Fire Away.

On Monday, while on my way home from my Barre3 class, I got a text from Oliver, 

then another, and then another. Then they seemed to come for the next 30 seconds.

Since I was driving, I couldn't read them right away (obvs).

The Little Nies know that every Monday after my

 Barre class, I go grocery and errand shopping.

They also know that if they write what they need me to
pick up for them at the store

on my paper list that sits by the backdoor on Sunday night,

they will miss the boat since I try not to go out again for the week.

(I usually end up doing it anyway).

Nicholas always puts on my list some toys that I never buy-
 but he writes it anyway, and

Clane always wants some hair products.

I'm sure Oliver was sitting in class and then remembered he forgot
to write on my list a few items he needed,
(construction paper, tin foil, gum, and apparently a few hoodies).

In a last-ditch effort, he began
frantically firing texts at me one after another.

(me and Olls 2007)

Lucky for him, I was just pulling up 

into the grocery store parking lot.
And I'm really glad I bought the 500-page construction paper pack
since he only used ONE black sheet.

I'm on a roll.

Yesterday I finished The Book of Mormon for the second time this year.

I was teary as I finished the last few verses in the book

 because I know the scriptures are true, particularly The Book of Mormon!

And the Spirit told me so.

It was an overwhelming and peaceful feeling.

My original plan was to finish The Book of Mormon on 

Joseph Smith's birthday on December 23rd, 

but I found myself reading more and more each day because

I need the light it brings into my heart.  

I need its truth, and power, and its goodness.

I love the balance and perspective I find in its pages, and

I love that it helps me feel steady and mindful.

But I especially love feeling God's love and light as I read.

I will start over again first thing in the morning.

I think I'm on a roll.

Rocky Mountain High

Mr. Nielson spent most of last week in beautiful Colorado

 with his favorite ladies: me and the heifers.

We had a lovely vacation just the two of us.

We ate out, visited two temples in the area,

sweat together at a Barre3 class, 

laughed at most everything,

 spent hours driving around chilly Colorado,

 visited beautiful ranch properties,

and attended a few cattle auctions.

 It's nice now to be back at The White House with the Little Nies-- 

and a mountain of laundry.  Literally.  

I opened the dirty clothes closet upstairs and clothes

 just fell on top of me.  

I felt like I was in a comedy.

 To be honest, I got a little anxious while on the trip, 

and I think that's just par for a mom.

I was relieved to come home to find the Little Nies happy and healthy.

Not long after returning home, I wiped down the disgusting toilets,

 threw out yucky food from the refrigerator, 

and picked up socks hidden under couches.

And that's my job and I love it.

But best of all was kneeling down with my family 

to thank God that Christian and I had traveled safe,

 and the Little Nies were protected while we were away. 

And that Claire and Jane are so responsible and took care of rides,

homework, all meals, clean up, and Angus (and the other pets too!).

Then I mugged on each face and sent them to bed.