Hotel Nielson

I wish I were better at taking pictures of all the exciting things that go around this place. These only give a tiny glimpse of the beautiful people I've been surrounded by this last month. A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of having Julia & Melia (to the right and left of my boys) stay with us for a few days. Since then we've had two of my sisters, five more nieces and nephews, my cousin Cindy, from Virginia and my cousin Michael, from Texas, all stay with us at the same time! These visitors overlapped with Brett's sister and her cute crew from Georgia and it's been non- stop comfy chaos sun up to sun down.

We took this picture on the 4th of July just after seeing WALL-E. Our eye's weren't quite dilated, hence the squinty eyes.


As soon as the Georgia cousins came, the kids exchanged cell phone numbers so that they could text each other to their hearts content. What a great way to keep in touch when they're gone :(

Two peas in a pod. Gabrielle stayed with us for 4 days and endured tennis matches, quartet rehearsals, and my South Beach oatmeal zucchini meatloaf with cauliflower mash potatoes. Way to go Gabby!

If you were driving by my house you might have caught a glimpse of Batman, Power Rangers and princesses flying down the street on scooters, bikes and wiggle cars. The only thing missing here is a picture of my sister Marisa, chasing after them in her pajamas with Breaking Dawn in hand yelling at them to get out of the street. Good thing there wasn't a lot of traffic that morning. Besides the messes little people tend to leave behind, having 10 kids hang out here wasn't so bad. The kids all got along remarkably well!

While the kids played and destroyed the place Marisa, Analisa, Cristina and I read. Oh course the fourth and final book of the Twilight series would come out right in the middle of company! We made time anyway and loved talking about all the exciting things we'd read. Hang in there Cristina, your Edward is out there somewhere.

Hotel Nielson also held a Musical Theater Camp that ended with a fabulous performance of 10 little girls dancing and singing to High School Musical songs.

Cute cousins Cristiana, Abby, Serina and Ariana all love hanging out with Katherine.

Sarah and her cousin Spencer, who is 4 days older than her, spent a week down in Provo at EFY. Stories of their adventure require a whole separate post. Needless to say, they had a complete blast. We just about convinced Spencer to stay but figured his parents might not like that to much. Sarah said she didn't want friends using her just to get to him anyway.


I was blessed with not just one, or two, or three, but four fabulous sisters. Marisa, Moni, Crystal and Cristina. Four gorgeous women I can't imagine life without. With 18 kids between us our get togethers can get wild and loud. Seven Peaks pictures coming soon. The only people missing from our summer of fun were Mom and Dad, and oh, Antonio. In the above picture taken today, we left the kids, except for Sophia (Michi) and went to Sushi and Mama Mia. It was great singing along to all the old ABBA songs mom used to sing with us.

Life has been crazy. My fatigue and sleep deprivation are starting to catch up with me. I wouldn't have had it any other way though, family and friends are always welcome at the Nielson Inn.

Boys

As most people know, I am the oldest of 5 girls. Girls ran strong on both sides of the family tree so we mostly had girl cousins who we played with. I had a few guy friends in High School most us whom were dancers, so they didn't really qualify as macho men. I dated lots of guys through my high school and college years who I would classify as gentlemen. I was completely naive when it came to boys and their wiring.

When I started seriously dating Brett there were times when he was either around his brother or other close guy friends that his sense of humor really bugged me. I found their jokes crude and very UN-funny. I did not get them at all. Over time I learned to ignore them and slowly, ever so slowly, I would maybe crack a smile, but mostly I just rolled my eyes.

I remember hearing horror stories of how Brett, at age 5, took a hammer to his grandmas piano and chipped most of the keys. He did the same thing with his fist to her glass coffee table. At 10 he accidentally hit his brother with a baseball in the eye. While serving time in his bedroom for his ill deed, he got it trouble again because he was up there singing his little heart out without a care in the world.

As Brett and I began our own little family we were blessed with not one, not two, but three sweet little girls. They spent their early childhood playing dress-up, ponies, barbies and everything girlie. They played in cute little Laura Ashley dresses and jumpers and always had a big pretty bow to match. Favorite books included Little Lily's Purple Plastic Purse, Twelve Dancing Princesses and Rumpelstiltskin. They entertained each other for hours and really didn't get into to much mischief.

