy for me. I really have become selfish.

My first item on the agenda was to RE-DO Christmas. You see, when Christmas morning came I didn't have one thing to give Scott. Not a Card, Not a gift...Nothing. I had been so preoccupied with my surgery that I had failed to plan anything for him. 

Now Scott & I are never very conventional about giving gifts to each other. And Scott rarely has anything wrapped under the tree for me either. In September when I so selfishly told Scott that there was a camera that I wanted for Christmas, he told me to get in the car and he drove me straightaway to get it. That is just how he works. He hates depriving me of ANYTHING. 

Insert my beautiful camera! My Christmas present from Scott in September.

Oh, how I love this totally ridiculously expensive camera. 

It is not practical and I don't NEED it...but I love it. A lot.

Spoiled, right?

I decided that I wanted to do something for Scott.

Now, Scott doesn't really care that much about stuff. And the truth is he would rather have me NOT spend money on him and send the money straight to our savings account. But the problem is that he NEVER buys himself anything and I still wanted to do something nice for him.

So Monday the kids and I started to prepare. We decorated with Christmas lights, cooked a nice formal dinner, wrapped gifts, made treats and sent Scott funny Christmas-y texts throughout the day.

When he got home from work we shouted Merry Christmas and started the celebrations.

We had such a great time and it was really fun to be able to celebrate Scott together as a family.

Excuse me for a minute...

***Scott you sexy man you, I Love you.

I love you.

I.

Love.

You.

Never, have I loved anyone or anything more than I love you.

You.

Rock.

Let's smooch. ;)***

So now I'm off to plan the next thing that I can DO for my husband. Maybe I'll shower, brush my teeth and get out of my sweats. Now wouldn't that be a treat.

And Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Remember THIS post? Now that was fun.

And I am determined to not start bleeding to death like I did last Valentine's Day.

Thoughts?

Why I love my Bean Bag...

When Scott and I were first married, we sat around one day trying to think of ridiculous pet names for each other. I decided that the worst one I could think of for Scott was Bean Bag. Well it stuck. Every once in a while I like to throw it out there.

Today is one of those days.

Is there anything better than a mug of Hot Chocolate on the front porch?

My mom requested in an email that we send her our Christmas wish list and this is the reply that my Bean Bag sent to her.

New bladder and uterus for Erin:) Lots of visits for her at hospital:) A doctor that hopefully wasn't trained in the Harmon's butcher department this time:) A miraculous recovery so that we can miraculously have more children:)   I'm easy, you can actually just pick 2 out of the 4 if you wish:)

I feel truly blessed to have a husband that finds so much joy in raising a family with me and his most sincere wish is to have more children.  

Truly Blessed.