Oh, Christmas Tree

Oh, Christmas Tree

12.11.2013

Saturday morning we woke up to snow!  It was going to be the perfect day for a trip up into the South Hills to find Christmas trees--I could just feel it in my bones. 

Our ward's Elders' Quorum hosted the activity.  They bought tree permits, brought up sleds and saws, and even stoked a fire complete with chili and peppermint hot chocolate for lunch.  Unfortunately, the storm kept a lot of folks away, which meant the guys had the duty of finding trees for those who spoke for one and to bring them on home--as a sort of Christmas service, I suppose.  But I would rather think of our morning as a thrilling outdoor adventure because it truly was!

The little boys and I accompanied Bron and several other friends deep into the hills on snowmobiles--except for Jed and me.  We cruised in a sled attached behind a snowmobile.  It made for a very cold and bumpy ride, but Jed was a brave trooper.  He simply buried his face into my arm.  It was a lot of fun!  Levi, on the other hand, got to feel the rumble of the engine beneath his tiny frame next to Dad.  It didn't take him long to find the gas button; it was pretty obvious he was hooked.  Jed and Levi are both 100% boy!  I love it.

The snow just kept coming down all day long.  Every pine was covered in a thick blanket of white.  It was breathtakingly beautiful.  And downright magical.  We stopped several times to march through the trees and pick the very best ones. 

Both Bron and I couldn't wipe the childish grins off our faces when we were done.  Nothing puts a person in the Christmas spirit quite like fresh powder and Christmas tree hunting.

I sure hope this is one of Jed's first memories.  It was a wonderful morning.

And now, for a picture overload:

*I switched my camera to auto and handed it to our neighbor and babysitter, Kamri.  I should do that more often!  She had a ton of fun clicking away and I now have a hundred pictures of our day together.  Many of these pictures are ones she took.  Thanks, Kamri! 

^^Jed sledding^^

^^Even in the freezing cold, Levi is still happy^^

^^Romping through the woods^^

^^Family picture in the snow!  Now if only Jed were smiling...^^

^^Levi tasting some fresh powder^^

 ^^This is how we roll^^

^^We couldn't peel this kid away from the machine^^

^^Kamri making some winter magic^^

^^The boys did really well until the very end when they suddenly decided they were freezing.  They were quite dramatic about it.  But some food in front of the fire fixed that.^^

^^Sweet sleepy hot chocolate mouth on our way home^^

 

There's something special about those hills.  We had a blast.  I can't wait to go back.

Read more »

Peel the Potato

Peel the Potato

12.10.2013

Raising two little boys is proving to be a rollercoaster kind of an adventure.  My boys have two speeds: ON at 100mph or OFF at sleeping.  (I just sometimes wish there was a little switch in their backs I could flip, you know, for fifteen minutes of peace.)  During these last few weeks, my days seem to be filled with equal parts frustration and failure as they whine, fight, push their limits, make HUGE messes, and repeat.  It's exhausting!  But the good news is that the good precious moments always outweigh the hard ones, especially if I remember to look for them... or sometimes even try to make them.

^^It's been super cold, so some of the outside toys have made their way inside the house.^^

After lunch yesterday, Jed waved his hands next to his ears and taunted me.  "Na, na, na, na, Mom.  Come and get me!" he teased.  So I left the dishes on the table and chased him around the couch.  Then Levi wanted to join the fun.  He put his chubby little hands up to his ears and chanted, "Na, na, na, na!"  I died right then and there.  It was too stinkin' cute!  So I chased both my boys around the couch, tackling and tickling them--because that's how boys like to play best.  Then when I was feeling out of breath, I pulled Jed to the floor and sat on his legs for a familiar tickling game that always results in copious amounts of laughter.

I announce, "I'm going to make mashed potatoes!"

First, I peel the potato.

Then I chop the potato. 

Then I mush the potato.

Finally, I EAT the potato!

 

It's loads of fun for both of us!  So when Jed began playing the game with his little brother, I couldn't help grabbing my phone and laughing along.  Enjoy a little snippet of Nelson cuteness!

 

Read more »

Holiday Partay

Holiday Partay

12.09.2013

Saturday night, Bron and I hopped the border to Jackpot, Nevada for the annual J.D. Heiskell Christmas party.  It was our third Holiday party with Bron's company and probably the most fun yet.  Maybe it's because we sat in the overflow room where it was less crowded and noisy, but whatever the reason, the conversation was good and the food was even better!  I ate some appetizers, lightly picked over dinner, and then devoured a plate full of desserts.  Who needs salad when there's cheesecake and chocolate mousse?  Then we danced like it was 1999... until the DJ finally switched the music to this century and we danced even harder.  However, our favorite genre has got to be a little country swing.  Bron is a phenomenal country swing dancer.  He spins me around like a rag doll and I love it!  It was a lively fun night out with my hubby.  I love him so much.

Not to mention... we got to drive Bron's brand new company vehicle: A 2014 Chevy Silverado LTZ.  It's a NICE ride; incredibly quiet and smooth.  Merry Christmas to Bron!  Too bad it took less than 24 hours to make the floorboards smell like manure.  ;)

We are so fortunate that Bron has such a great job with this growing company.  Bron works long hours for our little family, and I am incredibly grateful for him. 


*Previous years' parties HERE and HERE

Read more »

First Snow

First Snow

12.05.2013

This picture has my heart right now.

 

 

I opened the blinds and turned on the outside lights so that the boys could watch the snow fall.

It was a magical moment.

