Growth & Change

While living in Arizona,
we learned that the reason Apple Trees
can't grow very well in AZ is NOT
because it gets too hot there,

Kenedi in AZ 2006

but rather because it
DOESN'T get cold enough!

Karli in MN, 2007

I always thought that was a very interesting,
and as I get older,
I am beginning to realize how much
life is a little like an apple tree.

It is during the season of cold,

Stranded in Nebraska 2007

that the tree is able to establish firm

Aaron & Kori, Utah 2008

and solid roots.

Kaidon, handling his own tube, 2008

The cold doesn't kill
off an apple tree, it just makes it stronger-

One STRONG Family 2008

and without the cold season, the apple
tree just really can't reach it's full
potential

Aaron and I spent this past week pondering
the word "Potential" and what it means to us
as individuals and us as a family.
We've reminisced about the different
seasons we have lived in,

and the different places life has taken us.

The people we have met along the way,

and the challenges that have crept in
and taken us by surprise.

Last year when we knew a change was
coming-
we didn't know what,

and we didn't know when-

but something deep down told us
it was a comin',

I challenged my hubby to think about
and pray for what he wanted out of life.
His Goals,
His Dreams,
and His Plans & Hopes for the future.

Those journal entries were long
since forgotten, until this past week,
when we felt the need to check up on
how well this move fit into our
Goals, Dreams and Hopes!

As we both went through our journals,
individually and than as we shared our
personal insights, we were a little shocked
to discover that where we had landed,

was right where we are supposed to be
at this time in our lives.

This is a practice that I implemented in my
personal life long ago. I think being
intentional about life is a gift, and one
that should not be taken lightly.
We may not always have complete and total
say as to what happens in our lives,

but I think that when you know your Goals,

and you know where you are Headed,

it is easier to back out of a corner that
quite simply, you aren't supposed to be in!

This has worked for me many, many times over-

But what we took the time to realize,
is that each time change has come into our lives,
we notice the passing of a season-
Change feels a little cold sometimes,
a little lonely and sad,
and everything looks a little unfamiliar!

But I know from living in Minnesota,
that even the longest of WINTERS,
always come to an end-
and the SPRING that follows,

seems more vibrant, more green,
more full of life and potential

than you can remember any
Spring ever looking before.

Change comes,
Change becomes something new,
and before you know it,
what once was new,
is now familiar and part of who you are.

Don't be afraid of the winter!

The Good, The Bad & The Beautiful

On Thursday,
My family will officially have been
in Texas for 4 months-

A LOT has happened in these
4 months,
but also, A LOT is left to happen-

In 2011 we moved from California,
to Texas-

 In 2008 we moved from Minnesota
to California

So that means in three years, we've lived in
3 States!!
And I'd like to point out
that WE MOVED TEENAGERS!!

With LIVES!!!

So when me and the kids sat at the airport
on October 29, 2011-
we were just a heightened bunch of emotions
that ranged from fear to sorrow and
from anxiety to anticipation-

Now they are good kids,
and they are pretty mature for their ages,
but when we got to Texas,
I could tell this wasn't going to be our easiest move
so I went into SURVIVAL mode big time!!!

Think MAMA Bear on STEROIDS!!!!

I started several at home practices that would
help me know what was going through their minds
and what was happening in their day.
I can't begin to express how much I
believe these things helped get our family
through the harder parts of this transition!

One thing we did that helped a ton
was to share at dinner each night-
Our Good,
 (something awesome from the day)
Our Bad
 (something frustrating, sad, lonely...)
&Our Beautiful.
 (any mercy that helped us see that in the long
run Heavenly Father was watching out for us
& everything was going to be okay)

It was so helpful for me,
to hear from each child not only how the day went
but what was upsetting,
how they were handling the good
and more than anything else,
that they were noticing the little
Miracles in their lives that sometimes get
overshadowed by life in general

We've done this many times in our lives,
sharing our Ups & Downs
Highs & Lows
Peaks & Valleys,

but this added a new dynamic that I loved,
a recognition of a Heavenly Hand.

I believe it got us talking about our day,
allowed us to cry together if needed
and celebrate successes together.

Here's to your Good, Bad and Beautiful!!

Here's to New Beginnings

I am horrible with song lyrics,
even worse with song titles,
and even worse at
knowing the artists of the songs I love-
BUT once in a while,
a short phrase will stick in my mind
and become a mantra in my life!

