Happy Birthday to Mr. Nielson!

Yesterday, Mr. Nielson turned 37.

My mom reminded me about the time we celebrated his 

30th birthday in the hospital.  I didn't really remember that one.

I was on drugs and in and out of earth. 

I am soooo grateful to be here, alive and happy with my sweetheart!

Christian, I love you so much. I don't have words that 

adequately describe my love for you. 

You are my best friend and compassionate soulmate.

Your wisdom and love have helped me through my darkest hours.

Your loyalty to God and to the gospel of Jesus Christ 

is truly inspiring and beautiful.

I have created a wonderful life with you.

 Happy Birthday!

PS...I like this post about when you turned 29.

Thanksgiving 2015

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving from the Nielsons!

 

Interview Without a Jacket

Today, while in Arizona, Mr. Nielson and I did an interview

fo an upcoming documentary about burn survivors.  

I am honored to be a part of it!

Also, while in Arizona, we drove through the streets with our windows down

and frolicked through the park without jackets.

Nice.

It's Gonna Be OK

As we were driving to Arizona for our Thanksgiving holiday,

 we stopped at a gas station to refuel our car. 

I noticed a man beside us filling his car up, wearing a familiar jumpsuit. 

I had seen air medics wear similar ones before.

 (My parents in the hospital as I lay in a coma.)

Maybe it's because of the Thanksgiving season or because I love

anyone in a jumpsuit, but I saw that man and immediately got out of the

car to tell him how thankful I was for his service.

I didn't expect to become emotional, but when I saw him, my heart exploded

and I ended up hugging him and crying.

He was so sweet and kept saying,

"It's OK, it's gonna be OK".

I said to him in my tears and hugs that I had five babies in my car who 

still have a mom because of people like him.

I hope you will be inspired this Thanksgiving season to THANK 

someone for their service and influence in your life.

Thank you, air medic/firefighter, Jordan!

Hold On To What Matters

Happy Monday!!

We are headed over the river and through the woods 

(I say that every year and it never gets old) 

to Arizona for Thanksgiving.

Have You Heard of Chatbooks?

Last week, my family filmed a short video with Chatbooks.
 If you haven't heard about Chatbooks, 

(where have you been?) they are beautiful photo books that create themselves, 

they are so easy to use and perfect for family keepsakes and memories.

You can go onto the Chatbooks website to read more about how they work 

and how they will CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

Anyway, on Sunday, we will launch this sweet story, which includes my 

Mom and Dad and their dog, Nan. Pretty sure you won't want to miss that.

My children adore these books. They sit on the floor and flip through the pages, 

laughing and reliving favorite memories.

See you on Sunday!

 Happy Weekend!!!

Spiritual Enlightenment: Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice.

Paris and Peace

Even when the armaments of war ring out in deathly serenade and 

darkness and hatred reign in the hearts of some; there stands immovable, 

reassuring, comforting, and with great outreaching love the 

quiet figure of the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world.

-Gordon B. Hinkley

Last night, I went to bed thinking about Paris.

A few years ago, Mr. Nielson and I visited the city of love; 

we walked the streets, saw the Eiffel Tower, and ate amazing macaroons.  

It was a beautiful place full of creativity, color, light, and happiness.

The recent attacks have made me feel so distraught.

I worry about the safety of my own children.  

I sometimes worry that peace is not reachable

in these days of war, pain, and hate.

I found Oliver on the couch last night with tears in his eyes.  He was crying.

I sat next to him and asked him what was the matter.

"I don't want to die, Mom."

 Then he went on to share with me the feelings he felt about 

the recent events in Paris and how sad he felt about those who got shot.

He is scared of something similar happening to him or to his family.

The only thing that came to my mind at that moment was to tell him

that God must be really sad to see His children fighting and hurting each other.

I told him that we are all God's family and 

He wants us to be happy, but we can't control other people's actions.  

I told him we can find peace and happiness in Jesus Christ.

He truly is the Prince of Peace!

I put him to bed that night believing what I had said, but I

had a weighty heart, too.

 

My prayers are for those who have been affected by this act of hate and terror, 

and for the leaders who have to make hard decisions for our safety.

I also pray we will remember and turn to God in these moments.

* * * * 

{Mr. Nielson and I are hosting a one-on-one
private chat today from 10 to noon MDT.  

Come talk about the Mormon faith and any

 other questions you may have.  

These chats are private, and anyone is welcome!

