Jed / Nelson Notes

Jed

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Jed's 12th Birthday

4.26.2022

Happy 12th Birthday to Jed!!! I'll be honest; it does not feel like yesterday that he was born. It was a whole other lifetime ago. The three of us -- Jed, his dad, and myself -- have grown and changed so much since that momentous day. I am so proud of the young man Jed is becoming. He is learning the value of responsibility and work. I have really enjoyed watching him pass the sacrament at church and be excited about attending his young men's activities. He's discovering his own interests and talents -- like reading and mountain biking! He's all limbs right now and is growing like a weed. His hands and feet are as big as mine. Soon he'll be taller than me! We've graduated from little boyhood and are careening straight on into his teenage years. What a hard and magical thing it is to parent a child. I love Jed so very much! Happy Birthday! Thanks for letting me be your mother and be your biggest cheerleader for the ride of your life.

3.05.2021

5.12.2020

Funny Faces!

I'm at that point in pregnancy where all I want to do is sit on the couch, eat ice cream, and cry. But Levi gave himself his first real dose of road rash from crashing on his bike today and needed a little distraction. This worked for all of us. It was so fun!

Our own twist on a trend I've seen on Instagram with Mickey Mouse eyes, Chewy eyes, and Jed's very own eyes.

5.08.2020

Welcome to the 8th annual Day in the Life Post -- also known as the annual post that almost didn't happen. Between this quarantine and being nine months pregnant, I feel pretty spent of creative energy. But I knew that if I dropped the ball this year, I'd regret it. So I busted out the camera on Monday May 4, 2020 and went for it. These aren't the prettiest or most creatively done batch of pictures. In fact, I used a new to me preset for fun and I'm not sure I'm in love with the look. But it is what it is and the goal was accomplished for yet another year.

So my dear readers, may I present A Day in the Life 2020, a special quarantine edition.

4.30.2020

We are on week 7 of "quarantine" with plans to begin our gradual trek back to normalcy in phases beginning this weekend. Hip, hip, hooray! However, I have a feeling it's going to be a long time until life is truly normal again.

I can rattle off two positive personal outcomes from staying at home.

1. Conrad is officially poop trained now! He's such a stubborn turd. (Pun intended.) It only took him a solid year after being pee trained THROUGH THE NIGHT to accomplish the task. Believe me when I say I tried absolutely every tactic out there. I now keep a stash of potty treats in the pantry and eagerly give it out in handfuls.

2. I make the bed everyday. And since I make the bed everyday, I figured I'd better attach another habit to it: my morning prayer. I've never been able to make that a consistent habit... until now. It's amazing what impact a little prayer (and honestly a moment to meditate or reflect) has had on my life as a mother.

In other news, however, it feels like the outside world is preparing to rip itself apart. The economy is in ruin, the food supply chain has been severely disrupted, free speech through media outlets is being censored, and people are verbally and/or physically attacking each other in the name of social distancing. A political power struggle (remember, it's a presidential election year) seems to be running the world these days. It's very concerning.

4.25.2020

Dear Jed,

Happy 10th Birthday to the boy who made me a mother and changed me for the better! Words cannot express how much joy you have brought into my life. Some of my favorite memories of you begin with your little smiling face peeking over the crib rails at me and continue through today when you showed me your latest Lego invention. I am so proud of you, Jed. You have many God given talents and gifts. I hope you come to recognize them as I have. You are naturally caring and compassionate; it helps make you a great big brother. You have a keen sense of justice and an inventive and creative mind. I know that with some work and dedication, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Best of all, you love to tease and laugh.

I cannot believe it has been 10 years since I first cradled you in awe. I hope you know that I still look at you that way sometimes. I love you, Jed. I hope your quarantined birthday becomes a special memory with a cool story to tell.

