Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!

~Charles Dickens

Merry Christmas!

May God's love fill you with peace and joy!

Fa la la la la

Me & Frosty

Frosty has been in the fam' a long time!

Peter...not so into the Christmas Spirit

Free bird.......

I am happy to announce I am done with finals!! Everything has been completed and turned in. Can I get an AMEN?! One more semester to go.

And.. Jon got a bonus and a raise! Cheers!

(Yes I know we both look exhausted... cause we are. But we still have energy to celebrate!)

Life for Stacy Peterson

There has not been much time to blog this past week, and I don't imagine there will be for the next week or so. Here is a bit of what has been going on.

1. First things first: New niece & nephew!! Beatrice Ruth Peterson was born a week ago here in Evanston, and Torston Arlo Peterson out in Seattle, WA.

2. Finals. To give you a rough idea of what I am doing, I am following the lead of a friend and just giving you some titles (some of these titles still in the works)....

Adolescent International Adoptees and Identity Formation: Effective Strategies for Therapists

Exercise and Body Image Attitudes: Comparison Study of Mothers and their Adolescent Daughters.

Postpartum Depression and The Family System

Reflections from a Second Year MSW Student (Reflection paper on my field placement)

Are Research Courses Necessary for MSW Students? : A Reflection on my Education

*** The first three are biggies, and the last two aren't so bad!*******

3. MY CAR GOT BROKEN INTO! Ughhhh. Stupid me, I left my purse in visible sight. In my own defense, I thought I had taken everything valuable out of the purse. These days, I live my life from about 4 different bags, and I constantly rotate a few staple items.... wallet, planner, phone, computer. Well somehow I left the wallet in the lame purse. I realized later, even if I had taken the wallet out, the purse would probably still be in visible sight and my window would still be broken (which was the major cost) I am SOO grateful my computer was safe!! I think I would've gone into immediate panic attack if it had been stolen in the midst of my finals. (Not to mention all the other incredibly important documents on it from my internship, etc.) Anyone who has had their wallet stolen knows what a violating and annoying process this is! I have NO identity and no way to spend money! I tried to write a check, and of course, they wanted my D.License. Cash only these days, but Jon has to get it for me, because I have no ATM card :) It's all canceled though and should be replaced by next week. Oh, they also got my makeup bag, which contained all my makeup! I don't consider myself very superficial, and have never worn much makeup. But, not even having the option to put it on the next morning made me feel quite exposed. Makeup isn't cheap either....

Here is the best part of this story, on a more funny note. So imagine having my name right now and trying to call into the police to report something. The conversation was as follows,
Dispatcher: "What is your name?"
S: "Stacy Peterson"
D: "Are you OK?"
S: "Yes."
D: "Are you from Bollingbrook?"
S: "No."
D: "Are you sure you are OK? Where are you? Where are you from?"
Later on...
D: "These addresses aren't matching correctly. Are you sure this is Stacy Peterson from Chicago?"
S: "Yes."
D: "Well there is no record of any of this, this isn't funny, is your name really Stacy Peterson....this is ridiculous. [Hang up]"

what! ahh! Anyway, I got disconnected once and hung up on the second time. Jon had to call in because I don't think they took me seriously. I must say, I am getting tired of even admitting what my name is. Everywhere I go someone thinks its funny. It was amusing for awhile, but let's not be stupid people... I am not her!!!!

All in all, yes, I have been stressed. But this happens at the end of the semester, and then there is always a time of relief. AND only one more semester to go! Woo hoo!!! May '08 here we come.

Happy Turkey Day!

This year's race was a cold one! The Turkey Trot is the best way to start off Thanksgiving! Now we are ready to eat!

Above: Jon, Me, David, Jeffrey, & Dean

It was a little different than running in California, but these guys did great!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Sleepy

Well folks I think I have set a personal record. I slept until 1:45pm today. How crazy is that? I was up with a stomach ache, but even so- literally slept till 1:45 and felt like I could've stayed in bed. My stomach is fine now, I don't think it was that. I think I just didn't realize how exhausted I was.

