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summer

Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

A Mid-Summer Update

8.04.2020

^^Hammock hangs in the backyard at bedtime.^^

What's been happening around here...

AT HOME:

Overall, we're having fun and doing well!

As a mother, I feel like I'm beginning to get my feet back under me... just in time to start a strange school year. 😜 Adding a fourth child has been simply just that: adding one more -- except it's harder to feed myself actual meals, but that's just the new baby stage. The chaos isn't any worse than it was. And we'd still be dealing the same problems/meltdowns with or without a baby, so bring on the snuggles!

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.

9.24.2019

Welcome Fall! I can't tell you how excited I am about wearing sweaters and watching the leaves change colors. It's here!!! Conrad and I have been going on weekly Friday morning dates to play and just be outdoors. I love having a little buddy around who genuinely likes to explore with me. Conrad is so cute and so much fun. Plus, he might even enjoy the Taco Wagon more than me! I am so grateful we have three more years together before he heads off to school.

A few things that happened this month:

:: The kids performed in their Primary Program at church last Sunday! I've been the primary music leader all year and I am so glad that the program is over. Haha. We sang 13 songs! I am so proud of the primary children; they knew every word and sang their little hearts out... especially Levi who sang with a lot of enthusiasm! That kid has so much personality. My mom even came out to visit to see the program first hand. The boys were sooo excited to have Grandma and Grandpa Kelley there to see them! I admit, it was fun for me too.

:: I served on a jury last week. It was my first time being able to serve on a jury. There was just six of us and I found it really kind of interesting. It was a he said - she said kind of a case about a young man eluding a police officer. When we went back to deliberate at the end of the day, I thought there was no way we had enough evidence to find the kid guilty. But then we began discussing things through logically and proving all the points the judge sent with us. (One observation: education and life experience make a difference when thinking logically! A young person without an education can be a bit difficult to work with on a jury.) In the end, we found the young man guilty of eluding a police officer. I don't know what his sentence was, but I do hope the judge wasn't too harsh. The defendant was just a scared mouthy kid, after all! But the facts spoke for themselves; we couldn't let emotion get in the way. Did he commit the crime or did he not commit the crime? I suppose a good judge fills in for the emotion and can show some mercy when appropriate. It was a misdemeanor anyway; it won't stay on his permanent record.

Also, jury duty wiped me out! The next day I was sooo tired. I'm not used to sitting and paying close attention to detail all day.

:: Bron and I took all three boys to Sushi Ya for an all you can eat sushi dinner. Bron and I looked at each other and laughed, "What have we done?" These boys are developing some expensive pallets! But I am so proud that the boys love to try new foods and often find that they like them. It was so funny to watch Jed and Levi stuff themselves. Jed leaned back in his chair with his hands on his stomach. There was no possible way he could eat another bite. Levi claimed he launched his "emergency stomach". "Don't throw up!" I begged. We pretty much rolled the boys to the truck. An expensive but totally successful and memorable dinner outing. #worthit

9.06.2019

Remember when I wrote a blog post about performing my violin in Carnegie Hall? And remember all those silly pictures I shared of my siblings and me having a fun time and making awful faces? Well, this is the post where I share the rest of the story and pictures. Are you ready?!

This trip to New York City in July had been planned months ahead. It all began when my mom joined the Millennial Choirs and Orchestra in Boise and encouraged me to join as well because they were going on tour to play in Carnegie Hall -- pretty much every musician's dream venue. Of course, the plan snowballed to include my sister. And so a girls' trip to New York City was born! We spent a few days exploring the city, performed in Carnegie Hall, and then hopped on a plane to Indianapolis to visit my brother Joe and his wife Karmen for two days. It was sooo much fun! (Even more amazing, you'd never know my sister battled breast cancer just over a year ago would ya?)

Thanks Mom for putting this all together. It will for sure be a special memory that I will cherish for a lifetime.