Love always,

Mom

3.29.2020

^^Chasing rainbows first thing in the morning.^^

It has been two fulls weeks since the kids' school was cancelled and we've been practicing "social distancing." Last Wednesday, the governor of Idaho officially mandated a 21 Day Stay at Home order, closing down all non-essential businesses and asking residents to self isolate in order to slow the spread of Covid-19.

I'll be honest. It's been a long two weeks. This is quite the sudden adjustment! A worldwide pandemic was totally not on my radar for 2020. We've had some really good days here at home as a family and a few others where I've just fallen apart.

Those hard days have happened for two reasons:
1. This exhausted pregnant mama needs more sleep to keep up with three energetic boys!
2. I was still mentally kicking against this new reality.

My concerns in my last post still stand... along with a few others. Wow, the physical, emotional, and economic effects are far reaching! It can feel very heavy.

But overall, however, I think I am finally settling in to this new reality with hope that restrictions will begin to lift in the next few weeks. I am truly fortunate in this pandemic situation. I am thankful for a community that is working to keep people safe and protect our health system. I am grateful Bron is still working and bringing home an income. (Those cows still need to be milked and food brought to the masses!) I am extremely fortunate to live in a nice warm home with a full pantry and a big yard. Best of all, I am surrounded by the people whom I love more than anything. We have our health and each other. What more really matters?

I sincerely do wonder what I will learn from all this time in isolation glued to just my family and home. What will I learn about myself? What will I learn I need to change? What will I learn about motherhood and my boys? I'm hoping I come through the next few weeks a little wiser and not bald because I've pulled all my hair out just trying to meet the needs of three very energetic and extroverted boys. Haha.

For the record, I feel just as busy with the kids all home as I did when they were in school. The really nice advantage is that I've dropped my role as taxi driver. There is no longer any pressure to make sure dinner is ready promptly at 5pm so that the boys can make it to swim team at 6pm. And my house is staying cleaner because there's more time to clean it and the boys help!

I feel much more relaxed. I might even be a better mom now that time isn't an issue! I can focus on my child's immediate need instead of preparing for the next thing.

Just an observation...

2.04.2020

This is Artifact Motherhood; a collaboration of artists from around the world who have come together to share our stories of the joys and struggles of our journey. Through our writings and visual records, we want to create memories that are more than photographs with dates written on the back. These are the artifacts we are leaving behind for our children and for generations to come. Please visit the next artist in our blog circle, Lauren Webster, and continue through all the artists until you get back to me!

^^Two of my favorite faces. The big boys let me take some headshots of them. I need to do this more often... because, you know, Mom goggles. Levi's wound is exactly a week old in these pictures. No more stitches and healing up well!^^

The other day, I sat and calculated what year each of my children will graduate from high school. This unborn baby will graduate in 2038. That feels like forever away! But then I calculated for Jed. He will graduate in 2028.

*Gulp*

That's just 8 years away! Those years are going to come and go in a blink. Jed is already more than halfway grown! What? How?? His early childhood has gone so fast!

Of course, these thoughts trigger other ones like, "Am I doing enough?" "Am I enjoying him enough?" And cue the mom guilt, am I right?!?

That's when I try to back it up and answer myself honestly. Yes, I am doing the very best that I can. Some days I feel like an utter failure, but I am learning and growing right alongside my children. My love for them is the driving force behind my getting up every morning to try and try again.

As for enjoying him enough? The honest answer is yes and no.

12.26.2019

You guys, the magic of Christmas is REAL! The lights, the treats, the anticipation. It's all so much fun! I can't believe another Christmas has already come and gone. It was another happy/crazy one at the Nelson home with three little believers. Bron and I intended to keep this Christmas simple and low key, but the boys somehow wound up spoiled rotten anyway! The living room was littered in boxes and wrapping and more toys and games than the kids knew what to do with. I am so grateful we get to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and all that He did for us in this way.

This December, we followed the study guide in the 25 Days of Christ, a gift my sister gave us last year. I think our whole family enjoyed studying and discussing Christ's life in bits and pieces throughout the entire month. Jed was the one who actually instigated our family devotional each evening. I know these almost nightly studies turned my thoughts more towards Christ this season and made Christmas just that much more meaningful!

