Sluffing

(picture from a previous ski outing)

This morning I asked Analisa is she wanted to skip school and go skiing with me. Her eye's lit up and a smile grew on her face as she said, "Heck ya!" Up the canyon we drove as we chatted about life, boys, her gazillion missionaries (it's really just 4 at the moment) and sang our hearts out to Lady Antebellum. We saw several cops along the way and she worried what would happen if we got pulled over and they found out she was sluffing school. She practiced her reply, just in case, which sounded something like this:



We actually got turned away a mile shy of Solitude, by a cop no less because of terrible road conditions and no 4 wheel drive. We turned up the music extra loud, shared more giggles and enjoyed a delightful lunch at Zupas. I have six more months before this brown eyed beauty of mine heads to college. And I attend to take advantage of every minute I have with her.

Love you Lisey!

Merry Christmas!

Thanks to my dear friend Michelle we were able to pull off a family picture a week before Christmas (cards coming soon!). We walked over to a neighbors yard, threw our coats in a pile and smiled big as little Mary held branches behind her momma's head like antler ears as she snapped away.

It truly is such a magical time of year. Having all my babies home snuggled under my protective wings makes it extra special. We are blessed and give thanks to our kind, loving Father in Heaven and to his Son who sacrificed all to give us life eternal.

From our home to yours, have the Merriest Christmas! Love, the Nielson's

gratitude

Our sweet little 9th grader heads up to the high school at 6:10am for early morning seminary. On most days her Dad shuffles out of bed to drive her there. A few days ago he found this note on his pillow.

How happy I am to have a child (and children for that matter) with a grateful heart.

Halloween at the Care Center

We decided to visit some old friends at the Alzheimer's Care Center by singing, playing some tunes and trying our skills at puppet theater. Samuel wasn't sure what was scarier, his monster puppet, Chomp, or some ornery patient shouting at him to sit down. I looked over at him and gave him the crazy person sign. He smiled, nodded and understood. Just sharing some Halloween love, people! Who knows if they'll remember us tomorrow but we had fun dressing up and sharing nonetheless.

π

Thanks to the generosity of our sweet neighbors the Hills, Katherine was taught how to make perfectly scrumptious homemade pie. Paul's 110 year old recipe is the best! We all gained a few pounds just smelling it. So good!

Midway to heaven

I highly suggest you take a couple hours out of your day to day, grab a picnic, crank up a tune like this (or whatever tickles your fancy) and head for the hills! You'll be glad you did. Promise.

this little piggy went to the market

How I love Fall with all it's sights, tastes and colors. My handy little phone has doubled as my camera as of late. Life has been crazy, busy, wonderful! With the convenience of Facebook and text messaging I have neglected this sweet little site. But since those things aren't as easy to print, I will have to try and keep this dear blog/book of mine alive with pictures and small tales of life as I see it. Happy Fall!

Nielson girls at their best, kinda

I was uploading footage from my Flip camera on to my computer and found all kinds of little treasures!

The first was taken early this summer at one of Sarah's voice lessons. Oh how I miss those times with her. Listening to her sing and make little break through's was exhilarating.




This next clip is of the multi-talented and athletic Analisa. She makes it look so easy! If only it were so.




This was taken last week at an informal violin recital. The song suited my lovely Kate so perfectly.




The last clip I found on my handy camera was taken on my 40th birthday in NYC. I'll have you know it takes incredible talent to enjoy food the way I do. Don't believe me? Try taking my last bite of something I'm savoring and watch me bite your head off;)

College Bound

Our girl Sarah starts life in the big school today. The big ole BYU that is. It's been a roller coaster of emotions for me since we dropped her off last Wednesday. Sunday dinner was straight up SAD. We miss her crazy, bubbly self around these parts. And her singing. Ah, her singing. That's probably the thing I miss very most. I can text and call and hear her sweet voice through the phone, but I love busying myself around the house while listening to that voice float out of her room. There's nothing quite like it to this mothers ears. I am adjusting though. Enjoying loads of one on one time with Analisa before she turns around and does the same thing a year from now. There are gobs of books and classes on bringing these little one's into the world but no one can quite prepare you for letting them go.

Happy Anniversary Gipsy Style

Last night we celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary with one of my favorite outings, an outdoor concert under the stars, dancing to awesome music.

We met up with some dear friends, Rhett and Willow and danced the night away.

And by the way, if you're ever hurting for motivation to deep clean your house, turn this up really loud and watch the clutter practically put itself away;) Gotta love The Gipsy Kings!