A few years later the Lord blessed us with one, then two, then three strapping boys. The girlie world that I knew and loved was forever altered. They welcomed me to the world of cars, trucks, action figures, dinosaurs and Lego's, thousands of little tiny Lego's. Let's not forget to mention insects, dirt, constant holes in socks and pants, burping and stitches! Favorite books included: There's A Nightmare In My Closet, No David, Big Bad Bully-Bug, Frank was a Monster who Wanted to Dance. I remember being totally embarrassed when one of my little 2 year old boys, while sitting on Grandma's lap, put his hands right on her bosom. She'd gently move them away, and back they came. "Don't worry, boys just come this way," she would say. What?! Are you kidding me?

Now that I've been doing the little boy thing for 8 1/2 years, I can honestly say, they do come this way. Most of their conversations have the words pee, poop, fart, or in Samuel's terms "stinky diaper head". Just two days ago Samuel came in and announced proudly, "Hey Mom, I just peed outside!" They like to take off their shirts and make farting sounds with their hands in their arm-pits. They get a kick out of opening the second floor window and dropping action figures out who in their eyes splat spilling out blood and guts. Joseph used to walk around with butter knives tucked in his onesie. They aspire to be ninjas, "good guys" and in Matthew's case, a great composer. They are learning that physical force is not an acceptable form of communicating. Brett just found a handful of otter pop wrappers shoveled into the front of his radiator. On the way to swimming Friday Joseph who was instructed to put his seat belt on decided that it would be easier to loop it around his waist than to click it in place. When we got to the pool everyone jumped out running towards the pool. Joseph started crying, "Mom, I'm stuck!" The harder we pulled the tighter it got. He had taken off his trunks thinking it would help. He was starting to panic, so I ran into the office grabbed some scissors and ran back to cut the seat belt. "Thank you mom, you're the bestest mom in the whole world (world, pronounced with no "r")."

Who are these people? They can be naughty, but are as equally loving. They are generous with compliments and hugs. I love these boys, they continue to teach me each and every day. So grateful they are mine.

sweet singing Sarah

Here's a clip of Sarah's voice recital back in May. I discovered my tripod was broken just minutes before she started, so sorry for my wobbly camera work.

Hearing her sing this song just makes you wonder who that "someone" will be. She is a beauty, inside and out. I pray that she'll stay true to her values and make wise choices until that someday comes along. Enjoy!

June 2008

It's hard to believe half our summer is already gone. June came and went like a whirlwind, here it is July and I'm just now documenting some of our June adventures.

The week after school was out we ventured down south to make a little music with our violin friends in Cedar City & St. George. We even got Grandma and Grandpa Nielson to join in our adventure and had a ball hanging out with them that week. Tia Moni, Mayra & Crystal kept watch over Sammy and Joseph which freed up room and made the trip a lot easier. I wish I was better at capturing moments through pictures cause there were lots of people we became better acquainted with on this tour. The Drysdales, Glausers and Driggs families to name a few. Brett's sister Carrie's husband is half brother to K. Drysdale which in my kids eyes, make them cousins. We had adjoining rooms to our new discovered kin and had a blast swimming, talking and hanging out together.

He we are driving down to St. George. Baby Kate is listening to her Vivaldi concerto, marking her music in preparation for the big concert. Sarah is shown behind her, um, could it be...texting?! We had to hear hours of her talking to her friend Tanner this trip. You learn all kinds of things driving with your teenagers for 4 hours. Highly entertaining, I might add.



It was so fun to have the kids doting grandparents along, Brother Brigham not included.

Brett, Sarah and Analisa the evening of the performance at the St. George Tabernacle.

The Madsonian Strings did a fantastic job performing for a full house. We loved it! Nice pose Matthew. You silly boy.

Spent a day exploring the spectacular Zions National Park. In the evening we went to Tuacahn and watched Les Miserables. More fun pics on Grandma Judith's blog.



