Nielsen News

Inspired

2011-03-17T08:48:00.001-07:00

Just read my sisters blog about her blogging drought and felt a bit pricked. I'm not good at writing like she is, not even close. But she inspired me and maybe there is some mom sitting at home in her bathrobe like me right now needing a bit of inspiration too, so here's the first rain in my own blogging drought.

You know what carves out your soul like nothing else? Waiting. I don't think I am totally out for lunch here when I say that many of our generation had different expectations for what life would be bringing us at this point in our lives. Over the last 3 months I've had a dear friends lose homes, jobs - good secure ones, and perhaps a bit of hope. Over the past year and a half we've been on a pretty intense waiting journey ourselves - first for a new job, our big break, big change. But that wasn't the plan. Expectations changed - hope shattered. Time passed. The kaleidoscope shifted and we were on a whole new waiting journey - waiting and working for a new business to pick up, for a new life in a new place to pick up.

But there are other things we wait for too. Things that I can't share, that I can't fix, that I can't believe are part of my life. And so I wait, hoping against hope that someday these too will make sense.

I used to believe that if I believe, work, pray and hope that miracles will happen significantly close to my personal time frame. Or at least by the time I really needed them. But I've learned that my Savior needs me broken before he can really heal me, before his answers, his help is REAL. He's taken me beyond, so far beyond, what I thought my breaking point was. He's broken me and held me with his hope as I've cried.

So I hold onto hope, hope that somehow, someday all the breaking and waiting and working will reveal a version of myself that the Lord will be proud of, a version that will be ready to meet Him when he comes.

And the winners are...

2011-02-28T19:52:00.000-08:00

Janae, Holly G, Sarah D, and Michelle S.,

Winners please contact me to arrange ticket pick-up and ENJOY the show!!

(Thanks to Feld Entertainment for the free tickets!)

Disney on Ice -- Free Tickets!

2011-02-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

I will be giving away 4 family 4packs between now and the end of this month. Leave me a comment if you are interested. More tickets can be purchased at www.energysolutionsarena.com

Dates and show information are outlined below.

Audiences are invited to make an ordinary day extraordinary and enjoy some of the world's most popular festivities with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, including a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; a Mardi Gras parade with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo and Stitch; a winter wonderland with everyone's favorite toys - Woody, Jessie & Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains; a Valentine's Day Royal Ball with the Disney Princesses...and more in the celebration of the century! Disney On Ice presents Let's Celebrate! features more than 50 characters from 16 Disneystories live on ice, including Tiana, the newest Disney Princess from Walt Disney Pictures' The Princess and the Frog.

Location & Showtimes

EnergySolutions Arena - 301 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Wednesday, March 9 7:00 pm
Thursday, March 10 7:00 pm
Friday, March 11 4:00 pm; 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 12 11:00 am; 2:30 pm; 6:30 pm
Sunday, March 13 11:00 am; 2:30 pm; 6:30 pm

Ticket prices for Disney On Ice presents Let's Celebrate! range from $13, $17, $23, $40 (VIP) and $52 (Front Row) - prices do not include service charges, handling or facility fees. Tickets are available from the EnergySolutions Box Office and all SmithTix locations, via phone by calling (801) 355-SEAT or (800) 888-TIXX and online at www.energysolutionsarena.com orwww.smithstix.com. To learn more about Disney On Ice, go to www.disneyonice.com, or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.

Have to share these...

2011-01-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

Whether you like dance or not, you'll love this. It's just lovely!

This reminds me of what all these crazy and wonderful mothering moments are all about.

Vote for Leah!

2010-11-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

Maleficent (from Sleeping Beauty)

Follow this link and vote for Leah in the Disney Costume Contest

just a 2 more days to vote!!

http://family.go.com/kids-costume-contest/spooky-spirits-category/maleficent-39682/

More Free Tickets!!!

2010-10-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

thanks again to Lulu Hart with Feld Entertainment, I have FREE tickets to give away!
We will be giving away four family 4-packs to see Disney On Ice!

I will be giving away these 4 packs from now until Nov. 7th, so post your comment now!!

(And stay tuned for more fun events leading up to this great show!)

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnies Magical Journey went on sale September 27th and will be available at the Energy Solutions Arena Box Office, all SmithTix locations or by calling 801-355-SEAT or 800-888-TIXX, and online at www.energysolutionsarena.com or www.disneyonice.com.

Performance Schedule:

Thursday, November 11th, 7:00 PM

Friday, November 12th, 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Saturday, November 13th, 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM

Sunday, November 14th, 1:30 PM & 5:30 PM

Tickets are priced at $13 - $23, $35 (VIP), $50 (Rinkside). Service charges and handling fees may apply. All seats are reserved.

You can enter the coupon code: BLOG to get kids tickets for just $10.00!

