Christmas in Arizona :)

My friend shared this with me and I LOVED it.

I'm sure all us Arizonians will especially appreciate it :)

"Palm trees wave, are you listenin'
In the pool, water's glistenin'
A warm sunny day, we like it that way
Livin' in a Phoenix wonderland

Gone away is the blizzard
Here to stay is the lizzard
A warm sunny day, we like it that way
Livin' in a Phoenix wonderland

In the desert we can have a picnic
Cactus, sand, rattlesnakes and sun
Christmas dinner is an old tradition
We'll have pinto beans and tacos by the ton

Later on, we'll perspire
Temperatures rise even higher
A warm sunny day, we like it that way
Living in a Phoenix wonderland"

Merry Christmas everyone! Have a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

What better way to wish it than through song? ...

Chestnut's roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like eskimos
Everybody knows
A turkey and some misletoe
Can help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that santa's on his way
He's loaded with toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mothers child is going to spy
To see if reigndeer really know how to fly
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
All thought it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you

They know that santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mothers child is going to spy
To see if reigndeer really know how to fly
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
All though it's been said many times many ways
Merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas to you

The "Scoop"

So I mentioned in one of my Facebook statuses this week that this semester will be my last one at BYU -- in Provo anyway. This came as a shock to at least one and I forgot that I didn't clarify. So here's the scoop:

About 1 1/2 weeks into school I had a meeting with a math counselor (all majors are supposed to meet every semester to check progress, etc.) and there I found out that I was pretty much about to be kicked out of the major (embarrassing I know) due to some low grades. I was sad but kind of relieved in a weird way...studying math constantly isn't all I hoped it would be.

Anyways, I started looking into other majors and different options. Nothing looked too enticing or if it did, there was no hope of getting into the program (such as accounting or management) so I had the feeling that I shouldn't stay at BYU. I kept getting a strong "nudge" that I should go to BYUI. I was definitely surprised and taken back! I applied there in hs but never wanted to go and didn't have a strong desire to go there even now. But as time went on, and I did my research, and thought about it, etc. I think it is the best place for me to go next.

I have already been accepted but when I get to go is still unknown. I hope for April and it's looking like a good possibility. I think I'll study accounting there (but I'm not 100% on it since I don't have real exposure to the field).

So thats the scoop... ;)

Lanae's Wedding

Alright everyone, sorry that it has taken me forever to get these up...and these aren't even all the pictures! But here you go...some of Lanae's wedding pictures in San Diego Enjoy!

Just coming out of the temple...sorry its sideways

The whole family

The "original" siblings with our new brother, Andrew.

Me and Lanae

We then went to the beach for some more pictures and they had to walk a couple of blocks...got a lot of stares and glances but people are friendly and said congrats!

On the rocks

On the pier

The Happy Couple

So yeah thats it for now...I wasn't very patient uploading the pictures sorry. And sorry the pictures aren't the best...it was very bright that day!

Welcoming Christmas

I just want to state, for the record, that I'm not caving to put up this cute blog background. I have this rule that you can't start celebrating Christmas until AFTER Thanksgiving and I'm following this rule! I have yet to listen to Christmas music, decorate my little tree, wear my favorite flannel Christmas PJs, and watch the great Christmas movies.

I did put this background up because I thought it was so cute and wanted to be the first one to "claim" it, so if someone else puts it up, they are copying me! LOL. So maybe, I am caving... ;)

PS I know it's LONG overdue but Lanae's pictures will be posted this weekend along with lots of other updates :)

Prematurity Awareness Day

I have learned that today is Prematurity Awareness Day.

After reading a friend's blog and the sad story she has had to endure with her son being a micro-preemie I am at a standstill. I don't know what much to say other than fight for preemies. https://www.marchofdimes.com/howtohelp/donate_online.asp?link=footer

I haven't been in touch with this friend for a long time but my heart goes out to her and family with all of the other families who are going through these same trials. Good luck to you all.

I was born a preemie. I was 6 weeks early being 3 lbs 2 oz. I always thought I was a "miracle baby" and for my family I probably was in a sense, but it's nothing compared to what others go through.