Anyway, here are pictures from our messy but joyful Christmas morning. I love capturing the looks on my boys' faces as they open up something that makes them happy!

11.01.2019

"It's Halloween night. A night to beware. A night to scare." -- Olivier Dunrea I couldn't help myself. I've been reading Ollie's Halloween to Conrad on repeat; the words are just stuck in my head. Even Conrad quotes it! Haha.

One of my favorite holidays of the year came around again: HALLOWEEN! After summer is over and school begins, I live for all things Fall. (Except for pumpkin spice. You crazy folks can keep that nasty flavor.) There's something about the crispness in the air, the colorful leaves spread all over the ground, and the anticipation of all things spooky and fun that just gets me excited.

This year, Jed had his heart set on becoming a creepy vampire for a night. (Don't you love his makeup?? I'm pleasantly surprised with myself.) Levi found his kick butt ninja costume for $2 at Once Upon a Child. And Conrad, well, he wouldn't let me sway his decision to be a pumpkin on Halloween night one bit. His mind was set in stone. It was so funny and cute! Ever since we carved Jack-o-lanterns last season, Conrad's intrigue in pumpkins has only heightened.

We've been living in our neighborhood eight years now and we've developed a tradition with our neighbors on Halloween night that I think we've all come to love. It's super simple really. First, everyone gathers in our front yard for pictures. (Yup, you guessed it, I'm the official photographer.) And then we all head out together as one giant group of friends to trick-or-treat around the neighborhood. Some years the turnout is bigger than others, but the invite is always there and my boys love, love, love the tradition of going door to door with their friends. This year, we did just that again. Such sweet childhood memories! Halloween night would not be the same without our awesome neighbors.

10.28.2019

We carved our Jack-o-lanterns tonight! Jed and Levi carved their very own for the first time (I'm impressed Levi didn't cut off an eyebrow or something) and Mickey Mouse was done free hand by the best dad in the world -- who does not like Halloween by the way, but humors the rest of us anyway. The boys are so excited! However, none were more excited than Conrad who, during the entire carving process, would not quit talking.

Also not to be forgotten, is the night I took Jed and Levi to their very first spook house. They had been begging to go to one. We headed out on a Friday night around 7pm to Stricker After Dark. The old Stricker station is kind of creepy during the day! But the haunted house is a short tour of the old museum that I know the boys are familiar with, so I thought it might make for a good first experience. We sat around the bon fire eating caramel popcorn until our group was called. Levi wasn't sure whether or not to believe the short story that was told before going into the spook house. "Mom?" he asked uncertainly. There were actors, low light, and lots of loud noises. It even creeped me out! "That wasn't real, right Mom?" Levi asked as we left. "No Bud. None of it is real. It's just for fun," I explained.

No one had nightmares so we'll totally be back next year. I love that my boys share my enthusiasm for Halloween.

9.27.2019

There seems to be this big universal question going around the internet these days:

HOW CAN I BE HAPPY?

Well, here are my thoughts on the matter. I'm no expert, keep in mind. But I do feel like a generally happy person.

First, I've got to say that I don't believe that we are meant to be happy 100% of the time. No way. Having "opposition in all things" (2 Nephi 2:11) includes our feelings. And if you suffer from an illness like depression or anxiety, feelings are a lot more complicated. Anyway, that said, the sweet is so much sweeter after the sour!

Next, I believe that our thoughts create our feelings. It's totally something I learned from listening to some Jody Moore podcasts and I think she is right on. We are in charge of our own lives, so let's take control of what we can and conquer those dreams and goals! Think positively; see the glass as half full. And give other people the benefit of the doubt. Being lenient and forgiving of others has silently given me permission to forgive myself of my own shortcomings. (Or at least that's what I've noticed about myself!)