(every 4 kids tickets purchased, 1 adult ticket needs to be purchased.)

To learn more about Disney On Ice, visit www.disneyonice.com.

About the Show:

Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they travel to four magical destinations all in one fun-filled ice production! Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey will take audiences on a sightseeing tour of the imagination. This ice spectacular visits Salt Lake City from Thursday, November 11 through Sunday, November 14 with eight performances at the Energy Solutions Arena go on sale Monday, September 27.

Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy have their bags all packed for a journey that will transport audiences straight from their seats into the magical worlds of best friends Lilo and Stitch as they hula in Hawaii; Simba and Nala as they explore the African Pride Lands; Ariel and Sebastian as they experience an aquatic adventure in their undersea kingdom; and Peter Pan and Tinker Bell as they soar through the starry skies.

Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a colorful set that captures all four unique worlds. Audiences will be entranced as they experience this exciting excursion — one that will fill the arena with magic, music, and best of all, Mickey and Minnie!

Winners are...drumroll...

2010-09-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

Shepherd Family

Ashby Family

Crosby Family

Germer Family

Each of you get a family 4 pack which come with stickers and clown noses:). Children 2 and over need a ticket. The dates you can choose from are listed on the original give-away post. Contact me to figure out how best to get the tickets to you.

Only 3 More Days!!

2010-09-09T16:16:00.001-07:00

If you want tickets to the circus leave a comment. I will be choosing 4 lucky families on Monday!!

Free Giveaway for the Circus!!

2010-08-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Anyone want free tickets to the circus?!

I have SIXTEEN tickets to give away! I can't wait to send four lucky families to the circus for free! So get your entry in for a four-pack of tickets valid

at your choice of the following shows:

Wed. September 22nd @ 7:00 p.m.

Thurs. September 23rd @ 7:00 p.m.

Fri. September 24th @ 3:30 p.m.

Keep in mind that you can also purchase tickets starting Monday, August 16th at the Ringling Bros. website . AND, as a special bonus, you can buy up to four child tickets per adult ticket for only $10 each with the promo code BLOG!

So get entered into the contest by leaving a comment to this post and other circus post that will be coming.

I will pick draw FOUR LUCKY WINNERS for the ticket packs between now and Sept 13th.

2010-08-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

We are desperate for friends here....

So I threw a little tea party and begged a new church friend and cousin to join us.

The girls were in complete princess heaven!

Some tea treats

Some Princess Dancing

Yes, this is how desperate we are.

I even told them I would be a princess for the party and pulled out my sisters prom dress for the event.

So moral of this story is...

COME VISIT US!!!

Please.

Pretty Princess Please.

Where We've Been...

2010-07-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Lake Powell '10
One of the best trips yet

My Dream Car, For His

2010-07-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

So long Mini Coop.

It's time to say goodbye, a wonderful journey it has been.

You saved me from my mini-van life and filled me with thrilling go-cart pleasure. Your wheels gave excitement to our date nights and adventure to our road trips.

But you are gone, sold Saturday night.

My dream car...

...for His.

Not necessarily his dream truck, but the truck that will allow his dreams,

our dreams, to come true. Scott passed his Contractor License test this week, started his business and bought a truck. (Yes, all in 1 week)

So here's to you Scott, the man I would sell anything for.

And here's to dreaming big.

We're Loving It!!

2010-07-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

We are loving life here.

Just a few glimpses of the past week.

The 3 monkeys

Ice Cream and laughter w/ Cousins

(We have seen ALL of our cousins in the past week!! I only got a few of them on camera)

Now this means I'm home.

Just a random afternoon in the backyard, with my sisters

It felt wonderful

All in all....

we're loving it!

We're Here!

2010-07-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

My mom and grandma flew into Cali last Monday and worked to the BONE packing, cleaning, babysitting until they dropped. Like true angels they saved us!

Even after we got to Utah, Grandma came and unpacked and organized! Like I said, angelic!

We got everything done in less than 2 days. Drove 12 hours and by Friday morning we were mostly moved in.

Thank you to everyone who got us boxes, carpet cleaners. Thanks for those of you who helped keep our kiddos happy and entertained so we could actually get something, anything done. Thanks to those of you who came and cleaned and painted and did dirty jobs. Thanks to everyone who helped get our stuff into yet another moving truck! Thanks to those of you who were there to unpack the truck and unpack our boxes.

Thanks to everyone for making our time in California such an incredible journey. You are part of us. And you are with us here...even so many miles away.

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

Favorite Moments...Amid Sad Goodbye's

2010-07-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

Ella Marie

2010-05-11T20:07:00.001-07:00

She is here!

Welcoming Ella Marie

April 26, 2010

8.1 lbs 20 inches

Loved... so very very loved.