I'd like to really give a thought to the mothers of these preemies. My mom went through the "valley of death" to have me -- and her 5 other children. I'm so grateful she did! Her pregnancies were definitely hard and then having to take care of these preemie children surely could not have helped. My friend I'm sure is going through the same thing. Mothers, you are amazing, I hope I can be like you when I have the opportunity to become a mother!

My name

Pardon me while I vent for a moment...

My name is DaNae Peterson. No middle name yet (my maiden name will become my middle name). Notice the spelling please. It's DaNae Peterson. The "N" in my first name is also capitalized and my last name is s-O-n.

Now, I honestly realize that the spelling of my first name is tricky, especially with my mom being Renae and my sister being Lanae. So if you happen to spell it wrong, I understand and will forgive you. BUT when my name is written out in front of you (like on Facebook, on a card, on a note, or when I verbally tell you letter-by-letter how to spell it), spell it like it is!

Over the years, here is how people have spelled my name...

~ Danae
~ Denae
~ Dena
~ Dana
~ Denaye
~ Denay
~ DeNaye
~ DeNae
~ DaNe (Dane...really?)
~ Dinae
~ Denea

Come on people when I'm spoon-feeding it to you, I think you can handle it ;) Really if you're recalling it from memory I understand completely!

Catch-up!

Hey everyone,

I did some re-arranging and caught up as much as I could with posts (minus Lanae's wedding - remember after Nov. 7 I can). There is more than 1 post that I did...the first one is titled "Lanae's Bridal Shower" so you won't miss any. Thanks guys!

Winter :/

So as you can see, I changed the look of the blog and updated a lot of stuff...I changed the background because it's officially winter. It is freezing, windy, and even snow has arrived. I'm not very excited for the snow...but for the season! I dug out my winter clothes last night which is a piece of good news because I love wearing layers and my warm clothes are by far my favorite!

My Internship!

So I have very exciting news!!!


I've been accepted into Disney's College Program! Next semester, instead of taking classes in the freezing Utah winter, I will be working at Disneyworld!


Did I mention that is in Orlando, FLORIDA?!?!?!?! I'm so excited!

I'm so excited for this opportunity. I'm nervous but excited! I start Jan. 11 - May 14 and my mom and I will be road-tripping out there so I can have my car. :)

Becky's Birthday

My sister-in-law's birthday was in the beginning part of the month and it was a day of celebration! We went to Tucanos (seriously THE BEST place ever! Well next to Training Table and Carrabbas and...) for lunch and saw the 3-D double feature of Toy Story. It was so good! I forgot how much I liked that movie. Well below are pictures from morning and lunch:

Salt Lake Fun

About a month ago, my friend Maddi went to see our other friend, Rachel, in Salt Lake. We all knew each other when we were living in Arizona. We were all in the same ward when we were 12 then I moved and then Rachel. Maddi and Rachel stayed in touch but I reconnected this year. It's been fun to catch up with old friends.

Anyways, Maddi and I drove to Rachel's house where we made and ate dinner with her roommate. It was so much fun and the first real meal I've had in awhile. We later spent the night touring Temple Square. We tried taking pictures (boy! was that an adventure) but one turned out at least which is posted below.

Well we did have a great time and we said we should do it more often but of course we haven't :/ Hopefully we will soon! Time is running out :(

Lanae's Bridal Shower

On October 17 was Lanae's bridal shower. My sister-in-law, Meija, put it all together and she did a good job. It was a spa-theme and looked very nice! I feel really bad but I didn't take any pictures... I brought my camera and everything and it sat on the table all night long...my bad!

Lanae got a lot of nice gifts, some funny, some ...I can't think of the word!...realistic?, and some embarrassing (she was a great sport though). She's definitely set for a long while.

My favorite part of the night, besides Lanae of course, was the food! Talk about desserts! DELICIOUS!!! There was cheesecake, CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRIES, brownies, and lots of other great food. YUM I want some more!

Well sorry I can't document much more...

Theres a 2-week hold!