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

8.11.2019

We just arrived home from an epic family vacation to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho -- and a last minute extension to Glacier National Park! Something about vacations makes me want to simplify my life so that my real life can feel more like this: time together. We saw so many incredibly beautiful places and went on some adventures that I know the boys (and me too!) will be talking about for a long time. These family vacations feel so special to me. And this one went so smoothly with the kids.

We arrived in Coeur d'Alene the evening of Saturday August 3rd. It just happened to be Levi's actual birthday! (We celebrated with chocolate cupcakes from the store.) We checked in to our cute three bedroom Airbnb located in an older neighborhood among some tall trees. That little home made our stay so much more comfortable! I mean, I was doing a load of laundry after our first day. The boys are always getting their clothes so filthy. I love that we had a separate bedroom from the kids and that there was a full kitchen. Plus, the boys' room had toys and the front room was loaded with family friendly movies. It was great!

But it gets better. The rental was just a short bike ride from Ross' Point, a little park on the river! That was our first stop Sunday morning as we ventured out to explore for the day.

7.31.2019

This cool kid turns 7 years old in a few days! I cannot believe it. He is getting so big and grown-up. Like, how are his hands 3/4 as big as mine already?! We celebrated his upcoming birthday with something Levi has been talking about doing for a long time with his friends: a Nerf Gun War + Night Games!

You guys, this was hands-down the easiest, most fun, and thrifty party I've ever hosted. Forget Pinterest. Simplicity is where it's at.

Levi said he wanted a vanilla cake with vanilla frosting. I came through with a Funfetti box cake poured into a 9x13 pan. Then I spread some green (Levi's favorite color) homemade frosting and sprinkles on top of it a couple of hours later. Voila. No stress and little mess!

As for décor, well, I lost my birthday box full of balloons and streamers and more! I asked Bron to pick up some balloons; he accidentally bought a bag of pink and purple ones thinking they were multi-colored. Bahaha. So no decorations for Levi. Honestly, he didn't even notice.

I did order a bag of glow sticks from Amazon and my friend Janie generously donated this box of 500 bullets. Genius. It was honestly all we needed for a good time. That, and ten of Levi's best friends, of course. Friends always make the party.

So after some cake, ice cream, and presents, the boys loaded up their Nerf guns and went to war!

They played a version of tag with two teams. Each team had a secret medic. When a guy got shot, the medic could rush to his aid and revive him.

Then as it got dark, I busted out the glow sticks and Bron taught the kids how to play Steal the Flag. I think it was every boy's first time playing the game. I am so proud we were the ones to introduce it to them; it really is the best summer time game. They played five rounds before someone squirted himself in the eye with glow stick juice. Ouch! It was about time to call it a night anyway.

The kids had a blast! They were all high on life and adrenaline as I dropped them off at their homes. We are totally going to have to do this again.

A big thanks to all the neighborhood boys and their moms for making this dream of Levi's a reality.

Happy Birthday, Bud! I love you so much. Levi, you make me so proud in so many ways. I can't wait to see what you do this year and for many years to come.

7.25.2019

We went for our first mountain bike ride as a family of five. Yes! Conrad went along! It's kind of a special feeling to be all together on the trail. Jed and Levi even conquered the entire Eagle loop for the very first time too. Go boys!

We bought Conrad a rad new toy, er actually it's a seat. It's called a Mac Ride, made by some crazy and innovative Canadians, of course. It attaches to both Bron and my mountain bikes quickly and easily. It's genius! Then Conrad hops on the seat, places his feet in the stirrups, and grabs the handle bars.

"Ready, set, go!" Conrad excitedly chants.

Conrad can't get enough. He's right in the middle of the action with us, both uphill and downhill; no fear. He actually thinks he's in charge. "Daddy on the side," he says. It makes me chuckle.

Here's to many more priceless family bike ride memories!