Let's chat Here}

I Love Us

I took this photo of Mr. Nielson as he was 

preparing our traditional Sunday dinner.

Early in our marriage, we both agreed that I would cook

 meals for the family on the weekdays

(because I love to cook and serve my family that way).

But on Saturdays and Sundays I'm off.

We usually go out on Saturday, and Mr. Nielson, who loves to cook

cooks on Sunday.

He cooks vegetables like no one I know.  

He takes after my dad, who, growing up, always cooked on Sundays, too.

Christian's favorite dishes include:

Beets with arugula and ricotta, mashed potatoes with garlic and heavy cream,

brussels sprouts with a balsamic vinaigrette reduction, sliced almonds, and

rosemary cauliflower with butter and parmesan.

During his prep time, I usually sit at the kitchen bar and talk to him while he

methodically cuts each vegetable.

We discuss what we learned at church and who we connected with in the congregation.

I tell him what I want to accomplish for the new week 

and projects I'd like to finish.

 We always discuss world problems, troubling times, politics, and our faith.

I love us.  Sometimes it's super nerdy when people say that,

but I seriously, I do really, really love us. 

 I love what we do together, what we have created together,

and who we are together.  I love our traditions, memories, and connections.

He is my best friend, and I couldn't live without him- or his beet salad.

Brave Baylee

I heard the news last night that my fellow burn survivor  

Baylee Hoaldridge passed away.

 Baylee's bravery and courage are so inspiring, and even though she 

has left us here on earth, her example and courage

 will always be with us. 

Always. 

Dear adorable, sweet Baylee,

Thank you for reminding me what it means to be brave.

See you again soon.

Across Fox Hill

A few days ago, Ollie and Nicholas asked me if they could play at 

Thomas and William's house for the afternoon. 

 I told them they could if they would text Thomas and William's mom, Amy

to see if it was OK first. 

Nicholas texted Amy, and after 78 seconds with no response, 

they decided to just run over. Kids do things like that.

We had just returned from a hectic day, where I was in heels for most of it.

 I was eager to get my swollen feet up.

Thomas and William live just across Fox Hill, 

and it's pretty magical watching my boys 

run across the foothills from our house to theirs.

Since I was exhausted, I said they could go if they would 

take Lottie, who was dying of boredom, and besties with their little sister, Ada.

This would make it possible for me to

maybe catch a nap before dinner.

The boys agreed and set out across the hill with Lottie trailing behind. 

I watched as they trudged across the 

grassy hill practically pulling Lottie along.  

 Seconds later, I got a text from Amy, who informed me

 that her whole family was out for the evening.

At that point, the boys were too far away for me to call out to them and so 

I just let them continue on, plus I knew the exercise would do them some good.

I was sure after ringing the doorbell 200 times,

 the boys would figure out they weren't home

and eventually get back on the trail and head back home.

After 30 minutes passed, I became a little concerned. 

They hadn't returned yet.

I worried that Lottie had run out of gas and the boys didn't have the 

physical strength to carry her all the way home. 

 I imagined Lottie sprawled on the side of the hill, screaming from exhaustion.

That's when I pulled on my boots, grabbed my sweater, and set out to find my kids.

To be honest, I was a little annoyed.

Walking along our hill, I noticed how the later afternoon sky made everything 

 so vibrant and clear. The leaves on the trees hung like jewels, sparkling

and fluttering in the muted sun. 

And I was immediately glad I was outside.

I wasn't annoyed anymore at all.

Pretty soon, I saw my troop taking a break on a large rock.

When Ollie saw me coming to his rescue, he shouted to me:

"Yessssss Mom!!"  Then, turning to Nicholas, he yelled,

"Nicholas, it's MOM! She's here!"

I waved at the trio

I picked up Lottie, put her on my shoulders, and snapped a photo 

of the boys on top of the famous foothill rock.

The rock is special because once, long ago,

their grandpa, my dad, the king of Provo, had a photo of himself

 taken on that same rock when he was ten years old. 

He had a flattop, wore jeans, a t-shirt, and Chuck Taylor's 

 just like my boys, minus the graffiti on the rock.

The graffiti is stupid.

Winter Girl

I was hiking the Y trail early before sunrise when it snowed 

for the first time this winter. As I felt a snowflake land on my eyelashes, 

I couldn't contain my excitement.

 I had eagerly awaited snow for weeks, and it was finally here!

When it was a bit lighter outside, I stopped mid-trail

to take some photos of the gorgeous mountains and clouds.