While in St. George we decided to take the kids to the visitors center to see a sculpture exhibit by Angela Johnson. Viewing it on-line really doesn't do it justice. When you choose to go on a tour at a church visitor center a full time missionary is appointed as your guide. Our tour guide was this handsome, handicap Elder pictured above with Matthew. There are about thirteen sculptures each depicting a scene from the life of Christ. This missionary presented a short synopsis of each scene memorized perfectly along with how the message affected him personally. After every presentation he'd ask, "How did I do?" "Great! Just great!" I responded holding back tears. At the very end of the tour he asked us to guess how long he'd been out on his mission. "One year...18 months," we all took turns guessing. "One month," he said proudly. " It's not me, it's not me, it's the Lord speaking through me." It was truly a beautiful experience for our family.


The third week of June was filled with even more music at Suzuki Music Institute. Three of the kids participated this year and spent hours every day fine tuning their craft and playing with groups of kids their level. It was intense, but time well spent. They made lots of friends and connected with teachers that came in for this week of training from all over the world. It was held at Juan Diego Catholic school, hence the virgin Mary in the background looking over sweet Sarah's hand position.

Summer wouldn't be summer without relaxing in a nice cool pool.

And boys wouldn't be boys without sticks, dirt and fire. See my dear friend Michelle's blog for more pictures of our fun cookout.

The kids go nuts when Grampy comes over on his motorcycle. He took Analisa on a birthday ride and of course, everyone else wanted in on that action. My heart always stops beating for a split second when I watch them zoom off down the street. Precious cargo, you know. Grandpa is a safe driver and I know how much the kids love it so I just bite my tongue when they beg him for a ride.


June was busy and eventful. It's been fun listening to the kids make music, spending time with friends and family and making memories together.

Analisa

Today is Analisa's 14th birthday! In honor of her we'd like spend some time bragging and limiting ourselves to sharing 14 things we LOVE about this gorgeous girl.

1.All my kids have have had funny nick-names given to them mainly by their Dad. At about 6 months Analisa inherited the name, "bundt cake" cause of her cute round face and body. At 5'6 and climbing she is now anything but round! We still call her bundt for fun. Sammy calls her Lisa, I call her Lisey, and to Grampy and her dad she is known as, "Tower Of Beauty".




2. Analisa has a great sense of humor. She cracks us up with her unique voice imitations. She can imitate voices from Beyonce to Harry Potter characters better than anyone I know. It's hilarious. If you're ever feeling blue ask her to do her made up Mr. Poco character, it'll be sure to put a smile on your face.


3. Analisa can be out in the blazing sun for 3 hours and lose in a 3 set tie breaker and still leave the court ready for the next match. Her resilient, positive attitude will carry her far in life.


4. She is also quite the boogie machine. With her long legs, and flowing curls she is a sight to behold. Her energy is magnetic. Analisa loves to dance and isn't shy about showing off her cool moves.


5. Analisa knows all about hard core practice. She will sit at the piano faithfully each day for about an hour and pound her little heart out. We have heard hours upon hours of scales, arpeggios and cadences. Her siblings have to close the doors sometimes to smoother the sound. She plays with great passion and has won numerous piano competitions around Utah. She has various Federation gold cups in Ensemble, Solo & Concerto Piano Performance as well as Superior ratings in Viola. Music- classical to mainstream is definitely a passion for Lisey.


6. A couple months ago as she was sitting in church, she realized that her name was on the program as the youth speaker for the day. "Oh my goodness, I totally forgot," she whispered to her Dad. "What should I do?" she asked. "Just bear your testimony," he said. And that she did. When her name was called just a few minutes later, she stood up with all the confidence in the world, explained her situation and bore a beautiful, heart-felt testimony. Don't know to many 13 year old teenagers who could get up to speak, spur of the moment in front of 300-400 people and share something deep and sacred.


7. Analisa is a loyal friend. She cares deeply for her friends and is most often the life of the party.


8. She is sweet.


9. She LOVES sweets!


10. She LIVES for sweets!!! I blame it all on Grandpa David, for introducing her to ice-cream at 6 months old. We lived in Ohio, birthplace to our precious one, where we'd frequently meet Grandma and Grandpa for ice-cream at Graeters. This love affair with sweets has remained strong & steady ever since.


11. If we could bottle up her giggly, hyper energy and sell it in pill form we'd be rich! Life is not quite the same around here when she's away.