Dancing Days

2010-04-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Dance Classes

So I teach dance, to lovely little girls and boys, in the sunshine every week and this week was my first week in a long time that I didn't. Classes ended last week (as I am 9 months pregnant) and I will miss these days and my little kids.

At least I get to take 2 of them home with me.

Pinkalicious!!

2010-02-16T18:59:00.000-08:00

Just a few shots from our 2nd annual
Pinkalicious Party

Pink! Pink!! Pink!!!

2010-02-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

So, it's been over 3 months since I have surfaced in the blogging world and for good reason. But here I am, about to pour my heart out to a web page that I'm not sure anyone really visits anymore. But to those of you listening, wondering why the disappearance, here I go.

For three months we've waited for the news about a possible job in Utah. The idea of moving home was startling at first, something we've wondered about since we came here almost 5 years ago. (Something I've day dreamed of during those tender months after the birth of my babies, or during a million other tender times.) The interview went well and we were told we would have answer in a week...which turned into a few weeks...which turned into 3 months.

3 MONTHS of thinking that your whole life is about to change any day.

Finally at the beginning of January we got the call we had been waiting for. We got the job. Salary and moving expenses were all negotiated. They told us the official offer letter would be coming in the morning. And so we celebrated. We were going home.

But the letter didn't come the next day, or the next week. And after 2 more weeks of waiting the phone call we had not been waiting for came. They gave the job away to someone else.

Crushed. Shocked. Confused. So very sad.

We went to the Lord, pled for understanding. Instead we got peace. Pled for help in surviving the fact that nothing was changing, no one was going home.

It has been a personal purifying journey. I don't think it's over. I don't feel like this story has resolution, or an ending, or that it even makes any sense to my heart. But I know a couple of things. And this is why I came out of my cave today to blog.

I know... that Heaven speaks to us. That there can be communication as real as anything tangible. That He speaks to me and doesn't lie.

I know... that there is only 1 way out of pain, and that is not anger, it is trust.

I also know... that if and when I fall, the Lord sends angels to catch me, always.

Little Girls

2009-12-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

They have captured our hearts,

Softened our edges,

and

taught us about Heaven

Imagine our joy:

Baby Girl #3

Due May 1, 2010

(pictures by daily grapefruit)

Saying goodbye to the Beach

2009-11-25T07:10:00.000-08:00

This is Leah, kissing pieces of the beach

Saying goodbye to our favorite "neighbor"

We moved.

And although we are only

7 mins from the sand,

we are no longer ON the sand.

and we will miss that

What a gift it was while it lasted!

Maleficent

2009-10-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Look what my little girl wanted to be for Halloween...

Maleficent

You know, the Sleeping Beauty witch

She LOVES it!

Yeah, I know, kinda frightening.

All her friends are disney princesses, tinkerbell, ladybugs, or other sweet pink things.

But this is Leah, fiercely independent and ready for our scary big world.

I love it.

Come back!

2009-09-28T07:10:00.001-07:00

This week I said good bye to the last of our summer visitors... and I felt my heart actually dive out of me, as if trying to chase them down the street. It was horrible.

4 years ago I sat alone in our newly-wed apartment waiting for the time when I would drive to Salt Lake and pick up my husband from the airport. He was coming back from a job interview in California, a job interview I hoped would not go so well. I even prayed the entire way to the airport that when the plane touched down he would feel that this was home, this was sanctuary, this was the place we were meant to be.

But that was NOT what he felt, at all.

And so I spent the next week in tears, not wanting to know... dreading asking the Lord for an answer about California. I remember one morning on our couch, reading my scriptures, finally feeling brave enough to find out. I remember the feeling, gentle and sure. I remember that day in church and the powerful messages directed to me. and I will never forget the peace of confirmation that came when I let go of my own agenda and wanted what God wanted.

I knew in my heart that the Lord knew best, that He knew me, that leaving my home, family, life, etc., was all part of a plan for my happiness.

But that journey to happiness was often filled with deep trenches of sadness, loneliness, and aching. Trenches that carved out greater space in my heart for happiness.

And it was also filled with lots of visits from family. Because although the Lord led us away to California, He led us to the beach, literally, and that can't help but bring visitors our way. I wouldn't change the piles of dirty towels and sheets, the sand stuck in every cranny of this place all summer. Because it reminds me that family and love reach beyond distance and state lines. Each visit reminds me that what we have is FOREVER, is real.

And although I sat last night dreaming somehow of a way back to Utah, once again, I can't help realize how each relationship with my family is greater, more treasured, than before. I mean, who would have imagined that just watching my brother drive away would bring big tears to my eyes, or make me long to be his neighbor.

Come back everyone, come back until we come home.

Major Moments

2009-09-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

2 major moments in Leah's life occurred this week:

1st

Leah went to nursery and stayed in nursery

all by herself

the whole time!