I have a favorite song for when I am
feeling especially introspective that says,
"Every new beginning,
comes from some other new beginnings end"

I just love that-
I love that the circle of life really is
just one new beginning after another!

I've written thoughts about
pruning in a flower garden here
and today my thoughts are somewhat similar.

As we try to wade through each new day
here in Texas, especially while still living in
temporary housing- I can't help thinking
about the pruning process
and the Master Gardener.

I just think it is so interesting that a rose bush,
or any other perennial flower or tree,
simply cannot reach its' full measure of beauty
without being trimmed back- often!

And I can't help but think how, even with my
amateur abilities, I can prune a bush
to bring forth more beauty than it could
without my touch.

And if I can bring a rose bush to produce more beauty,
how much more can the Master Gardener produce
from me,
if I just let Him get to pruning.


Here's to new beginnings-

and here's to some other new beginnings end!

Grilled London Broil

So...
Have I mentioned I am moving??
Well as of now,
I am currently in Texas,

but my stuff is in California-
I think technically that means I am in LIMBO!!

But whilst loving my LIMBO,
I thought I would share another recipe from
our Going Away Parties.

I found myself in a bit of a bind,
see we Peterson's don't go to the
grocery store and buy our meat.
NOOOO!
We buy a full COW,
have it raised, slaughtered and cut
JUST the WAY we LIKE it!

So with this very quick and unexpected move,
I had myself a COW in my freezer that I had to
deal with,
in case you didn't know,
moving companies do NOT haul frozen cow!

So in desperation to use my meat,
and to try to stay very frugal,
I decided to use what I had in the freezer to feed
the big group of Teens that would be coming
through my doors to offer well wishes.

And I had London Broil
lots of it,
5 or 6 big slabs of it!
So I went searching for a recipe,
and I found the most simple,
yet delicious recipe on allrecipes.com
We modified it a bit, but it was absolutely
divine.

Here it is:

Grilled London Broil

1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. sea salt
3 TBSP. liquid aminos (soy sauce substitute)
1 TBSP. ketchup
1 TBSP. canola oil
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (if desired)
4 pound London Broil, flank steak or Tri Tip Roast

In a small bowl, mix everything BUT the meat.
Mix it well, let those flavors combine!
For if they combine now, they will SHINE later!
Score both sides of the meat about 1/8 inch deep.
Rub both sides of the meat with the garlic mixture.
Refrigerate for 5-6 hours or over night,
turning every once in a while.
Preheat outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil grate.
Place meat on the prepared grill.
Cook for 3-7 minutes per side, or to desired doneness.
*** Cooked at this time, the meat will be slightly red on the inside,
resist the urge to cook it more,
even if you are WELL DONE type of a gal (or guy)

This was absolutely delicious cut into slices and eaten alone.
We ate some the next day served with caramelized red onions
and peppers served on an open faced bun and
I sliced it thinner and put it in a steak salad that I love.

Trust me,
TRY IT!

Day 23: Chocolate Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

I interrupt this regularly scheduled 31 days,
to bring a very special distraction to the day!

Actually, it kind of goes with the whole
Creating Home theme that I have been focusing
on this month,
you see,
this weekend and last, our family has been
busy cooking in the kitchen,

making all manner of goodness

for going away parties and birthday parties
for my kids.
Last week it was the 18 year old's party-
both birthday and going away.

Today it is a party in honor of my 10, 12 and 15 year olds!

So to prepare for the events
and as an excuse to try so many new recipes,
my daughters and I went on a quest
to perfect some of our favorite treat recipes

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies PERFECTED!!!

and to create some new favorites!

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

I think we succeeded,
we had Mint Patty Cupcakes,

Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies,

Double Chocolate-y Oreo Crunch Cookies,

and so much more.

But I think MY Favorite were the
Salted Caramel Cupcakes
(Pause for Applause here)

Oh my gosh so good,
Can I say it AGAIN--
SO GOOD!!
People kept coming back for more and more,
I finally hid them!!
I needed some for me-
I'm kinda greedy like that.
Oh they were so GOOD-
Don't let another day go by, without adding these to
your beautiful day!

Cupcakes
the ensemble includes
1 1/4 c. flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. unsalted butter, room temp.
2 large eggs, room temp.
1 tsp. vanilla paste (you can use extract, but...)
1/2 c. whole milk
sea salt (my favorite is Maldon flakes, but I know tons of people love Fleur de Sel)


the stage:
A preheated oven set at 350 degrees 
and a cupcake pan with standard liners


the production:
Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
In another bowl, beat the sugars and butter. Beat this good,
too many people don't let this get light and fluffy-
don't be afraid,
the butter will not rebel, let it fluff!
Add eggs and vanilla paste until combined.