I am a winter girl through and through.

One of the greatest joys I experience as a mother is hanging out with the 

Little Nies at home with the fire roaring in the fireplace.

Right now, all the Little Nies prefer staying at home with us rather than choosing 

their social lives, and I don't mind at all because I'm aware this won't last forever.

And we love it when friends come to us!

 Lottie and her best friend Ada spent a good 45 minutes in our hot tub then

jumped around the living room naked, listening to 

Christmas music while it continued to snow outside.

This is a beautiful, happy childhood.

* * * * 

Mr. Nielson and I are hosting a one-on-one 
private chat today from 10 to noon MDT.  

Come talk about the Mormon faith and 

any other questions you may have.  

These chats are private, and anyone is welcome!

Let's chat Here.

Prophets and Policy

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon).
Recently, The Church changed a piece of its policy.

If you want to read about this change, I suggest you go directly 

to the church's website for a truthful and concise explanation.

This change has been a huge faith struggle for some church members 

and has caused a lot of heartache and pain.

My opinion on the matter is I will follow our prophet and church leaders. 
I have an overwhelming conviction that God personally knows His children
and cares deeply for each one of them.
Because God loves His children, He has given us prophets on earth to
direct and lead us to peace and safety.
To understand God's will for us, we must follow His prophets.

While I don't understand everything, I have always found comfort and
peace in the fold.
I am reminded of our Nielson Family theme last year:

"Be strong. Live the gospel faithfully even if 
others around you don't live it at all.
 Defend your beliefs with courtesy and with compassion, 
but defend them".

I decided a long time ago that I would always stand firm and immovable in
following the prophet and his teachings.
My deep dedication to the leaders of my
Mormon faith doesn't mean I hate the people who feel the opposite of me.

I will not, nor will I allow my children to point fingers
or degrade anyone for their beliefs or lifestyles.
I know I am not eloquent in my writing,
but with all the conviction I can muster on this little blog, 

I will support and uphold
the prophet and doctrine of my Mormon faith with my simple words.
And I will do it over and over again if I have to.

  I always have and will continue to teach my children that when
we follow the prophet and his counsel with prayerful hearts,
 ears to hear, and hearts to understand, the
"mysteries of God may be unfolded to our view. "

Photos In Fall

Early last October, our family had our photos taken.

I like to have family photos taken every year, and I like to 

think of different spots to have them done.

 I especially LOVE to switch up what time of year we take them.

We have now officially taken our photos in three of the four seasons.  

Summer, Fall, Winter. 

Thanks, Blue Lily, for the fabulous memories you captured in these photos!

Next year, I think we will tackle Spring. 

Honestly, though, these fall photos are my favorite:

Halloween 2015

As the spooky season arrives, the Nielson family 

eagerly prepares to celebrate Halloween 

with our long-standing traditions from 

carving pumpkins to dressing up in costumes.

This year, the Nielson home is filled with excitement and anticipation!

For example, Family Halloween dinner is served on the same 

pumpkin place-mats, and my famous chili in pumpkin bread bowls.  

 We always drink root beer with dry ice in our silver goblets, 

and on the table are the cooked pumpkin seeds I baked from the 

Little Nies pumpkins that they carved earlier that day.

Also, what would Halloween be without

Sweet Tooth Fairy chocolate cupcakes for dessert?!

(I added the candied butcher knives.

As Garfield would say, "Nice touch").

Early this morning, the Little Nies carved pumpkins 

outside while enjoying the hot chocolate that Claire made.

 

I noticed they were struggling to carve pumpkins in the freezing cold, 

so I prepared a bowl of hot water to thaw their fingers.

 

This year, for Halloween, the girls choose to be the sophisticated  

Day of the Dead skeletons.

The boys wanted to be army medics, and Little Lottie was the Queen of Hearts.

(Thanks to Justin Hackworth for the Halloween photos)

Claire, 14

 Jane, 12

Oliver, 10

Nicholas, 9

Charlotte, 3

 

 

 

During the perfect weather, we went trick-or-treating 

on our tree-lined streets after dinner. 

I had to pinch myself a few times during the evening as I was sure I was in heaven.

I am positive that in heaven, we will have gorgeous trees with 

colored leaves, light breezes, and trick-or-treating.  

 

I think 2015 was my favorite Halloween yet....but then again, I think I said that

last year and the year before that, too.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Spiritual Enlightenment: It Works Wonderfully!