7.24.2019

We've lived in the Magic Valley for eight whole years this summer. (I suppose that makes us boring and stable, but I welcome those two adjectives to describe my life with open arms.) While living here, we've discovered some pretty amazing places to play that are worth visiting over and over again. And we do! However, as I put together a list of ideas of day adventures to do with the kids this summer, I suddenly had this desire to discover something new. It felt like we'd been there and done it all, but I knew that couldn't possibly be true. Turns out, all I had to do was broaden my radius a bit. Enter Thousand Springs State Park. There are multiple attractions to explore within the park, just about an hour's drive from our home. Sweet! So on Monday, the hottest day yet this summer, we checked off one of our summer day trip items: Ritter Island.

Ritter Island is literally an island that sits right smack in the middle of the Snake River. It was once a self sustaining farm with dairy cows, fruit trees, and all sorts of other agriculture. We wandered around the property and through the near one hundred year old barn. We heard some owls but never did see them.

There is also a natural underground spring that bursts from the canyon walls in that area. The crystal clear water is used to create electricity before running into the river. Our volunteer guide told us that the water runs at about 52 degrees all year long and is so clean we could drink it! (I wouldn't drink it downstream of Conrad though. He pooped in his swimming suit. I dumped the turd out in the bathroom but had no other choice but to put his trunks back on! No worries, they were clean by the time we left. wink-wink)

So after touring the island, we set up a picnic on the grass and ventured into the cold water. The river there is shallow and very slow moving and just plain gorgeous. The boys weren't too enthusiastic about the water at first, but soon realized they could float underneath the bridge and then they were all in! A set of grandparents offered to let us borrow their tubes for the afternoon. We took turns taking short lazy trips down the river and made some pretty amazing memories together! I can't wait to go back. (I already bought tubes!)

And just to keep it real, I have to mention the ginormous splinter Jed got stuck in the bottom of his foot! Poor kid. He went to cross the old bridge with a tube and must have dragged his foot a bit. I have never seen a splinter so big or seen one lodge itself so deep. (Lesson learned: always wear shoes on the bridge!) Fortunately, I asked around and someone had an entire nail care packet in her car that included tweezers. Jed screamed dramatically, but I successfully removed it! We were then able to spend a couple more hours playing in the water. Never a dull moment with three boys.

So a big fist pump for generous and friendly people who helped make our first trip to Ritter Island so much fun. I love Idaho and its many pretty gems, but the good people here are what make it so great.

7.23.2019

Last weekend: Carnegie Hall in New York. This weekend: a twelve hour relay style bike race in the Rocky Mountains.

I can't help laughing at myself. All those personal healthy habits I've been working on all summer suddenly got thrown away this month. I've eaten way too much sugar, gained three pounds, and haven't gotten nearly enough sleep, but I'm not letting myself feel even a twinge of guilt because this is what living life to its fullest looks like for me right now.

Bron and I packed up the truck and the kids with us and headed down to Ogden, Utah on Friday night to meet friends for the El Doce bike race at Powder Mountain.

We used Bron's points for a suite style hotel room. As we were unpacking, I just had to Polo my sister about the room we were staying in; quite a drastic difference from our hotel in Manhattan. When I hung up, I realized Conrad was not there. "Did Conrad just leave?" I asked in disbelief. That toddler is Harry Houdini re-incarnated, I swear. So Bron took off down the hall one way while I took off down the hall the other way. Luckily, Bron found Conrad fairly quickly... riding the elevator. Of course! Conrad was having the time of his life pushing allll the buttons. It took a while for Bron to catch the elevator, but when he did, Conrad's fun stopped immediately and some fear about not seeing Mommy ever again instilled in his little head. But probably not. Conrad is two, forgets quickly, and has no fear. So even though I hope Conrad never runs away again, he probably will. The whole scenario was stressful then, but hilariously funny now. Whew!

We tried to rescue the evening by going out to eat at a pizza place down street. Dinner was a fail. I mean, the food was great but it took more than an hour to be delivered to our table. To sum it up, everyone was feeling and acting hangry.