Alternately add milk and flour, starting & ending with flour.
Beat on low speed until just combined and take a quick lick!
Fill the cupcake liners and bake for 20 minutes.
Toothpick test does apply.

Frosting: the ensemble
1 stick of butter
8 oz. cream cheese
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. heavy cream
Pinch of sea salt

Prepare yourself, we gonna make CARAMEL!!
In heavy bottomed saucepan, cook the granulated sugar
over medium high heat until it begins to melt.
Let that sugar turn a nice amber brown, don't burn
it, but let it smoke a bit- burn barely (is that possible?)
Carefully pour the cream in to the sugar, in a steady stream.
The whole thing will bubble and sputter, have no fear.
Just keep stirring until completely smooth.
Set aside to cool.
Cream the butter and cream cheese together. Add the
powdered sugar a little at time so you get the consistency
YOU WANT~
When you have the consistency you want,
add the sea salt and a spoonful of cooled caramel.
Gently swirl, but don't stir it in.
Frost in your favorite way-
I know!!
Don't forget to take a quick lick!
Top frosted cupcakes with a slight sprinkle of sea salt.
For one batch of cupcakes we topped the frosting with
a beautiful swirl of remaining caramel
(okay, so we tripled the caramel for tasting purposes)
and than added the salt!!
AGAIN can I say
SO SO GOOD!!

Day Nine: Creating Home (Basic Principles)

My husband is leaving on Thursday for a new job in a new state.
We have hit a few obstacles, so our kiddos and I are staying behind
while we get some kinks ironed out in our plans.

Since this was our last weekend together for a while,
we decided to leave town and fill our hearts with the
happy things and places we have loved over the last
three years in California.

One stop we made last night was at a Visitor's Center for our church.
We played on some interactive activities watched some
videos and spoke with several of the other visitors there.
This visitor's center was recently remodeled and we were
completely impressed by how much fun we all had.
While there, I was reminded of some of the fundamental beliefs that
really have defined what HOME means to me.
I thought I would share those tonight:

1. My family really is at the very core of what makes my house,
my HOME. No matter what you consider family; children, spouse,
grandchildren, friends or neighbors-
a HOME is more of a HOME when filled with people you love.

2. Filling our lives with LOVE and SERVICE allow us enjoy life
to it's fullest each and every day and I believe this Love and Service
extends the boundaries of our homes far beyond
the four walls we hang our coats, hats and beach towels.
We have a darling little book called How Full Is Your Bucket,
that reminds us always that kindness goes
a long way to building happy homes.

3. Some simple principles such as faith & prayer, asking for & giving
forgiveness, respect & love and working & playing together can act
as the building blocks that truly can stabilize families through good
times and bad.
I am a firm believer in each one of these principles. I really do believe
that the family that prays together stays together! I think being humble
enough to say you're sorry and even more humble to ACCEPT a
meaningful apology are the cornerstones of trust at home. Our
family gathers together for family councils whenever we feel a big
decision needs to be made or even when someone feels like
they have an issue that is too big to be solved alone. These councils
have been instrumental in the respect in our home.
And finally, working and playing together is my biggest motto of
all! Our Sunday rule is that anyone who wants to eat dinner, is in
the kitchen making dinner. I love that this one day a week we
all work together in the kitchen prepping and than cleaning up.
No one sits down to rest, and until WE ALL sit down to rest
together.

These little reminders from yesterday helped me keep my focus
as I am struggling to decide HOW I am going to make the next
few months of upheaval, chaos and temporary living arrangements
feel like HOME to my family. I want the transition to be as smooth
as possible but we may be celebrating 3 birthdays, Halloween,
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years all in temporary housing
Also, my Senior has to get all her college apps done during this time too-
OH MY GOSH-- CRAZY!!
Hopefully, we are all together!!
I love my holiday decorations, and we won't have any with us!
I'm a tradition kind of gal, and may feel a little sad and
lonely myself being in a new state, a new church
and all new schools during the holiday season.
BUT if I remember that what really matters is what I listed above,
than the decorations won't be missed, the traditions can be
kept, we will make friends and the holiday season will come and
go with my family all around me- healthy, happy and closer than ever-
that's a pretty good way to start building our new HOME!