Read more »

A Dozen Things Most Folks Don't Know About Me

A Dozen Things Most Folks Don't Know About Me

12.03.2013

I saw a version of this going around Facebook a little while back and I really enjoyed reading some random facts about family and friends that I didn't know!  So I thought I'd join in the fun, except I want to share it here on my blog: a more permanent place for recording life.  Here goes!

1.  I sleep with cotton in my ears, or at least I have for the last several weeks.  After Levi was born, my nighttime hearing became annoyingly acute.  In other words, I've become the world's lightest sleeper.  (Any other moms have this same problem?)  During the summer, our big airplane fan was my life sleep saver.  And now, it's cotton in my ears.  Rest assured I can still hear; the cotton just dulls sounds--like Bron's occasional snoring--so that I can keep dreaming.

2.  I had LASIK done in 2008.  I worked for an ophthalmologist office and was given the chance to have it done free.  Best. Decision. Ever.  Especially considering those many late nights and early mornings I've endured since becoming a mother.  I have been really happy with my surgery.  It is incredible to see 20/15 (that's better than 20/20) with my own eyes!  And my night vision is just as amazing.  Side Note: Did you know Bron sees 20/10?  He has super man eyes thanks to some great genetics.

3.  I never wore braces.  I'm lucky enough to have a nice smile naturally.  (Thanks, Dad!)

4.  I don't really hear the lyrics of a song on the radio as much as I hear the notes.  Literally.  I hear C#, D, E, F#, G, etc.  So though I often can't sing the words to a popular tune, I'll more than likely be able to play it back to you on the piano or my violin.

5.  I take zero interest in pop culture.  Sure, I read the news headlines and I enjoy an entertaining movie, a great song, and wearing a cute outfit just as much as the next person, but for the life of me, I just can't put actors' and singers' names to their faces.  It's bad.  I suppose I just don't care!  But guess what?  It doesn't matter.

6.  For my own health and the health of my loved ones, I choose to read books sparingly.  I'm worthless when I read a good book.  I just get sucked in!  All of my extra time and energy becomes devoted to this one book.  The house could be falling down around me and I wouldn't notice!  Therefore, as much as I love them, I just can't afford to read books very often.

7.  I taught English in China one summer.  It was a culinary adventure and an adventure in every other way as well.  It was also an humbling experience I'll keep in my heart forever.  Everyone should visit a foreign country. 

8.  I was arrested for streaking with my sister and cousins when I was eighteen.  Long true story.  But it was funny then.  And it's still funny now, ten years later.  (Except my stepdad somehow keeps a straight face.) 

9.  I can't drink a caffeinated soda after 3PM or else the clock at 2AM will see me wide awake.

10.  Jed was born in New York... and so was I!  It's only ironic because I've spent the majority of my life in the western United States.  The longest I've ever lived in one place is five years.

11.  I love the feel of soft things: my fluffy robe, my winter bed sheets, fleece lined leggings, etc.  I've passed this love of softness on to my boys.  They both insist on sleeping with fleece blankets.  It makes me a little proud.

12.  I love worship the sun.  Sunshine makes me happy.  Therefore, my soul dreads February and March.  It's actually become apparent that I suffer from a little seasonal depression.  I guess that's what I get for growing up in sunny California and then moving far north.  The only winter of my adulthood that I haven't felt quite so blue was when I fed calves in the evenings on Miner Farm in New York.  Can I find a job like that again this winter?

Read more »

Thanksgiving 2K13

Thanksgiving 2K13

12.01.2013

Now that the Holiday Season is in full swing, there's a special feeling in the air; one of anticipation and excitement.  And let me tell you, I was definitely feeling it Wednesday night.  I was eager to see family, eat good food, and participate in the games and activities that have become tradition.

We spent Thanksgiving at Bron's folks' place.  It was a smaller gathering of family this year since a couple of Bron's brothers were visiting other family.  (I know!  Who wouldn't want to hang out with us, right?)  But the weekend turned out just right anyhow.  It was mostly quiet and relaxing.  Merri Sue put on a delicious Thanksgiving dinner spread.  We got to use the nice pretty dishes and the leftovers stretched on for days, including the pie and whipped cream.  We played games and talked the evenings away.  And of course, Momma Nelson and I shopped till we dropped on Black Friday before meeting the boys for a lively game at the bowling alley in the afternoon.  That's probably my favorite Thanksgiving tradition.  Levi was the cutest little ball stealer.  I couldn't begrudge sharing my lane with him.  And Jed actually schooled us all!  He won with a whopping score of 107.  No bumpers for that kid next time.  It's time to join the big kids.  (Just kidding.) 

I absolutely LOVE getting the majority of my Christmas shopping done at once while scoring on some great deals.  All the presents are wrapped and my anticipation is mounting.  I can't wait!  It's going to be a good Christmas. 

These last weeks of the year are hands-down the best.  As we count our blessings and give and serve one another, the whole world seems to sparkle--literally and figuratively.  Now all we need is a good snowstorm. 

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

^^Levi ate more raspberry pie than dinner.  Duh!  His hands were stained red.^^

^^Then Grandpa started something when he filled my boys' mouths full of whipped cream.  All weekend long, Levi would approach the refrigerator chanting, "Canee!  Canee!".  No one can resist that sweet voice or that adorable smile, especially me.  Lucky kid usually got three or four mouthfuls at a time.  I think we created an addict.  hehe  Thanks Grandpa!^^

^^Wrestling with Uncle Garret and a happy pants-less child.^^

^^It means a lot to Grandma Nelson to be able to spend quality time and bond a bit with her grandchildren.  Jed and Levi adore her.^^

^^Grandma's special smoothies for breakfast and a breathtaking country sunrise^^

Read more »