I may have been letting down a little. After several changes to our research plan, a lack of participants, and hours of planning filled with frustration.......My research group finally conducted our project yesterday. That was a big load off my shoulders, but there is still much to be done! I can't let down yet, finals are here and any day now I will have a little newborn niece needing my attention!

Saturday Morning Cartoons

"I've been thinking Hobbes..."

"On a weekend??"

"Well it wasn't on purpose...."


This is how I have felt most weekends the past 2 1/2 years! OK, for the most part, I have been thinking on purpose, but trying to find any way possible to escape such nonsense. I am very happy to report this Saturday I slept in and have no where to be. Please join me with a big sigh of relief..... ahhhh. It feels nice.

1 Corinthians Love Test

Love is patient

Love is kind

Love does not envy

Love does not boast

Love is not proud

Love is not rude

Love is not self-seeking

Love is not easily angered

Love keeps no record of wrongs

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth

Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres

Love never fails

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Today I saw this popular bible verse portrayed as a "Love Test". Complete with scoring points. Coincidentally, last night I also had a dream I had married the wrong person. Bear with me as I share this story my brain seemed to conjure up in my sleep: I had married my ex from high school. I was sitting in my parent's house in my bedroom, looking at pictures of our wedding day. I zoomed in to the groom's face and thought- wait a minute, this isn't right, I am not with him, I was not supposed to marry him! In the dream (as dream magic allows..) I threw the picture down and the marriage was over. Then I was left alone. I was disturbed, I knew I was missing something. It was so awful to feel alone and left searching for the right person. As I was sleeping, I wrestled with these thoughts-How do I know who it is, what if I missed my chance, everyone else has this figured out..... I was honestly very distraught. And then I woke up.

I sighed- no wonder why this dream didn't seem right, there is my husband! I snuggled up to him....Where was he in my dream!?!

So I know this sounds wacko. However, it was very refreshing to me in a lot of ways. As soon as I woke up and saw Jonathan, I was at peace. I was able to say, you already went through that silly and there he is!

I remembered the earlier days of our relationship when God gave me feelings of overwhelming assurance that I needed to be with this goofy boy from California. I remembered the many years we walked holding hands while still maintaining great independence.I remembered our genuine commitment to follow God's word and seek his will. I remembered the hours of long conversations, tears, and questioning as we worked together to understand one another as children growing into adulthood. And I remembered the night in South Africa - where we sat in the dark by a lake listening to wild animal noises in the distance. As Jon walked me home that night and tucked me into bed, we looked at each other and both knew- the time for asking questions was over, we were meant to be husband and wife. And FINALLY- of course, the wedding. What an incredible day filled with overwhelming joy and love surrounding us.

Then, this morning, when I saw this "love test" I was reminded again of how blessed I am to have my husband,who demonstrates biblical and real love to me every day.

I know I have no grounds for questioning my marriage, but sometimes God uses funny ways to remind me of that.....

Don't Forget to Listen to Good Music

Come with me, my love, and seize this day and live it, live it fully, live it fast
Never thinking once about tomorrow till tomorrow's been and gone and past
We'll pour the wine and fill the cup of joy and drink a drink as if it were the last
Live, just live for life


How is it we allowed ourselves to forget? We absolutely love to just sit and listen to good music. And sit we did, complete with a cup of hot cider and a fire in the fireplace. Ah yes.....it isn't that hard to simply enjoy life when you let yourself.

Our Visit to a Pumpkin Patch

APA Sympathy please

It is 2:06 am and I have been editing spaces, fonts, alignment, margins, and citations for the past 3 hours. Before that I was working on making sure the language was not bias and the design was valid. Ahh, sigh.. the best part is it is a rough draft :)

I love group projects.

