Just So You Know

Peter was told specifically NEVER EVER EVER show that picture to anyone. We're currently deciding what the ramifications will be.

PS... So art isn't my thing... and Paint isn't exactly helping me in my quest for greatness. Obviously.

This is my favorite picture...
-Pete

The Little Elephant

For those of you who are into super cute, Etsy type DIY blogs-- you should check out petit elefant. Written by a mom who's just like me (only a lot more put together and a thousand times craftier) her blog is all about little things you can do as a mom, and fun ways to do it. It has posts about where you can find clothes that look cute on your kids, how to recycle, where to find clothes that look cute on you, and of course-- a bunch of easy, Do-It-Yourself projects that make me want to go and build a whole craft house, not just a craft room.

So go ahead, check it out. I won't tell your husband.

Totally Jealous = Me

Katie (my super cool little sister) just got accepted into the London Study Abroad program at BYU.

We might have been best friends, but forget about it.

Classes

This is what I do while Pete is learning to become a doctor. Heck yes.

PS... for those who are truly interested in my incredible art work-- just wait till you see my frog cycle picture. It's AHHHmazing.

Happy Birthday!

Yesterday was Daddy's birthday. Mommy made him quiche for dinner (his request) and a yummy a carrot cake-- I KNEW I like carrots! Daddy doesn't like it when anyone makes a big deal about birthdays, but he let mommy have some friends come over to eat cake n' ice cream and sing some silly song.

So happy birthday pops!

Love, Caleb

How Far We've Come

My mom grew up in a two bedroom home without indoor plumbing. She always clarifies this by saying, "We had a pump in the kitchen, just not a bathroom. We got it by the time I was six." She was fifth of seven children. All seven siblings shared a room. Her grandparents lived with them for a long time, since they were unable to take care of themselves. Her father was a remarkable man who was known for his caring and concern for everyone he ever met. He dropped out of high school when he was 16 so that he could take care of his three sisters. Her mother (who is still kickin' it at 92) dropped out of school after 9th grade so that she could take care of her own parents who were aging.

Her parents encouraged education beyond belief. All of their children went to Catholic schools and worked to support themselves. Even though they did not have even a high school education, five of their seven children went to college.

This is the way my mother grew up. She is so incredibly proud of where she came from-- who her parents are and all that they did to give her a better life. Tears fill her eyes when she begins to talk about all that her father did, and that her mother continues to do, for all of their children.

Which brings us to today.

Today, I purchased an application for the iPhone. My brother owns the company that created it. My mother's indoor plumbing consisted of a pump in the kitchen and my brother is writing applications for smart phones. Shayla, my older sister, worked to put herself through undergrad and medical school. She's now a very successful doctor-- working as the first D.O. at the University of Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Residency Program. My other brother is currently enrolled in one of the top programs in the nation for his Masters in Accounting and my little sister is smarter than any of us.

To top it all off-- my mother is currently working towards her Masters in Nursing.

I just had to take a moment to be all sappy and say how much I appreciate who raised me. I also have to thank my lucky stars that we live here in the USA. This country is far from perfect, but it's the best place out there. A smart man once said, "America is the worst country in the world, except for all the rest of them." We don't do things perfectly and sometimes I get caught up in my disappointment of America, but I am grateful that I am reminded of it's greatness.

The best part is-- my family is not unique. We are not oh so special. We are Americans. And sometimes, I'm not particularly proud to say that. But on days like today, I am.

I am very proud.

PS... want to check out my brother's iPhone app? It's called "How Long 'Til" and is created by JadeTower.