So Lanae got married on Saturday (beautiful!) but she has requested that I wait until after her reception (which is Nov. 7) to post pictures so people can be surprised then. I am posting her announcement though. I promise in 2 weeks I'll post all the pictures - wedding and reception!

The front side :)

The back side :)

In regards to everything else I'd mention I'd post I promise I still will. Just give me a few days to catch up with school work :)

Slacker :(

So I know that its been over 2 weeks since my last post and this isn't really a post (more of a "coming up"). Normally when my friends take forever with updating their blogs I get agitated and here I am doing it too...my bad. Been super busy and it probably won't be until next week that I can really catch up but coming soon....

Becky's Birthday
Salt Lake Fun
Lanae's Bridal Shower
........and........
Lanae's Wedding (this Saturday!!!)

Stay tuned :)

Living at the "Glenhood"

Hey everyone,

I finally took pictures of my room (since I finally finished decorating it) and thought you might like to see it. Sorry in advance for the mess! (I really am not that messy -- just ask my roommates!)

This is under my bed...it's messy I know. I know the cinder blocks are ghetto looking but I personally appreciate the extra storage containers :)

This is another dirty view of under and around my bed...I probably shouldn't be displaying the slopiness :(

This is my half of the closet. I take full advantage of the shelves :)

Perhaps my FAVORITE part of the room...my little TV and DVD player...compliments of my step dad, Kevin, and Mom. Thanks!

My bed is on the side of the room where the door is. Sorry the picture is sideways...it wouldn't let me fix it before I uploaded it and it won't let me once I did.

My wall...I love the posters/pictures. It's so much better than the bear white walls!

Just above my head...seriously so much better than white!

My portion "half" of the shelf.

Sorry its sideways again...my "half" of the desk.

Another stupid sideways picture but my bed from when you first walk in.

Our room when you first walk in. I'm on the right and Rebecca's stuff is all on the left.

So yeah this is my apt. Glenwood has not been too bad but I'm hoping to move next semester for various reasons. Lets hope it all works out!

And the countdown begins...

For those of you who haven't noticed to the left, I have a countdown until a very special day...my sister's wedding!!! She's getting married on Saturday, October 24, 2009 in the San Diego Temple. I'm excited to go there! Well the countdown to her wedding begins now because this past weekend I made my first trip (of a series of trips) this past weekend for her wedding.

Her bridal shower was going to be this weekend, but due invitation mishaps the date got moved until October 17. I am still going to the bridal shower but was able to still go to AZ for the weekend...it was very much needed and I had a good time! It was a very busy weekend, jam-packed with activities such as: going to the movies, shopping, making chair covers, dress fittings, haircuts, church primary program, and eating! LOL the last one probably doesn't count for much but my mom and step-dad, Kevin, feed me GOOOOOD when ever I visit...YUM!

So as I said, this past weekend was round 1 (though I guess now it technically doesn't count towards the wedding). But here is what is ahead of me:
* Oct. 17 - Bridal Shower in AZ
* Oct. 24 - Wedding in San Diego Temple
* Nov. 7 - Reception in AZ
PLUS...
* Thanksgiving!!!
* and Christmas!!!

LOTS of trips this semester especially in about a month and a half time span but I'm grateful that I'm able to go and have some part in my sister's special day :)

Here are some pictures I found of her, me and her, and her and her fiancee, Andrew ...She'll probably be mad at me for posting this one but its very "Lanae" fun, weird faces, and talks with fingers! :)

This is us at Monticello in Virginia. I like it a lot...she's so pretty :)

This one is very "us" - it was on our long road trip to VA Beach. I'm sneering (I said she couldn't get the pic) in the corner while she proves me wrong while smiling pretty for the camera.

Like I said it was a long road trip...treating ourselves to DQ once we reached VA.

And, of course, Lanae with her fiancee, Andrew. All I can really say is 2 words: I APPROVE!!!

Switching Majors AGAIN

Alright everyone,

Well I did promise in the last post that I'd explain why my class schedule has changed so much ....I'm changing majors AGAIN. For those of you who don't know...let me give a brief summary of all the majors I had (or thought I would have)...