This semester may just mean for me....... Axis I, III, and IV!

September

My birthday flew by this year, but I was happy to share my 25th with this long time friend- Andrea! I will always remember her wedding anniversary - the day before my birthday. We enjoyed our weekend in Indianapolis and the wedding was GORGEOUS as was the bride! We also had a great time celebrating September (both our bdays and wedding anniversary) with close friends at North Beach. I have decided I should drop out of school and go pro with volleyball. I think I have a good shot at it, especially since my serves never went over the net.

A New Favorite Treat

A simple, yet heavenly indulgence. We are hooked on Sharon's Sorbet. The coconut flavor sends you straight to the beach! All of us here in the Peterson household agree. Yum Yum.

Fill the Pews!

Chicago area friends- please consider coming to this event. I know many of you have church homes, but please see this as an opportunity to support a Covenant Church that is trying to reach out to the community and get a glimpse of what God can do. It would mean the world to me if you could come visit- you might even win a prize! www.fillthepews.org

This Sunday, 10:30 am Sojourner Covenant
Evanston, IL

Wilma

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Wilma

Several weeks ago now, my Grandma passed away. My Dad's Mother was 86 and died in her sleep. I am thankful that she was able to go peacefully. She had prayed her last breath might be taken that way. I believe that was because she had lived with an independent spirit for so long and didn’t want anyone else to have to worry about taking care of her through the last stages of life.

My Grandma, Wilma Hoffman, was born, raised, and planted in New Jersey/New York area. She was quite a woman with quite a story. Wilma could be described as a tough cookie with a good heart. Looking back on her life history, it is no wonder she learned how to be a strong and independent. She transformed from girl into woman rather quickly- living through orphanage life as a child, raising her younger brother, holding her own in a calloused neighborhood, becoming a "Rosie the Riveter" during the war, being a single mom for two kids, and taking in countless numbers of other children when the going got too rough in their own families. This last account was the most touching part of her funeral. To hear grown adults speak about how Wilma had literally taken them in off the streets or from broken homes and taught them how to be kind and responsible. One of them stated, “Before I knew Wilma, I knew how to do two things- fight and run. She taught me how to be a kind and responsible young man.” I never knew my father shared his childhood with so many brothers and sisters in this way. One of the most amazing things about the death of a family member is the way God seems to give you a glimpse of all that has been, and all that will be, according to his seamless plan.

This side of my family history allowed me to get to know an area of the country I would otherwise likely remain clueless. My Dad was born and raised in New Jersey, and actually he and my Mom spent their first two years of marriage there. They ended up deciding Jersey wasn’t quite their style, and moved to Chicago thinking they were more of the "Midwest" mentality. But when it comes down to it- there is so much about my Dad that still screams Jersey Boy! This may slip out in talk of the Shore house, Frankie Valley, or just a simply stated “Don’t worry bout it”.

Our family took summer vacations to Jersey frequently during my childhood. We would often spend time at the Jersey Shore. I absolutely adored going to the boardwalk and indulging in cheesy arcade games and rides. I also adored getting to know my Dad's gang of lifelong friends. Every time we came into town it was an excuse to throw a party so they could all reminisce about the good old days. I recall the sounds of the Doobie Brothers, Four Seasons, and Sinatra spinning through the air in the midst of Cigar smoking and deep hearty laughter. They are quite a pack and still remain extremely loyal to one another these days.

Reflecting on this as an adult, I can recognize how special and rare that is. I see this rubbed of on me without conscious awareness when I was younger- I took in my Dad's value for friendship that crosses miles, social status, and life choices.

In fact, I find I am gaining more and more respect and love for my Dad the more I learn about my family background. I was deeply inspired by the example of faith he portrayed this past trip, and it was evident that God's love was working through him to touch others.

It is with great sadness that the New Jersey chapter in my life seems closed. Although I know, all things considered, it is not. The memories will live on and I have been blessed to have the chance to get to know my Grandma. I will always remember and greatly appreciate her life perspective.

