My Grandpa Derrall Petersen

My Grandpa, also known as Dudley, passed away last Monday night. We just returned home from his funeral in Hyrum, UT last night. He had been fighting colon and later pancreatic cancer for over 6 years. Even though we knew he would be leaving us shortly, it was still so hard when he did. I've always been proud to be his granddaughter. He was respected and loved by everyone who knew him. Being the only granddaughter for many years, he made me feel like his little princess while still treating me as an equal to the boys, physically and intellectually. He was a man of honor, kindness, humor and quiet dignity. He was a hero to me. I miss his warm hugs, his endearing chuckle and those twinkling eyes that said everything he didn't say vocally. He wasn't one to express emotions, but his eyes always revealed how much he loved his grandkids. He was a man that other men looked up to and came to for advice. He had a wealth of knowledge on so many subjects, such as fossils, astronomy and modern technology. He was a hard worker, dedicated to his wheat farm, Monument Mt. Ranch. My brothers and I loved visiting him on the farm and riding his combine and four-wheeler.

As kids, my brothers and I would go arrowhead hunting with Grandpa on his farm, then he would fascinate us with his vast collection of fossils, gems and gold. Grandpa was the most interesting person to talk to and inspired us to learn more about the world around us. These last few years, he and I have been reading the Michael and Kathleen Gear books. These archaeologists have written a lengthy series about the various Native American tribes of North America. Grandpa loved these books and got me interested in them as well. Since Grandpa didn't often talk about himself, reading these books that he loved so much helped me know him better and bonded us together even more. I loved discussing them with him. This was our favorite:

I already miss my Grandpa so much but appreciate all the memories I have and his presence and example throughout my life. I appreciate the relationship he had with my Grandma. The way they loved and treated each other has been an inspiration to me. They were true companions. I admire my Grandpa and hope to learn from his example. Until the very end, my Grandpa fought for his life and remained optimistic about his recovery. Despite the terrible pain he suffered, he rarely complained and greeted all of his final visitors with his genuinely warm, loving smile. I love you forever Grandpa.

War and Peace

This was not a set-up! This is how I found him this afternoon after his nap. I guess Rocky was sharing his weapons with his little brother. One of those coincidental ironies...

This is how he looked when he realized I had caught him in his hypocrisy.

Quality Time with Dad

Since Mom has been "under-the-weather" pretty much since Jack was born, Dad spends every free moment he has helping out with the kids, so I can rest. Since we are rapidly approaching Thanksgiving, I thought I would mention this and express how grateful I am for his help and patience with my frequent illnesses. If I didn't have Rich, I probably would have died of exhaustion by now. Thanks Rich!! Here are some cute pictures of the last few weeks...



It was quite a downpour! Rocky hates baths but he decided that playing in the rain (with Dad) was pretty fun.



I couldn't find my family one day... then discovered them all napping in the crib! Rich was tired of always bringing Jack to our bed, so he decided to just sleep in his!

Halloween... A Few Tricks & Many Treats

The festivities began with a little trick-or-treating through downtown Chico. Hordes of little costumed kids marched up and down the shop-filled streets during the less scary daylight hours. A good little sport, Rocky, donned his last year's cow costume and petitioned every basket-toting adult for candy in his sweet little irresistible voice. Many of them found him so adorable that they didn't refuse when he came back and asked for more, bearing a heart-warming resemblance to Oliver Twist, though I was a bit embarrassed and attempted to restrain him from this.


Just like the year he was a chicken, random Japanese students took pictures of him as we mingled in the plaza. He joined cousin Eli (aka Batman), aunt Lacie, University of Utah football player Jack (outfit compliments of Grandpa Bill & Grandma Coralie who sent the boys each a Halloween package... which made our day!) and me. Lacie and I, though without costumes, enjoy dressing up and are considering it for next year.

Jack was entertaining. When he wasn't staring wide eyed at his fluorescent sticker or the yellow warning strip in his car seat, he was growling at people. They would poke their heads in his stroller, ogle over his chubby face, then he would frighten them with an unearthly, loud growl. I'm not sure if it was Rocky (impersonating a tiger) who taught him this or Grandma K, while she was here karate-chopping the punching bag. It remains a mystery but proved to be a good Halloween trick from our little Ute.


Sorry Aggie fans ... if we had Utah State gear, maybe we would dress him in that too.


Later, we met up with Rich in the downtown plaza. There were 2 girls dressed as street performers, living out their fantasy with a prepared routine. Naturally, Rich decided to join in.


Later, I tried to cram in all the Halloween activities we hadn't done yet. We made paper towel ghosts (thanks Jaime) and construction paper bats with clothespins in them to clip on things (thanks Martha Stewart... though mine turned out looking nothing like hers). Once the decorations were completed, we began making Halloween treats (I went a little overboard since last year I was sick with the pregnancy and missed everything).


On the menu were frozen banana ghosts, monster jello, bloody toes (lil' smokies wrapped in tortillas and smeared with ketchup), deviled eggs, and other more traditional snacks. Jared & Allyson joined us last night for these creepy treats, sugar cookie decorating, Alfred Hitchcock movies and a round of Killer Bunnies & the Quest for the Magic Carrot (most intense card game ever... Jared wiped out whole colonies of bunnies at a time... he's the master).

Rich and I had way too much cookie dough, so we shaped half of it into a giant pumpkin and decorated that too. We'll just give Rocky the credit for the decoration of that one. It became evident to us that our guests were the ones with all the artistic talent.