Lastly, Happiness = Summer Time! Duh! The warm sunshine, the outdoor adventure, and family time are the perfect trifecta for making life extra good.

9.16.2019

Popping into the blog today to share some pictures from our little bushwhacking adventure in the South Hills Sunday night. Bron is really excited about his personal project to restore some old trails for mountain biking and has his buddy Bryce on board as well. They're just big kids: exploring the hillsides, rolling rocks, and cutting through brush. Those two have been having so much fun.

There's really not much to report so far here in September. We've settled in to the new school schedule quickly and life has just been rolling along.

Jed and Levi are pros at getting themselves up and showered in the morning. They enjoy school and seem to be doing well, so far. Swim team starts next week! It will add one more dimension of places to go and things to do, but I think we'll all enjoy the water. Bron has also been reading to the boys at night. They're right smack dab in the middle of the Storm Testament; it's keeping them on the edge of their beds for sure! While the big boys read, Conrad and I snuggle up on the couch to read in the other room. It's a great evening routine when it happens!

Bron is carefully balancing work, Young Men's, family life, exercise, and mountain biking. It's quite the tightrope act, but I couldn't be more proud of that man. He has his priorities straight and our relationship feels really solid right now.

As for me, with Conrad in daycare two days a week, I have been getting all. the. things. done! It's really impressive what I can get done in a few hours without any interruption. So far this month I've cleaned out and organized the boys' room, the toy room, the office, and just today, the master bedroom. I have time to sweep, mop, and vacuum the floors more regularly. I've been taking Conrad's little friend on one day a week while his mama packs up their house to move. I've been exercising. I've been editing. The privilege of "me" time has made a huge difference! I notice I am more attentive to the boys after school. And I feel like I can truly relax -- get just one or two things done when Conrad is home -- and then ENJOY him! Last week, we played at the park and then went on a little lunch date to the taco truck.

So at the moment, life is really good for the Nelsons. We're all often tired by the day's end, but we've been blessed with a lot.

9.08.2019

I have always wanted to learn how to properly use my camera to make videos, but it always felt overwhelming... until an online friend directed me to the Filming Life Academy. They held a free 9 day filming life keepsake challenge this past week in which they shared a little bit of basic beginner information every day with the purpose of encouraging new film makers (like me!) to make their own one to two minute film.

You guys, I am hooked! I not only get to combine my musical background with my obsession of photography, but I get to capture the people I love most in full motion and sound. Their laughter! My boys' voices that will surely change. The funny things my children do. Video is exciting to me! I have found a whole other world to dive into and learn about.

I have this insatiable desire to document and create. Photography (and video) fill both those inner desires of mine and make me so very happy. Naturally, my favorite subjects to photograph and practice on are my children.

Yesterday, we made a pair of apple pies together with apples from our backyard tree. It's something we do every September, except this time, I filmed it. I know practically nothing about the technical side of videography. In fact, all my work is probably half wrong. But every time I watch this little video, I laugh when my boys laugh. It means a lot to me that I captured those giggles and this little tradition!

I hope you watch and enjoy!

8.28.2019

Bringing you photos of the first day of school... on the third day of school! These two handsome studs started 4th and 2nd grades on Monday. Levi was a little nervous Sunday evening, but didn't show any inhibitions come morning. They were so excited! Both boys were up, showered, dressed, and ready for breakfast by 7:10AM. I am so glad they love their routine; it makes mornings go so smoothly.

This year, Levi has Mrs. Casperson. She's a sweet and typical type A teacher who will hopefully teach Levi how to be organized and responsible this year. I have no doubt Levi will have fun with all his friends and succeed in whatever he puts his mind to this year!

Jed has Mr. Butler and I am thrilled. His teacher is going to be teaching the kids through reverse engineering this year... something I know Jed is really going to enjoy! I think this teacher is going to be the perfect fit for Jed this school year.