(I made that dress!!)

and 2nd:

She got her first dress-up!

I know Halloween is still much more than a month away, but I couldn't help it!

It was a day like any other day, just cruising an outdoor mall with a friend when we innocently stumbled into a toy store. And just past the cash register

she saw them.

Glittering, sparkling, enchanting her.

Leah gasped (like she has at every store that is sporting their princess halloween loot). Breathless, she ran to them, ran in place and carefully touched them, mouth open in awe. (Sounds dramatic, i know, but it WAS).

I stood back, enjoying once again this display of pure childhood bliss. She was in heaven, debating which one was her favorite.

"Oh this is my fav... no this one.. is .. my... oh! this one!"

I pulled myself from my own bit of heaven of watching this, to see if my friend had noticed.

Not only had she watched it, she was crying.

"That is just so cute!"she confessed, as she turned her head to wipe her tears.

And it is true, anyone who could have seen that moment of pure of childhood goodness, the joy of something so simple, the awe of a little girl transformed in a toy store into a true princess... just might have cried too.

It was one of those moments I will treasure in my mommy heart,

forever.

Mom...why you so happy?

2009-08-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

I know, you're all SHOCKED that I am posting again...

There have been some complications okay! But, I have a husband again, which after 3 grueling years feels incredible. This wonderful, blissful, and completely "new" life hasn't left much room for posting.

So without further stalling, here it is, wish me luck...it's been a while

The number one question Leah asks me these days, and there are SO many of them, goes like this, "Mom, why you so happy?" She says it with such concern and interest...never bored of hearing my sometimes very boring answers. But sometimes she catches me in such a happy moment that her little voice, her concerned brow, her sparkling eyes seem to emphasize all that makes me happy in life. Like a reminder of just how happy I SHOULD always be. Because I have her. I have him. I have Jenna. I have it ALL!

So here is why I am so happy these days...

why are you so happy?

Finish Line

2009-06-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

I can't really blog about this yet...

I will just end up sobbing with joy at the computer.

But I will say,

this was a really good day.

One of the best I have had in 3 years.

He did it!

We made it.

Together.

okay, bawling...

try to write more later I guess!

4 words

2009-05-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

You know how sometimes there are somethings that only your mom can tell you. Tough things, the kind of things that you would only hear coming from someone who loves you, a lot. This past week mine told me one of those. It came as four simple words, and from a heart who really knows.

I complain to her, to many of you reading this, about how I never see Scott between school and work, how I'm not cut out for single parenting, how my children wake up at 6am, disciplining my dramatic two-year old, the list goes on (for a long time actually). It is easy to get focused on all these reasons, some of them quite valid, for feeling put out and totally overwhelmed.

She talked to me about her life while my dad was in law school.... 2 kids (at the beginning of 3 years, not the end), a sacrificed career, a non-existent budget for much of anything, and much more. I listened, feeling validated, amazed and very out-done in my so called "hard-life." But it wasn't until days later that she gave me her key to her survival, then and now.

So, straight from the post-it that now hangs on my mirror, here it is:

Focus on the Positive

Nothing really unique, but just very inspired. Life is hard. Really hard, and sometimes it stays that way for a while. It is in those moments, those years possibly, that our natures change (or have the opportunity to). If I ever want to share eternity with people who have sacrificed and survived much more than I ever will, I think I honestly need the hard times, need the opportunity to change. And so, I am sharing this hit-the-spot advice along with my ever-growing list of things I love about my life (coming soon).

Signs of Summer

2009-05-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

Splashing

Shade

Scott

Sunglasses

The Duckie

2009-05-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

Bath time at the no-bath beach house

A work of heart

2009-04-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

A couple months ago while staying at my mom's house I spied her old sewing machine sitting on a shelf in the basement, un-used and forgotten. It took a while to find a way to get it down here, and find a place in my house to put it (gotta love apartment living!). But yesterday I finally pulled it out of its old box and sat down to start a little sewing project for Leah. I sat there for a minute, suddenly stunned.

I could feel my mom. I could feel all the hours and hours and days and years she had sat at this very machine. I could feel her warm worn hands and see her brow furrowed in concentration to make it just right. I could see my Christmas nightgown and bathrobe from when I was 4, all my girl scout badges, the piles and piles of my hemmed pants, even my senior prom dress. So many late nights. So much time.
And I suddenly felt overwhelmed with emotion.

Does she even know how much all of that meant to me? How much more it means to me now as I sit, a mother myself, about to spend hours on a project that my daughter may only wear briefly. And suddenly I realized how stitched I am, heart to heart, with my mother. My angel, ever-sacrificing, ever-giving, and never selfish mother.
She is in every stitch of me.

And so I sat there, sewing an apron for my little Leah, and hoped, in some similar way, I was stitching us together as well. Adding my love for her to the tapestry of love created by my mom, and her mom, and her mom...

