Love Letter

Dearest Mr. Nielson, 

A few things encouraged me to write you a love letter today. 

You got home from a fancy three-day business trip this morning, 

and I felt the need to write you this letter. 

I just missed you so very much, darling.

One night when you were gone, I struggled to fall asleep.

I'd toss and turn in our bed, then unexpectedly, 

Lenny Kravitz's song 'It Ain't Over Till It's Over 'came into

 my head and wouldn't go away.  

You know, that sexy song you sing to me sometimes?

Then I pictured you in a white shirt with your jeans on, 

smooching me, and boom, I went to dreamland. 

I was so happy to see you tonight when you got home.

Since the kids were in bed when you got in, we let Claire

stay home from school so she could see you, and we all

enjoyed sleeping in (except Ollie, of course) and having breakfast all together.

But then you had to go into the office.

But you better believe when 6:00 came, 

 what a delightful feeling it was to hear your motorcycle come zooming down

 First Place and to our home (where an exhausted wife, me, was anxiously waiting for you). 

Your presence was much welcomed. 

After hugging each child, you came to me and asked, 

"What are the top three things you need right now." 

To which I replied: 

1. Dinner. (I don't want to do it tonight) 

2. Put on you're good listing ears and turn up the volume; I've got a lot on my mind.  

(Sadness in the world, homesickness, Mitt Romney, 

my ideas about service and motherhood, projects, ideas, 

my dang Mac computer frustration, missionary work, 

and challenges I am feeling with that, and

the yoga class that I am teaching Tuesday. WHEW).

3. Hold Nicholas for the rest of the evening because since

since 2:00, he has been a crying whirlwind. 

On the patience scale, I am about 0%.

 Then I asked you if I could have one more thing to add to the list, 

and, of course, you said yes, and then I requested something 

that I can't type because of its personal nature.

  Now together, we put the children to bed, gave each child a warm embrace, 

drink of water, and had family prayer.

The wind is blowing outside, and we have the rest of the evening 

to do what we like, 

and you have on your crisp white shirt and jeans and baby,

'It aint over till it's over.'

67 degrees

Shouldn't that big pile of leaves be snow?
It's January, not September!
I feel mixed up winter living in Arizona.

The NieNie Porter

Today I am posting at my sister's blog while she posts on our
brother's blog while he posts here, on my blog.
Extraordinary!
-----------

Last week Lisa was in the hospital for two days after

 the birth of our baby girl, Margaret.

 That left me at home, taking care of the other four kids. Whew! What a job!

Saturday was the big day that Lisa and Margaret got to come home. 

We had to get the house ready for them!

We decided that we would have a home-made Saturday.

As in, I made my children clean my home.

Hugh was so cute while the kids worked. 

Couldn't you just eat that face?

Because she's a girl, I let Phoebe do her own make-up. 

She did a nice job. I know this sounds strict, but in our house 

girls can only wear make-up once they start going to pre-school. 

Call me old-fashioned!

Once the house was clean, it was time for dinner. 

I made my signature meal: Top Ramen! It was so delicious.

The kids worked hard, so I decided to reward them with a little TV time.

We love educational programs!

While the kids watched the show, I snuck upstairs for a little dad-time. 

Here I am, soaking in the new jet-tub that I installed myself.

Dear Ms. Valentine Clark,

I thought about you all day, in your sexy maternity bra. 

I can't wait for you to be mine. 

All mine. Too bad we have to wait six weeks. (Doctor's orders!)

Anyway, I'm not the only one excited for you to come home...

Original art by Claire

This morning, I had just gotten back from taking

 Claire to school, fed other children, 

picked up breakfast, made beds, folded a little laundry, 

and was taking that laundry into the girl's room 

when I noticed this on Claire's sketch board.

It's awesome.

That is unmistakably a scene from Jack and the Beanstalk. 

 I laughed so hard I almost cried. Then, I was this close to 

getting back into my car and going to school to find her

 and tell her that I think she is so artistic-

she'd love to see me at school visiting her!

Oh, and it looks like the golden harp lady is holding a chainsaw.

The Mulberry Bungalow

It was decided long before we moved into the Lazona Estate
 that we wanted to build our children a treehouse.
When I say "we," I am actually referring to Mr. Nielson.

 He and I envisioned a special spot in the Mulberry tree in our backyard, 

a place where our children could have their own space. 

It would be like an "off-the-grid" retreat just for them.

Remember when I made and sold personalized silhouettes for Christmas?

 I wanted to earn extra money to surprise them and buy Mr. Nielson

 the tools he has always wanted to make building the treehouse possible.

Well, I did it, earned enough, and GOT THE TOOLS FOR HIM!
A few days after Christmas, he began the treehouse project. 

Each day after work, he comes home, eats a snack or two,

and adds more magic to the two-story bungalow.

The kids are SO EXCITED!

The blueprint of this childhood dream is crammed into Mr. Nielson's head,

and I named the treehouse The Mulberry Bungalow!

It will be a few more weeks before it's completed. 

Right now, tools, wood, and cords are scattered all over the backyard. 

The children can't wait, and I admit, neither can I!

 I can envision it now—our little family all snug, sleeping soundly

 under the warm summer night sky.

Thank you, Mr. Nielson, for being the best, most creative,

and fun dad in the whole world!

And thank you for your vast knowledge of knots and math.

Without those, I recognize this project would flop.

New Years Day 2008

New Years Day
for us brought mostly lounging around the house.
We burned our Christmas tree in the fireplace as our symbol
of the saying out with the old and in with the new.
We snuggled, took naps, and drank tea. I spent a good portion of the day
in the kitchen making strudel muffins.

I am trying to create new recipes that will carry with our
 family throughout the years.
I'm all about traditions!
For dinner, I made our family's favorite pizza.

After Mr. Nielson and I put the kids to bed,
we discussed our New Years' wishes and aspirations.
We even created a dream board where our goals---all sizes
 (Ironman, flying, start a business) will go.
Happy New Year 2008...it will be our best one yet- I can feel it!