Fa La La La Laaaa

It's Christmastime at the Petersen house! Not to say we're not giving Thanksgiving its due, but we're ensuring that we enjoy the Christmas season as long as possible because of the joy it brings!

I love our tree full of ornaments collected over the years. 

I added a plaid pillow to my other Christmas pillow (sewed by my late aunt). 

I added some twinkling lights to the nativity set on top of the bookshelf. 

I also added fairy lights to the pie safe (with my ceramic Santa on display in there too). 

The dining room window sill is flanked by two small trees and two Christmas paintings. 

The skinny dining room window has our Jesse tree with the book and ornaments (in the silver box) ready for December 1st. On the table outside sits my poinsettia and two of three little faux trees (the 3rd was enjoyed as a dog toy last night apparently). 

I love my mantel! 

That's a glimpse into our decorations for now. I'll set the table with Christmas placemats and take out the Christmas hand towels soon! 

Until Next Time, 

Much Love, Reba

Halloween 2025

Halloween 2025 is a wrap! 

This year, we had a Dorothy (at school), Glinda (for trick or treating), a Sheriff Deputy, and a random dude named Todd. 

We had such a great time!

Until Next Time,

Much Love, Reba

Okay, October!

 Wow. Where, oh where, did the time go?!? So... here we are in the second half of October-- good grief. My favorite month is quickly slipping away. I'll do a photo dump here, and I'll try to get back in here to write a bit about our adventures this month. 

For now... here are some photos. 

A happy morning in my classroom before they caught the bus to school!

I attached some mechanical pencils to some fake sunflowers and stuck them in a mug full of coffee beans! Now my students can use pencils and it looks decorative too!

I thought her outfit on this day was too cute for words!

I bought the curved frame artwork at Home Goods. It came in the frame & I thought the colors complemented the others in the gallery wall so well!

Avery had a few dances to perform at our local fair. She did so great & looked so elegant in this pink costume!

I took Noah & Avery to the beach for our fall break while Aaron and Michael had things to do at home. We had such a good time. I'll try to recap it soon. 

You know you've hit your adulting stride when you're pumped about a new dryer! We went the simplified route this time, and I couldn't be happier!

A few fall touches make a festive difference on these early mornings!

My neighbor finished this quilt that my Nana had started. She gifted it to Avery & we picked it up this week! So sweet! Avery has used it each night. 

And that's our October so far!

Until Next Time, 

Much Love, Reba

Farewell, September

 Well, this month got away from me. 

Here's a photo recap of our month. 

A bumper crop of muscadines! Aaron made a delicious jelly! 

Building Legos on her own! 

School spirit! 

First Auburn game for Noah! 

Dressing up as Mirabel for Homecoming! 

Twinning! Two smiley girls! 

And tomorrow, we welcome in October-- my favorite month. 

Until Next Time, 

Much Love, Reba

13!

Michael is officially a teenager! It's so bittersweet! I'm so proud of whom he is becoming and so in awe of how far we've come. 

He's dealt with so much and handles it with a smile. We've had frustrations & medical hurdles, but he conquers and keeps pressing on. 

Tonight, we celebrated him with a dinner of his choosing--hamburgers, homemade onion rings (from star chef, Aaron!), Caesar salad, and ice cream cake. I wrapped up a bunch of his favorite candy & some bday goodies sporadically in a roll of cling wrap. :) It was fun having him unwrap his bundle of goodies. 

Michael, you are becoming a beacon of encouragement. Your humor is such a joy to witness, and I love seeing your personality solidify itself more everyday. Keep looking to Jesus and let Him forever guide your path. Even though I look up to you now (literally), you'll always be my sweet boy who called me Mom first. 

I love you! Love, Mom

Classroom Tour

 I LOVE my classroom set up this year! In addition to the hallway door, I have a door that leads directly outside which is so nice when it's time for me to get my kids off the bus! 

I love my desk garland!

My "Missed A Day?" section & leisure books for my students to borrow. 

I love my teacher corner! I set my diffuser & candle warmer each morning & it makes my room smell cozy & autumnal. 

And yes... it looks this chaotic everyday, but I roll with it. 

I'm so grateful to be in the classroom again!

Until Next Time, 

Much Love, Reba

Avery is 8!

  Today, sweet Avery turned 8! She's spunky, girly, confident, courageous, & kind. It's such a special blessing to have her as a daughter. 

We had frozen yogurt and pizza for dinner! Count me in! She'll open her gifts from us & her birthday cards today, and she'll have a friends party on Saturday. Busy girl! 

We love you, Avery! 

Love, Mom & Dad

Teacher Time

I'll spare you the details, but long story short... I'm returning to teaching! I didn't mention it very much on the blog, but for the past 2 years I went back to work for the federal government. It was what my family needed at the time, but 2025 has proven a challenge in that job location, so I'm returning to my passion and that's teaching! 

I'll be teaching a variety of science classes again, and I'm so so excited! 

The kids and I just got into my classroom last week, so more pictures will be forthcoming (especially once Aaron is able to help me bring in the mini fridge etc.), but here's a couple photos to start! 

I'm excited to personalize the space & create a classroom where students feel welcomed & excited to learn! 

Until Next Time, 

Much Love, Reba

Recent Happenings

 We had a busy week! The kiddos enjoyed some beach time with my parents, and Aaron and I traveled to Washington state to complete a task his late grandpa requested of him. 

Here are some photos of the adventures! 

These guys loved their little getaway! 

Aaron & I enjoyed our time away, and it was special to honor his grandpa's memory. 

We are home and enjoying our hot summer days! 

Until Next Time, 

Much Love, Reba