8.27.2019

A couple of weeks ago we were headed up into the South Hills together as a family on a Sunday afternoon when Jed asked if we could go camping. I could see Bron mulling over the request in his mind. He passed the idea by me later that evening. I was all in; it sounded fun! But then we debated on where. Do we keep it simple and head up into the South Hills or travel a little further and discover some place new? I am so glad we decided to put in the extra effort at the last minute to camp in an area of Idaho none of us had ever visited before because... It. Was. Epic.

We left the house on Friday afternoon, three days before school started; one last summer adventure. We found a large camping spot in a grassy area near a creek under some beautiful mountain peaks. The place was like a dream! We hardly saw or heard other campers all weekend. The place felt so remote. It was wonderful.

8.22.2019

^^Two year old potty humor. He thought he was hilarious! 😂^^

You guys, I take it back. I'm not quite ready for summer to end and school to start after all. It's no secret that summer is hands down my favorite season: the warm sunshine, water play, adventuring, sleeping in, and being together as a family. It just can't be beat! I am going to miss these carefree days and late backyard sunsets like crazy.

The other day I turned on Pandora to jam out while I cleaned my kitchen. The song 'Summer of '69' came on.... "those were the best days of my life." I wondered to myself what the best days of my life might be when I'm old and wrinkly and ready to pass on. I thought of those days when Bron and I were dating and newly married. Those were definitely good ones. And then it occurred to me that these just might be some of the best days of my life. Right now! The last couple of years and perhaps a few more ahead. The kids are at such fun and innocent ages. They're independent enough that they sleep through the night and can grab their own breakfast. The boys love my attention and don't mind hanging out with me. In fact, they think their parents are pretty cool! Bron's career is humming along. We live in a nice home on a beautiful piece of property with some of the best friends God ever created. Life is good and we're pretty darn lucky. Yup. These are the days!

8.18.2019

By Wednesday evening, after Grandma and Grandpa Nelson had gone home, Bron and I weren't ready to be done vacationing! We were having too much fun exploring with our boys. Then we had this idea. Since we were so close to Glacier National Park, we should drive up there for a night and show the boys one of our favorite places. After all, it had been on our wish list to take them there since Bron and I visited five years ago! So that's how we spontaneously extended our family vacation. Worth it!

We miraculously pulled straight into a parking spot late Thursday afternoon in Glacier National Park and took the boys on the short hike to Avalanche Lake. But first, to see the Cedars Trail.

8.16.2019

Tuesday was a bit more low key as we set out to explore a few of Coeur d'Alene's downtown highlights at the kids' pace.

First on the list was to hike Tubbs' Hill! We didn't finish the hike. Instead, we pulled off at a beachy spot and the boys enjoyed playing in the water! I didn't think to wear swimsuits or bring our towels. (Actually, I wasn't thinking at all. I was just surviving with my sore throat!) But we all had a blast anyway. I didn't talk much, but I sure did enjoy myself. Hanging out at the water's edge in the sunshine and watching my boys happily play is a day in heaven in my book!

8.15.2019

Dear Boys,

I am counting down the days til school starts with decidedly more excited anticipation than you are. I never ever thought I'd utter those words, but here they are plain as day in black and white: I can't wait for you to go back to school!

Perhaps it's this awful sore throat, cough, and fever sickness I've been dealing with for over a week that's talking, but I can't be 100% sure.

You see, I'm ready for my house to stay somewhat clean for longer than five minutes.

There are Nerf bullets on every surface, sand in the crevices of the couch, trash and clutter piled up in your room, and sticky spills all over the kitchen floor.

I'm ready for a break from my job as referee.

I help fill part of our days together with fun outings, but you're frankly bored of each other. Oh, the screaming and the pestering!

I'm your mother. I love you fiercely, boys. But you're driving me crazy.

I'll probably be wishing it was summer again when that first school project comes home and we can't make some spontaneous trip to the pool, but for now, I've never been more ready for school to start.

Ten more days.

Until then, Hulu is your babysitter.

Love,
Mom

SLIDER