1. Architecture
2. Industrial Engineer
3. Actuarial Science
4. Marriage, Family, and Human Development
5. Mathematics
....and now (drum roll)...
6. Business! or maybe Accounting....

OK, so here is the scoop... Last Wednesday, I had an appointment with one of the math counselors to discuss my classes and see if I'm on track for graduation. Turns out, since I got 2 low grades in some classes, that I was on the verge of getting kicked out of the program...OUCH. This was a bittersweet moment for me because I have always loved math. I have a passion for numbers that I cannot explain. And then to be told that I'm about to be dropped from my favorite subject was awakening. On the other hand, as much as I enjoy math, I was not doing well in class and it began to stress me out CONSTANTLY. I don't want to study something (and ultimately go into a profession) that can give me an ulcer. Good news is I'm taking a math class this semester that once I'm done with I will have a math minor. So, I think this news was a blessing in disguise. But then I was faced with Where do I go next??

I spent that night and the next couple of days contemplating (with the help from those around me) that I could go back to the MFHD major (which I enjoyed studying and could finish school sooner) but I was worried about a stable future. Then came the option of Business Management. NEVER would I have EVER imagined myself going into business, yet here I am about 6 months away before I can apply (I have 2 more classes to complete). One of the classes I must take is Accounting 200 which I'm excited to take next semester. My brother, Scott, said that if I really liked it (and I added if I do well) I should try for the Accounting major -- very prestigious at BYU. I don't know what's in store for me. I'm hoping all will work out in a timely manner (because I know ultimately it will work out).

Well sorry this is a long and wordy post but thats just whats been going on in my life. Next time, I'll post some pictures of...something :)

Love ya!

FAILURE: When Your Best Just is Not Good Enough!

So I should be studying right now...so I'm going to be quick :)

I dropped and added some classes last minute (the reason why is another post - next time!) and one class I added is Physical Science 100...I thought this was the best pick for being almost 2 weeks into school so I could catch up (it's mostly review).

Well, there is a test you can take by the add/drop deadline (which was yesterday) that if you get a high enough score you can test out of physical science and the score you get on the test is the grade for the class. I was feeling [overly] ambitious and wanted to take the test because I thought I could do it if I studied. Well I studied ALL-day Saturday (not even kidding for about 12 hours!) and reviewed for about 4 hours on Monday. Then I ventured into the "ever-so-lovely" BYU Testing Center (see below)


The test took about 2 hours and I felt semi-confident. I had to think hard about some questions and some I just guessed but surely I'd make it after all my efforts right? ...

WRONG!!!

I did soooo bad on the test! I was disappointed but at least I know I tried my hardest and am better prepared for the semester of work ahead of me :)

I had to give this post the title I did compliments of my brother, Scott. He told me this to cheer me up/make me laugh...and it actually worked!

Roman PETERSON!!!

My older brother, Brian, and his wife, Meija, officially adopted their second child today!

When Brian and Meija first married I was so selfish and did not want them to have any kids because I felt I would see them less. But they adopted the first child, a daughter, Amelia, about 2 years ago and what a great addition she was to the family. I just love her!

Then, they talked about adopting another child and I was hesitant again. We were lucky with Amelia but could we be so lucky with another child? Turns out...YES!!!! Today, my nephew, Roman officially and legally became a Peterson! What a great addition he is to the Peterson clan as well.

Brian and Meija have also been able to take Roman and Amelia to the temple to be sealed as a family for time and all eternity. I love this gospel and how families truly are together FOREVER! Nothing can beat that!

This is me with Amelia and Roman when I went home to visit in July (don't mind me...I had just gotten off the plane and it was an early morning LOL) :)

New to Blogging...and I liiiiiiiike it!!!

So as much as I visit people's blogs and send weekly emails, it was suggested to me that I should start my own blog...so here it is!! TA DA!!! My sister-in-law, Becky, helped me figure it all out and I'm intrigued. I'm sure I'll keep at it! Go ahead. Look around. ENJOY! This is a picture at my friend's apartment complex where my car

got booted...I thought it was hilarious!