Spring Break

2009-03-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

We are going to be doing a lot less of this:

And a lot more of this:

for the next 2 weeks.

Spring Break has never been so welcomed.
(Well, maybe last year when I was in school too...)
For the next 2 weeks Scott will come home from work and NOT be doing homework.
What are we going to do with ourselves!!?!

Classic Jenna Moments

2009-03-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

It's another "no-go" on the baby food
...time, after time, after time...
Just another rice cereal mural on her face, clothes, feet, hair, and mom
Gotta Love that messy little face

We are in this exciting stage:

Reach...

Pull...

Ingest!

After a long day at Disneyland:

Classic Leah

Classic Jenna

Always a smile...always.

Just Right

2009-03-01T14:37:00.000-08:00

Just the right outfit.

Just the right atmosphere

Just the right babysitter

Just the right place

Just the right guy

Mini's

2009-02-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

At least one decision has been made for a long time: we need a new car. make that 2 new cars. Ours were in bad need of replacement and as soon as there was some space in the budget we knew just what we had to buy. But deciding just what to buy, well that was another story entirely - this story:

So we all know that when it comes to cars, clothes, actually anything, Scott is all about function over fashion! (maybe most guys are?!) Then I guess it shouldn't have been a surprise that Scott was smitten by Honda's Odyssey Minivan. Which, sure is some people's dream vehicle. I mean really, the features are unreal when it comes to driving around small kids: the automatic sliding doors, the low floors that the kids can just climb in, the "hallway" that lets me walk back to my kids like a stewardess to care for their every demand, and of course, the dvd player - need I say more.

But as we walked onto the car lot and saw this incredibly functional vehicle, all I could think was "Ugh!! a MiniVan!" We test drove other possibilities, any other possibility, but in the end I had to agree with Scott, the minivan trumps when it comes to function! So slightly depressed we returned home from the car lot with the next decision made, we were going to get a minivan after Christmas. How anti-climatic I thought. Finally a new car! -- Ugh a minivan..

That night, in a moment of weakness, I blurted out what I'd been thinking for too long. "I guess it wouldn't be so bad driving a minivan if we also had a mini cooper!" I paused, wondering how Scott would handle my confession. "Yeah, that would be nice" he all-too-casually agreed, without really hearing me.

Or so I thought.

It was the night before the trek to Utah and all through the day I'd been packing our car up - "loading the sleigh"
I'd been cooking and cleaning - dreading the ride, counting the minutes till Scott would be there at my side.
When 5 o'clock came I rushed out the door, loaded the kids and put the pedal to the floor.
Outside of his work Scott anxiously spied, with a curious look in his twinkling eye.
"Where's your car?" I asked quickly, "we need to transfer our things." It's around here I'm sure, for it to work he did bring.
And then time stood still as he said with a smile, we're not taking that car, no, not one little mile.
Around the corner it came with a big bright red bow, not the minivan no, but a mini Cooper to go.
His face and mine filled with utter delight, as the reality dawned of what was in sight.
Just a symbol, that's all, of the love that Scott shares, ever convincing me that he'll always be there.
This moment is forever etched in my heart, the moment he gave me much more that a car.
In his loving eyes he said that night, fulfilling your dreams is the prettiest sight.

My mini:

His mini:

A Walk on the Boardwalk

2009-02-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

(with my favorite stroller:
the Phil & Ted Classic)

Every time I walk the boardwalk I can't help but feel stunned by the beauty of
life's little creations.

These.

and these

Pinkalicious

2009-02-07T09:26:00.000-08:00

In honor of our beloved pink holiday coming up and our favorite pink book, we decided to have a Pinkalicious Party this week.

And it was Pinkalicious!!

And she was in pink heaven

And so was I, watching them...

When all the pink magic wands were made and all the pink cupcakes eaten, and all our pink guests had gone home, I turned around and saw this...

I think she really is going to turn pink!

(for those of you mom's who have yet to discover this book,

check it out, it is great!)

We're Home

2009-01-15T15:02:00.000-08:00

I hate leaving my family (although my dad always said, "we don't HATE anything!") and I loathe that inescapably long drive back to California and I ache at the intensified loneliness I feel for the weeks right after a long trip with those I love. And if I keep thinking about all this I might just start crying....

But what I do love about coming back home to California is this:

Our backyard...

And the way it makes our little foursome feel like a family

Playing, laughing, running in the sand (not the snow...)

I love Leah's squeals as she runs towards the waves. I love watching the delight in her dad's face as he chases, and races, and twirls her around. And I love feeling of being surrounded by the warmth of knowing that what we are building here in the sand is going to last forever. Because far away from those I love, in a place where the weather is ALWAYS nice, we are building our heaven, our future, our forever.