12. She is a great big sister. Last week Sarah, Katherine, Matthew and I spent the week at Suzuki Institute while Analisa held down the fort at home. She tended Joseph and Samuel, cooked for them, played with them and made sure they had fun. She did a great job. We couldn't have done it without her. When you have a big family like ours, everyone has to carry some weight. Lisey is no exception. She does so beautifully.


13. Analisa can't go to bed without giving her mom a good night hug and kiss. If she forgets she'll get up and come find me. She is a tender girl with a close relationship to her momma. I pray we will always be close.


14. Analisa is a huge lover of family. Immediate and extended. She is often heard saying things like, "I love Grandma Martha", "Aren't Grandma and Grampy the cutest couple?" "I just love Papi", "I love Tia Moni, Tia Crystal... Aunt Lindsay" She loves them all, each and everyone. And we all love and adore her.


Happy Birthday sweet-pea! Your are truly amazing and our family wouldn't be complete without you and your beautiful soul. You help make our circle complete.


Love,


Mom, Dad, Sarah, Katherine, Matthew, Joseph And Samuel

The Dad Jackpot

Growing up, I had a quote given to me by a dear young women leader, it said: "The most important thing that any Latter Day Saint does in this world is to marry the right person, in the right place, by the right authority..." Bruce R. McConkie. This little token hung on my bedside next to a picture of the temple most of my adolescent years. While I knew it was true, I had no idea just how important that decision would be. Nor did I realize the profound impact this person would have on the lives of my children. I can't imagine my girls having to make that kind of decision in a few short years. I can see now why my Dad was so unhappy when I announced I was bringing someone home for the family to meet. I remember when I was about 14, 15 crying to my Dad that growing up was taking way too long. My heart longed for the future family I knew was destined to be my very own. "Todo tiene su tiempo, mija" he would say. Everything has it's time.



Fast forward 18 years later. I look back now and say, WOW was I blessed! I truly hit the jackpot. Not only is Brett an amazing companion and spiritual mentor but he is an outstanding Dad to our 6 kids. I remember how gently he'd take each of our newborn babies and whisper to them, "Do you remember what heaven was like? Will you teach me everything you know?" Brett is patient when I'm not. He is calm, when I just want to scream. He is funny and nurturing with the kids and knows exactly what to say when I'm at a loss for words. I can't imagine doing this parenting thing with anyone but him.



Heavenly Father also blessed me with an incredible Papi. He is forever the optimist. Someday I will have to write more about where he came from and the story of amazing sacrifice he and my mom gave for me and my sisters to have a better life. Dad was forced to quit school and work to support the family at about 4th grade. It wasn't until 1993 that he went back to school in Houston and got his G.E.D. On Sarah's blessing day he gave me a hand written copy of an essay he wrote for his English class. The essay asked the question of why people want children. Here is a little part of what he wrote, "One reason is that children are a link to the future. They will probably be here after the parents are gone. A deeper reason for wanting children, perhaps, is that the more fulfilled our lives can be. By giving to a child, people enrich their own lives. In the end, we live not for ourselves, but for others."

I adore this man and have learned so much from his example.



The final great Dad in my life is my dear father-in-law, David. From day one he has made me feel loved, accepted and one of his own. He has a zest for life that is contagious. He also has a fascinating story that Brett will have to share in the future. He has a strong work ethic and a strong enduring testimony that is manifest by the way he lives his life. My kids and I think he's pretty great and love it when he takes us for rides on his motorcycle.


Thank You Brett, Papi and David for enriching my life and the lives of my children and sharing your goodness with everyone around you. A girl couldn't ask for anything more!

a week in May

I've heard it said that May is the new December due to all of the running around one does! When you have 6 little people in three different schools it certainly feels that way. Wrapping up the school year means lots of recitals, end of term projects, and of course season finales. (Lost anyone?) Here are a few pictures that highlight our busy week in May.

Last Sunday was spent visiting Grandpa & Grandma Brown's grave. We shared thoughts and remembrances of these amazing people whom we miss dearly. On Monday, we got together with most of the Nielson cousins, aunts and uncles to remember and celebrate Grandma Mary and Grandpa Marlo. I think they must have been thrilled to look down upon their posterity sharing a great time in their very home for hours and hours.