So with our tummies full, I took the boys swimming at the hotel pool. Finally, a success! Because the pool was so small and shallow, I decided to take Conrad's life jacket off to hopefully instill some realization that he can't swim on his own just yet. Conrad immediately jumped right into deep end! I grabbed his foot and scooped him up. No problem. Conrad had held his breath and was all smiles. He then continued to throw a ball and jump in after it over and over again. Each time, he would kick his eyes to the surface but just couldn't quite get his nose and mouth above water. Conrad is totally getting survival/swimming lessons as soon as school starts. While we were there, Levi practiced swimming laps. Then he did countless push ups. He was determined to wake up sore in the morning! Haha. It worked. The pool was a fun way to end the night for all of us.

So yeah, vacationing with kids in a nutshell.

And then... we were all up to see the sun rise at the top of Powder Mountain.

7.18.2019

Someone pinch me. I got to check off a once in a lifetime bucket list item by performing in Carnegie Hall Friday night!!! And with my mom nonetheless. It still feels surreal.

I also got to fan girl over the violinist Jenny Oaks Baker in person too. She was there just four feet from me during both rehearsal and during the concert. The rehearsal in the cultural hall below the LDS Temple in Manhattan was probably one of my favorite parts of the whole trip, honestly. All the orchestra members from all five MCO locales gathered in one place. It was huge. It was loud. It was fun. After the concert at Carnegie, we celebrated by going out for gelato at Grom. And guess who was there in line with her girlfriends in front of us? Jenny Oaks Baker! So I can pretty much claim we got dessert together, right? Haha.

I was also awed by the sopranist, Erin Morley. After performing the Doll Aria, she stayed in character, hanging her head and arms as if she was a tired mechanical doll on stage. The conductor didn't know what to do! It was hilarious. Erin is definitely a performer.

Take me back to do it all over again. I love making music.

But that's not the end of the story...

Unfortunately, while I got to perform in Carnegie Hall on Friday night with the Idaho and Texas groups, the concert on Saturday night for the Utah and California groups was cancelled. Break my heart! The concert was cancelled due to a blackout in Manhattan that lasted hours. All that sacrifice of time and money for a dream crushed. What are the chances of that happening? New York City hasn't seen a blackout like that in fifteen years! It was also the first time in the history of Carnegie Hall that a concert was cancelled due to a blackout.

However, I'd like to believe it wasn't a coincidence at all. I'd like to believe God had his divine hand in it. After delivering the sad news of the cancelled concert, Brandon Stewart stood up and said, "We're going to leave this city with 'I Believe in Christ'... and we're going to let it rip." The videos show just how powerful that moment was! Thousands of people getting off dark subway routes, walking through the city, or peeking their heads through the windows of adjacent buildings stopped to watch and hear the message of hope and faith in Jesus Christ. The message has been shared a million times over now. Wow.

This is exactly why I feel the Millennial Choirs and Orchestra are worth my time and effort. I get to be a part of something bigger than myself.

7.08.2019

^^My boys on the 4th of July! They were so stoked about their dollar sunglasses and bandanas and dressing in red, white, and blue. So of course, I gathered the three together for a quick picture in my favorite spot of the house. I've taken about a half dozen pictures of these brothers in this same corner since Easter. It's totally becoming a series that I know I'm going to cherish.^^

Independence Day landed on a Thursday this year, the most genius thing ever. The 4th of July should always land on a Thursday! It was a long weekend of celebrating and getting absolutely nothing done. We deviated from "tradition" this year and chose to spend the holiday with the entire Nelson crew on the dairy farm. (But first, we attended the annual Kimberly 5th Ward breakfast where I led the children in singing two fun holiday songs!) The Nelson get together included loads of food (duh!), lots of chit chat, a tour of Talon's new home under construction, noise and chaos, cuddling babies, and finally, our very own fireworks show. The kids claim we had nearly 100 fireworks. I believe them! It was quite the amateur production.