Why I loved Christmas this Year:

2009-01-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

Because I get to be the mom of these two little miracles

How could you not be happy looking at this little face?

Having a baby at Christmas makes the celebration of the
birth of the Savior in Bethlehem much more special

Two absolute angels

A Christmas morning moment I will remember for a long long time

Tinkerbell!

Christmas Eve excitement!

"I just eat it mom, ok?!"

What I Wish I Would Have Known...

2009-01-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

In just a few short weeks, my amazingly talented, artistic, charming, hilarious, and brave little sister is having a baby.

What could I possibly tell her to prepare her for the greatest adventure of her life?

I have a little collection of books that seemed to come to me at just the right time with just what I needed. This little library of mine is so much more than just good books, it is sanity.

So to my sister Lisa, and any one else who may be grasping for straws or pulling out your hair, here are my favorite paper friends....the last one is my current FAVORITE: (Each have been linked to the amazon.com page where you can buy them...some are pretty cheap too!)

This is the one for the hospital when you are trying to figure out the whole breastfeeding weirdness. I know, it's supposed to just be natural and wonderful, but honestly sometimes I felt like I needed 10 arms to make it work. This is great for helping you know what to eat too to avoid any crazy reactions from your baby. (But beware, it can be a little over the top about some topics!)

This one is miraculous!! It's not the book but the DVD. Read the book...not helpful. Watched the DVD....sanity saving! There is no other way to describe it. Rent it from the library if they have it, you only need to watch it once.

This one I would call my baby bible. It guides you through all the different stages of sleep needs your baby will go through. And when your baby is sleeping well, you are sleeping well, everyone is happy.

This is the book I read when the girls are about 4-5 months and it is time for everyone to start sleeping through the night. I just let them cry-it-out... painful, but worth it for baby and mommy.

Brilliant book recommended by my wonderful dancing friend Natalia Valerdi. Fantastic for curbing the whinny, have-to-be-held, demanding attitude that starts to develop around 5 1/2 months. LOVE this book - but you have to start early with it.

Last but NOT least... This book is truly magic. It is turning my terrible two year old into a civilized easy-to-live-with little girl. It is one we will use and reuse for years!! (ages 2-12). It's easy to do and totally fits my parenting style. Just be consistent and it will work wonders.

Loving the snow!!

2009-01-02T07:50:00.001-08:00

One of the many reasons I LOVE coming home is because you just can't beat the pure childhood joy of playing in the snow. We've been sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, and today the schedule is: making snowmen, more sledding, and skiing in Jackson Hole (for Scott). Loving the snow!

I am dreaming of... Christmas

2008-12-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

So here I am craving not just a white Christmas, but Christmas. It has been a while since a new post, because I've just been a little gloomy that it hasn't felt like Christmas yet. I think the big problem is that Scott has been out of town for FOREVER (seriously when I am home alone with the girls all day it really really feels that long) and we haven't been able to do much celebrating. So one night last week when the lonliness was too suffocating for this time of year, I decided to decorate the tree, alone, just so it could start feeling like Christmas.

It worked.

The newest member of our family...

2008-11-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

Minnie is officially a member of the family.
She does everything with us, eats, sleeps, takes baths, goes potty,
you get the idea.
Leah is in love with her - and all her dolls.
I sometimes find her in her room talking to her them, kissing them,
and saying "I yov you".

Birthday Girl

2008-11-16T16:46:00.001-08:00

Everything was perfect...

The Cake (handmade by Aunt Lisa...perfection as usual)

The gifts (wrapped in Mickey Mouse paper...perfect)

The pure childhood joy!

My Recovery Center...

2008-11-04T21:19:00.000-08:00

For the past 2 years I have,
as most of you know,
been running around
(quite literally)
doing grad school
AND motherhood.

And now I have been given a sanctuary,
a recovery center...

a beach cottage

Here are a few glimpses of my little haven

How grateful I am for these moments of calm I've been given after the storm.
It has given me time to recognize how the Lord
was constantly steadying the ship.

Halloween at our place

2008-11-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

Meeting Mickey for the first time..

Our Little Nemo

...and our little pumpkin

I thought this was supposed to be really hard...

2008-11-04T16:14:00.001-08:00

Last week I bought all of our
Potty Training Supplies
and settled in for a
long
hard
week or two
of cleaning up messes

but then...

she was perfect!

Thanks to these:

A very bad idea

2008-10-28T09:33:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, for some reason, I decided that it would be

a good idea to take the girls to a studio to get their pictures taken.

We had a gift card, they seemed even-tempered enough, and I was feeling adventurous.

This is how it went:

Leah was done, completely finished,
after she said "cheese" once.
Great.

Jenna was only slightly pleasant,
and that was IF she was sucking her binki.
But binki's don't look great in pictures now do they...