3 years!

My wonderful amazing husband got me another band for our 3 year anniversary. 3 years- 3 rings. Wow, I am a lucky girl. It is the same as my wedding band, and I have been wanting it ever since I discovered it- I LOVE IT!!

This past year of marriage has proved to be one of the most challenging years for both of us. Despite all we have been through we have grown closer together and come out with a deeper understanding of marriage. I am so grateful for God's provision in my life and couldn't ask for a better match for me.

P.S. I will eventually post about the other promised things.....

Down in the Dells

Over two weeks ago now, we made a trip to the Wisconsin Dells. When we left it was raining, and when we came home it was raining. For a week. All of you who live in Chicago remember that week- many of you dealt with floods, power outages, and days and days of endless clouds and water. So on a happy note- at least we didn't have any storm damage to come home to.

On a sad note- the Dells are not the place to go when monsoons hit the midwest. That is unless you are a sucker for tourist traps and gift shops straight from the Oriental Trading Post. We were looking forward to a week spent hiking, golfing (Jon not me), laying out by the pool, paddling boating, riding the Wisconsin Army Ducks, BBQing.... you get the picture. None of this can be done in the rain. Now I am a fan of a cozy day inside- just not 5 of them when I was anticipating outdoor adventure. I found myself becoming extremely bratty and sick of being pent up inside. My husband being Mr. Positive was quite content to sit by the fire and read (Yes I said read... he actually did!). This stirred on some interesting discussions on our ideas of vacations and get aways. Even on Vacation- I prefer to be Ms. Active. Even if "active" may mean the activity of sipping a Pina Colada by the Pool. Jon is content to just be away and zone out from normal routine. Thankfully, I think we were able to learn from each other and compromise.

Days were spent in our little cabin:
really not a bad place to be stuck, and nights were spent eating out or going to Ho-Chunk Casino (a long time legend within my group of friends). We didn't win any money, but it was entertaining. On our last day we were able to go for a lovely hike. Complete with a snake scampering right over my feet. All in all, to the Dells I say- It was nice knowin ya, we shared some good times, but I don't think we'll be seein each other again.

Summary?

Well the past two weeks have been incredibly unpredictable and full. I don't even know where to start. I just wanted to post some sort of life on our blog.

Here is a table of contents of postings to come, in chronological order

1) Wisconsin Dells
2) My grandma Wilma/ New Jersey
5) 3 year Anniversary

a must see

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnZHiuJZ7CQ

LOVE the beach

( I am not sure why I am standing so funny.....)

Tagged

Melissa tagged me. I don't know if there are eight people left in my blog circle of friends that haven't been tagged yet! If you have been tagged and not yet responded, I may tag you again:)

Tagging means you have to post 8 random facts/habits about yourself, and then "tag" 8 other people.

1. Fact- I do not have pierced ears. Explanation if you wish to read: I wasn't aloud to get them pierced till I was 13. When I was 13 I was deathly afraid of getting it done (needles). As I got older I began to realize it was one less meaningless token of beauty to worry about, so I have opted not to pierce them. I have been tempted at times, and I once had my upper cartilage pierced twice. No I am not in a gang... I just thought it was cool. One has closed up, the other may still be there.

2. Habit- Generally speaking, I eat the same Bagel with fat free cream cheese every morning. I rotate between flavors, but I am addicted to Natural Ovens.

3. Fact- When I was in second grade I got lost after a local play. I walked from Naperville to Glen Ellen. I finally decided to ask for help when it got dark.

4. Fact- I wear a size 8-9 shoe, but I am only 5'3''.

5. Habit- I tend to leave longer than necessary voice mails.

6. Fact- Numerous strangers have told me I look like Jennifer Aniston (I'll take it!)

7. Habit- Thai food, once a week is a must.

8. Fact- I've never had a cavity. Accept for ONE time I went to a new dentist and he tried to scam me and said I had 5 that needed to be filled right away. That was the end of that dentist.