The next day, Nichole kindly babysat Conrad so that Bron and I could take Jed and Levi mountain biking with Grandma and Grandpa. The boys biked five miles round trip on a singletrack trail! I am so impressed with them... except for the part where Levi crumpled to the ground in despair on our way UP a steep hill on our way back to the truck. I think the kid needed some lunch. But he's only six, so considering it was his first big ride, he did really well over all! We biked out to an old dam made in the late 19th century. It's decaying now, creating two waterfalls on either side. It was a beautiful destination and the trail was in pristine shape. What a fun little adventure!

7.04.2019

Happy Independence Day! My second favorite holiday of the year is here! (Or maybe it's my third favorite?)

I drove the boys up Indian Springs last night just as a storm was blowing through. The clouds made for a dramatic backdrop and inspired a few fireworks themed images in post process. I love getting my creative late night hat on. It's so fun to try new things and learn more about editing. It makes me happy.

Anyway, the three boys stomped around the rocks and sage brush waving their flags and pretending to be soldiers while I snapped pictures. I admire their patriotism. Considering their family background in the military, I would not be surprised if one -- or even all three brothers -- joined the armed forces someday. It's something Levi talks about often.

I love this country. Despite a number of heavy and hard things she's currently dealing with right now, I have faith she will pull through. There is just so much to be proud of and thankful for. I am grateful to be an American. "Land of the free, because of the brave!" May God continue to bless America.

6.28.2019

^^My bare chested boys of summer! Procrastination at its finest. They didn't want to read or practice, so they raided my craft closet. I helped them make the headbands. Then they promptly went off to "war" in the backyard. But first, a picture.^^

June in a Dozen Short Paragraphs (ish)

1. I WON a $100 gift card to Maverick from a drawing! Pretty cool.

2. Levi hit Jed in the head with a two by four. Kid has a temper. No worries, Jed is okay and probably partially deserved it.

3. My hormones are all out of whack again. I know because I have felt abnormally stressed and have a very short temper the week before I start my period. Then I feel relief when it finally starts. (At least I recognize the severe mood swings, right?) It means I am hopping back on birth control, bringing a year and a half stint of trying for a fourth baby to an end. It's really bittersweet, but feels like the right thing? I think. Secondary infertility is the pits. My friend Danielle empathized with me and told me that it's okay to mourn that loss, that dream. Bless her. I could have kissed her and cried; she understands.

Slowly, I think I am learning to trust God and His plan for me, to be content with what I've been given. Three healthy boys are more than enough to fill my motherhood cup!

6.23.2019

Summer solstice. I kind of wish we actually celebrated the day like it's a holiday because I love summer that much! I love how it's still light outside til nearly 10PM. I often lose track of what time it is and realize we should have eaten dinner two hours ago. The boys are going to bed late and sleeping in. We're not keeping to an exact schedule anymore; meaning I need 20 extra minutes to get anywhere on time. Haha. Our pace has finally slowed a bit. The boys are enjoying less expectations and stress with the absence of school and I am enjoying all this extra free time with them just soaking them in, even if it does include more chaos from time to time because summer also means cuddles in bed, trips to the pool, and time to talk and to listen. Ultimately, summer is time together as a family and more outdoor adventures, two things that make my heart and soul happy. I love summer!

On June 21st, the longest day of the year, the boys and I made a quick day trip to Boise to visit my mom and brother. Conrad was so excited to visit, "Gramma Kelley house!" We enjoyed a really fun afternoon exploring Zoo Boise where Conrad took his time oogling over every animal and exhibit. Two year olds are the best to take to the zoo! I was glad to see that Jed and Levi haven't outgrown the excitement of it either; they actually started reading the signs and educating themselves a bit!

Afterwards, a child must have left the car door open or something because I had to find help from someone to jump my car! But it all worked out. We ate pizza for dinner and the kids had a blast riding down my mom's sloped driveway. Good times and good memories. Thanks for letting us come visit, Mom!

SLIDER