The photographer was new
and, I swear,
has never really worked with kids before.

The candy, toys, anything-you-want bribes
went totally unnoticed
after the first 3 mins.

Leah interpreted my statement:
"can you put your arms around Jenna...yeah, that's right,
give her a hug,"
as squish her so tight her eyes bulge.

Jenna just felt like crying, loud and long, instead of smiling.

We didn't get one usable picture of the two of them...

I think we can safely say my good idea was

utterly,

completely,

un-believably

a very bad idea

So much for the new "picture taking" outfits...

and they were so cute.

Look what I spent the morning doing...

2008-10-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

I love
being a mom
of
girls
and using all my
crafty capacity
to
accessorize!!

An afternoon moment with Jenna

2008-10-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

Saying YES! to Proposition 8

2008-10-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Why I am saying YES! to Prop 8:
(41 sec.)

Why it effects me (and all of us):
(2:22 min)

The best discussion of the issue that I've seen:
(8 min)

From this great website:
www.preservingmarriage.org

What Ever Happened to 9am-5pm?

2008-10-17T16:11:00.000-07:00

Perhaps somewhere in the great wide world, there exists a job where people wake up, play with the kids, eat breakfast with the mom, and then dash off to be at work by 9am.

Then by 5pm they hop in the car and are home by 5:30pm to help get dinner on the table. I believe these jobs exist, but I don't believe we will EVER know what that feels like...

This is Scott:

This is Scott's life:

Working Full-time
MBA School Part-time (nights/weekends)
Dad of a up-at-night newborn

Up at 5:30ish... out the door before 7am.

Home by 10ish...2-3 nights a week...7ish the other nights

Seriously!!
Whatever happened to 9am-5pm?

It's turned into more like 5am-9pm

First but not Forgotten

2008-09-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Being first is fun...until the second child gets more attention.
So here's a few pics of our little Leah
and the big girl she is becoming.

Baby Jenna's up-dated Slideshow

2008-09-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

Namesake

2008-09-22T20:47:00.001-07:00

As tomorrow is my sister Juli's birthday, I thought I'd let the world of bloggers know a few of the reasons we named our little girl after her.

Juli brings us together

I remember my dad telling everyone at church how Juli is the peacemaker of the family. Not only does she sense the needs of others but she is able to sort through the drama (and with 4 sisters she has dealt with her fair share of drama!). She loves with more than just her words, she loves with her time, her service, her heart.

...and keeps us laughing

Juli has always had a special place in our family. We used to call her the giggle machine. Even now, with all our years of "maturity" she still keeps us giggling at life's hilarious inconsistencies

Juli is a miracle

During the past 6 months, after trying to have a new little one of her own, Juli battled chemo therapy. Through it all she reminded us that prayer is real and that miracles can be expected. But miracles are Juli's thing. She survived spinal meninjitis as a little baby without any lasting effects (or so she claims!)

Juli is a healer

It's no wonder that she became a nurse. She is just too good at making hard things seem easier. For 26 years she has been part of my life. She has shown up at all the right moments, with all the right words, to love and lift and laugh.

Just to name a few...

Jenna Juli Nielsen

2008-09-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

Baby Jenna has arrived!!

She was born August 30, 2008

at Hoag Hospital

in Newport Beach, Ca.

7 lbs. 9 oz.

19 1/2 inches

She is a delight!!

Graduation!

2008-06-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

What a miracle! the past 2 years have been such an adventure and truly a journey of miracles. We have been so blessed through all of the craziness and feel completely amazed at the Lord's goodness.

On June 7, 2008 I graduated with my Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance from the University of California, Irvine (UCI). It was an exciting and emotional day, to say the least.

Scott's Business Plan Competition

2008-05-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Scott has entered a business plan competition and you can see his 30 second presentation online. He needs your votes to help him win the competition, check out the presentation and vote for Greenbuilt Homes.

www.ocregister.com/vote

Living by the Beach

2008-04-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

This is Leah, our little bathing beauty.

It was so nice here this weekend, that decided to hit the beach. Every time we go to the beach and it only takes us 10 mins to get there, I realize how much I love this place.

We are moving to a beach house apartment on Balboa Peninsula (Newport Beach) at the end of the summer and can't wait!!

Come visit us!

Why I Am So TERRIBLE at Blogging: by Michelle Nielsen

2008-04-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

I am terrible. I admit it. My last trip home to Salt Lake solidified the fact that I am in trouble for my horrible blogging record. So here I am, blogging to tell you all why am I so bad at blogging. Here are my reasons, in no particular order

I am in my last, and hardest quarter of Graduate School

I have one busy little girl and another on the way

I got a new computer and I cannot figure out an easy way to upload pictures

I am not clever and cute at blogging like all of you!

I don't even cook dinner for my little family, how can I justify blogging?