I Tag (and re-tag), I need more blogger friends!!

Eric O.
Greta
Chrissy
Steve Luce (your name is on the blog! You have to post too)
Audrey
Ali O , Annie J and Annie H- to make a blog because I know you read them all the time anyway.

just because

I have nothing too exciting to post about today. It has been a calm week for us, which has been nice. Probably because we are finally being forced to be calm. Jon has strep. Yuck, poor guy. I have had some sort of little bug for quite some time now..but just as I am starting to get over it, Jon has strep. So without my partner for fun and games, I must also rest. We have been going like mad this summer. Now some of you may say, what else is new? You always go like mad. But let me tell you, I actually feel like I have my life back!

I have always survived best living a full life with lots of activity and people. However, sometimes I get lazy and allow myself to forget this. For a long time I was in a "tweener" stage. Caught in between odd jobs, classes, no car, living "far" from people. The spring brought on a welcomed change of having a more set schedule and the ability to make plans. Another welcome change ,which I have mentioned in past blogs, we both began doing things we truly loved and actually don't mind putting in extra hours. These changes= busy times, no weekends free, and being tired. A good tired though. A kind of- mmm hmm, I have been doing a lot lately. Wow, I have seen a lot of people lately, Hmm been invested in a lot lately.... better make sure I am not spreading myself too thin as I have in the past. During these times it is easy to forget to spend quality time with God, with your spouse, or for me- not allowing myself to mentally relax. I must admit one con of having such a full summer is that we have barely made it to church. I don't like that! But the great thing is, I have seen God in so many other ways, and I know this summer has been revitalizing and inspiring for us each in different ways. Today as I had a quiet day I was reminded of the importance of prayer and solitude with God. Without that, none of this other stuff matters and it just uses up the wrong kind of energy!

I also will take the time to add here how much I love blogging and bloggingish things for the sheer fact it helps people keep up with each other! My dear friend from out west left me a message last night saying she has been following my life online (hi!). Now in some ways, this is sad- it allows us to not personally communicate. In better ways, we aren't great at calling each other frequently anyhow- so at least we can keep up on each others lives. I love that.

Anyway, so here is a post not posting about something we did this past weekend. Instead it is about just being and taking some time to breathe.

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Doggy Date

Peter Peterson
meets
Wrigley Jennings

Peter got to meet his friend Wrigley this weekend. Peter loves this little guy! They wear each other out and of course we like getting to see K.J. and Mike. It was a great distraction from a weekend of working on papers. Which I am still working on- almost done!

Getting these two to pose for a picture was pretty much impossible. Just like toddlers. And yes- Wrigley is chewing Peter's head. All puppies love to chew on him cause he just lies there like a fool!

Colorado and California

Well I won't try to write all about the past 10 days. We have seen a voluptuous amount of family and friends.

Looking back- We got to enjoy a great weekend in Colorado with the Keyser Crew and Company. Celebrating Jeff and Amy and hanging out with parents "to be" Lisa and Joel. Quick trip, but got to see all our Colorado peeps- lots of fun!


Home for 3 days, then out to Santa Barbara. Ben (Jon's long time childhood friend and next door neighbor) got married. I going to go out on a limb and say it was the most beautiful wedding I have been to location wise. Anywhere in Santa Barbara would be up for that nomination. However, this wedding was on the Shelton's Property, up in the hills of Montecito. Imagine national park site turned hippy compound- You have to see it to really understand. This is the place Ben and his entire family have called home for many many years . Here are just a FEW of my pics trying to capture the weekend. I am not even going to begin writing about it, I don't have time. I will just say it was renewing, inspiring, fun, and busy! I highly encourage checking out the professional photos.