Tuesday was an exciting day for Matthew and his baseball team The Rockies, who after having lost most every game this season came out and won two tough games in the finals. Matthew had some great plays on third base and scored a few runs for the team. Papi would have been so proud of you Matthew! Baseball pictures coming soon.

Wednesday was the 5Th grade annual Upland Terrace State Fair. Katherine was thrilled to do her report on Texas: birthplace of her Grandma Martha, her tias (aka aunts), her brother Matthew, and her Mama. While reading up on this Lone-Star State she came up to me just beaming and said, "Mom, did you know that the state motto is friendship!" She looked at me with her angel eyes and said, "Isn't that the neatest thing." Yes it is sweetie, yes it is.

Earlier that same day I had the joy of having a birthday lunch with one of my dearest friends, Jen. We met back in Chicago about 12 years ago and have been kindred ever since. If anyone reading this doesn't know this girl all I can say is YOU'RE MISSING OUT! She is caring, funny, artistic and genuine. She has a laugh that I'd recognize in a busy airport. She's big into birthdays and drives from Timbuktu just to deliver a casserole or give one her famous bear hugs. I love you Jen. Thanks for never giving up on our friendship. Can't imagine life without you.

Two other noteworthy things happened on Wednesday. At around 6:30 that evening Analisa ran down the stairs looking gorgeous as usual, especially for just having returned from tennis 1/2 hour earlier, and shouts, "Hey Mom, have you seen my recommend?" I walk over to her file of important papers and hand her the little white paper that serves as her entrance ticket to the temple. She kisses me on the cheek, runs out the door, jumps in her YW leaders car and waves goodbye as I watch them zoom off towards downtown Salt Lake. I am so grateful to have worthy girls who are willing to live the standards of the church.

As typical, I send Sarah a text now and then when she's out hanging with her friends, to check in and see how things are going. Sarah replied with a text that said, "Everthing's good, don't worry Mom, I will stand for truth and righteousness..." I'm holding you to it, girly!

Still on Wednesday, was the 9TH grade awards assembly. Sorry the picture is blurry, but it shows how excited Sarah was to receive an award from the beloved, Paul Watson, her orchestra/band teacher, for "Outstanding Performance in Jazz Band & Orchestra". She also received her third consecutive "Drama Award" from Ms. Dodge. Hey, we don't call her drama queen for nothing. Way to go, Sarah!

Thursday was another fun filled day of baseball, music practice, and watching "So You Think You Can Dance" with my gal pals Cristy and Amy. We have treats and critique the good, the bad, the ugly, like we know what we're talking about. Which we do, really! When the show gets past the silly part of auditions, we have a top 10 contest where we guess who will win biggest diva, most improved, etc... my kids look forward to this every year, there are prizes and everything.


Friday was Samuel's last day of preschool. Whaaa-whaaa! He has had the greatest time at Holiday. I'll have to do another entry to summarize my affection for this place. Here he is with fellow "pups" Spencer and Hopey.

Friday night was the big Promotion Luau for Sarah and her posse. I got in on the action by helping with the dinner and photography. Here she is with her best friends Nick, Alex, Meagan, Zach, Zoe and Victoria. They danced the night away and had a blast. It's so interesting to watch Sarah interact with her peers. Zoe commented to her, "Sarah, you are friends with the most random people."

"I know. I just love people," she replied.

It was obvious. The Poly's, the Asians, the Goths, the nerds, the cool and everyone in between have a genuine affection for her and her for them. She is a people lover just like her Grandma Martha and Grandpa David.



Saturday was all about fun in the sun. The boys had a blast at the SLSTC. Brett and AL played tennis to their hearts content while the rest of us hung out at the pool. Looking forward to many more days like that this summer.

We topped off our fun filled week with a gorgeous voice recital Saturday evening. Here she is with some of her most loyal fans, Grandma Judith, Grandma Martha and Grampy David. I will try to get a little video clip of the evening up here soon.

May has been a busy, fun packed month. Every week has been much like the one just described. Thanks to a wonderful family and fabulous friends the love keeps marching on.