Just plain busy busy busy

However, I am turning over a new leaf, and with renewed effort in my time-management skills, I am going to make the time to stay connected...because I always want to make time for that! I love you all, and am excited to catch you up on our life here.

2007-12-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

Scott, Michelle & Leah at Corona Del Mar Beach

It's been a while!

2007-12-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

I know, I know - it's been a while since we've updated. But, can you blame us? I'll do my best to catch up now.

Scott is not working right now because of the major drop in the California home market. This has actually been a great blessing, in ways we are uncovering every day. The best part of Scott being home is the time he been able to spend with Leah. He has all his schoolwork to stay on top of still, plus interviewing, but with him home our stress level has dropped even more than home prices.

I have been busy this quarter with the Laguna Dance Festival, assisting Prof. McKayle with the UCI Etude Ensemble, and choreographing for the graduate concert New Slate. It has been crazy. But the craziest part of all has been my new calling in church as the ward choir chorister - what a riot! It felt like some kind of prank at first and I still catch myself trying to hold back a laugh while I'm up there conducting. Who would have thought?

We love hearing from family and friends - and hope to spend some time catching up on that over this holiday break. Hugs to you all!

Happy Halloween!

2007-11-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

Leah was the cutest little scarecrow for Halloween. We loved taking her around Trick-or-Treating - especially since she can't eat candy yet, so her parents kindly helped!

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-10-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

Back to Babysitting

2007-10-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

School has started again and Leah almost seems happy to be with a babysitter every now and then...especially if that babysitter has a cute little boy just her age! They are so cute together and Leah loves exploring, and destroying, someone else's house. We just love her and can't believe how old she is getting. 1 year next month!!

Trip to Cambodia

2007-09-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

On Sept. 11-16 I traveled to Cambodia with my mom to present a dance workshop. I worked with the Young Single Adults in the South District of Phnom Penh and with the Amrita Performing Arts group. It was a life-changing experience. The people are incredible, the poverty startling. I am so grateful to have met such beautiful, humble, and loving people. Truly, a part of me will always remain in that special place. We traveled through the city of Phnom Penh, seeing all we could of the Royal Palace and grounds, as well as the horrific sites of the geneocide of 1970-75. The country is in a major recovery from the devastation of the Khmer Rouge and the slaughter of over 2 million Cambodian men, women and children. We traveled to Siem Reap to see the great pride of the country, Angkor Wat. It was magnificent and stunning to see such intricate hand carved work. I hope that these pictures capture some of what I experienced...although I doubt they adequately can. It would have been easy to come home from Cambodia thinking that I am so much more blessed to live here than there, but when I saw their humility, their acceptance and love for everyone, I wonder which of us has the greater blessings.

You've had a Birthday shout hurray!

2007-08-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Michelle turned 27 on Sunday and is officially in her late twenties, a "respectable age." Scott went all out with a birthday slide show and surprise party. This cake that Julie Parker (a MFA classmate) made, had a layer of Golden Spoon ice cream in the middle. Heavenly! We are blessed with such wonderful friends!!

Triathlon Training

2007-08-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

Yes it is true. I, Michelle Nielsen, am actually going to do a triathlon. Scott is doing a real long one. But I'm just doing the "sprint" one: 750 meter swim, 12 mile bike, 5K run. I guess I better start training!! We race in St. George on Saturday the Sept 22. Wahoo!

Lake Powell

2007-08-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

Lake Powell was more fun than ever this year. Scott stayed the whole week and didn't have to worry about missing work -- hurray! We loved it. Leah loved being around her darling cousins, adoring aunts and uncles, and doting grandparents. From playing capture the flag with marsh mellows and PVC pipe to dutch oven delights and tube racing, we had a blast!!

Quick Trip to See Our Family!!

2007-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun with family this weekend. Hugs from grandmas, time with cousins and even a quick trip to the Lake. Backyard baseball was the highlight however! Oh how we have missed all of you this past year. California felt very far away as we boarded the plane...good thing we will be back in August (at least Leah and I) for another, longer visit. We can't wait to see you all again soon...and a new little one Jan. 14 (Matt & Becca #4 -- Wahoo!!)

Living in Cali

2007-07-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's interesting, living in a place that everyone else comes for vacation. It makes us feel like we are on vacation. The weather is perfect here (not to rub it in to my family living in St. George and Phoenix). We go to the beach when we want, Disneyland is 15 mins. away, and we are constantly finding new fun things to do. One BIG problem, however....we are just too far from family. We leave tomorrow for SLC for a quick trip to see them. ANd We Can'T WaIt!

San Juan Trip

2007-07-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

We had a great relaxing trip. The weather was beautiful and the island was a forested wonderland. Our little cottage was right on water so we had spectacular views, perfect for meals on the deck. We definitely need to take more vacations like this one.