This is what we do to celebrate America- Parades and Fire

Well we have had an interesting day. Started off with the Des Plaines Parade where we represented Children's Hope. I am not going to lie, Jon sort of got suckered in on this one! It was a fun morning though. Really great to meet so many adopted kids and families, and again so confirming of the work I am doing. I do love it!
Peter was a star and quite a good sport! I think he may be the new mascot. We were very proud of his parade performance. He was very tolerant of many small children, lots of noise, and hung out for about 4 hours in Chicago humidity. OK, he's not a real child....but we don't have one, so we can be proud of our dog.......I know..we're goofs! BUT everyone LOVED him!

Then Jon felt sick........ then I felt sick...... (hmm... Oh well!) Here's to hoping that was a fluke as we are going out of town tomorrow......(P.S. posts will be slow for a bit!)


Then at about 9:30 p.m. we took a walk and were delighted to find we actually didn't miss out on fireworks. Turns out our local park has an "underground" display of its own. I must admit, at times I said we're leaving right now before we catch fire and die. But then again, I was intrigued, and it was actually quite a good display. Much more fun to watch than any city fireworks show. Probably because it was devious and we were amazed by the mass quantity of people that had gathered to show off what they had bought out of state. Apparently, we discovered a local tradition on accident! I kid you not, the bleachers were full! We sat for about 45 minutes amazed at how people get away with such illegal things in mass quantity- no one stopped it. I insisted we leave after we had seen a bit of a show in order to spare our arms, legs, and liability

Babies!

This past weekend we got to meet two wonderful little new additions to the world! I have to say God reveals himself very clearly through the process of creating human life. To think about a child being "knit" together for 9 months, and then appearing, it is mind boggling- and awesome!

Meeting New Friends!

Well this was the beginning of a busy weekend. Today we met Wrigley (the cutest pup!) belonging to The Jennings See their post for details. Coming up this weekend we get to meet Griffin and Paige- real children! I can't believe many of my close friends are having babies!!! New additions rather pets, significant others, or CHILDREN......are the best reason to visit people :)

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them.- Mark Twain

I used to read a lot. I have always loved to read. Then I started Grad school. I felt guilty reading things other than what was on the syllabus for the week. Somehow I have never made it through the upwards of 200 pages of "Recommended" Readings for the week. I don't think I ever will.

While at a book store this past week, I realized how LONG it has been since I picked up a book just for fun. So I did. I didn't have a lot of time, which for me in this case was a blessing. I can spend hours in bookstores and wind up with a mile high stack of things I would love to read. Then the choice becomes overwhelming and I end up leaving with nothing. This time I picked up a few that were on sale, asked the clerk for a mini review. It turns out the people behind the counters actually know about books, not just sell them! So anyway- I made a quick pick so I could get to class. Only 45 pages in so far, but I am enjoying my somewhat random selection: Water for Elephants .

If you have time to watch TV, you have time to read. That is what I decided- I would much rather be known as a reader than a TV junkie. So (Jon) holding off on cable is ok with me!

These boys have been through a lot together!

We found this picture in Jon's pile of photos from back in the day. In case you can't tell he is the "third" in the pile on the right side-Look at all that hair! Maybe the bleach is why it all fell out......

Ravinia Fun!

Last night we make an impromptu trip to Ravinia to see the Doobie Brothers. It was PACKED! Who knew the Doobie Brother's still had such following. At times we felt we were at Woodstock. I am sure many of the people in our company were actually at Woodstock. (By the way- random fact about me- I would have loved to have been at Woodstock! Don't worry though, I would have kept my clothes on. ) Anyway, it was a great time! The cicadas were not an interference for those of you who may be staying away from Ravinia this year do to the little buggers.

Side note: The following photos demonstrate that my husband is suffering from camping withdrawal.... hiking around the burbs with a "picnic pack" is about as close as we have come for awhile. Don't worry Jon, we will go someday soon!!

Happy Trails to you this Weekend!