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A Video of Ezra at 6 Months

12.10.2020

I promised myself I'd take some more video of Ezra at 6 months old, so here it is! It's precious footage of my last baby sleeping in his crib (the lip sucking!), discovering his feet, and showing off his new trick: rolling over. I love this little guy so much!!!

Ezra 6 Months from Jessie Nelson on Vimeo.

9.16.2020

Sometimes a photo cannot capture everything I love or that makes me happy. The way Ezra always has his hands in his mouth, moves his little feet, and squeals are all just a fleeting phase. On a whim last night, I switched my camera over to video. I still have no idea what I'm doing and I stayed up way too late learning a new program and putting this together, but I'm sappy and proud of this little video. Think of it as a minute long snapshot of my sweet baby boy.

12.05.2019

We just spent yet another Thanksgiving weekend doing what I think we all prefer best: hanging out on the Nelson Family Dairy Farm! Merri Sue does not get enough credit (nor gives herself enough credit) for all that she does to make this holiday so special. Those Nelson boys all come flocking home for a reason -- or maybe twenty reasons. And they're all so good. I feel so lucky to have married into such a loving and solid family.

This year, I decided to practice my budding videography skills to make a moving video of a typical Nelson Thanksgiving. This video really is made just for sentimental value and the learning experience. There was low light, mixed light, color casts... all sorts of difficult and unpretty photography situations. Plus, my weaknesses in videography are becoming pretty apparent to me, which honestly just makes more anxious to hurry and learn some more!

BUT this is what a typical Nelson Thanksgiving looks like. It's pretty special, actually. The house is busting at the seams with people and noise. We chat and play games and eat until our stomachs can't stand the thought of another bite. Then the next day, we go bowling. It's a tradition worth repeating every year.

P.S. I love how the cabin/farm is a character all of its own!

11.11.2019

I can't believe the day is here. Our littlest man turned three years old! He has been SUCH a sunshine and delight in our family. Conrad is a big personality wrapped up in a little body. He makes us smile and laugh (and pull out our hair too) all day long. Have I ever mentioned that he's high energy, super independent, and loves to run away from me? That last part causes me so much stress from time to time, but still, I just can't get enough of him. And he knows it too. Conrad can get whatever his little heart desires, including a donut with "sprinklers" from the grocery store, every time.

This year, I wanted to capture Conrad at this cute stage in the way only video can. I wanted to make sure I captured how he's obsessed with all things that "go round and round". I wanted to document his "Uh-uh" jump (I have no idea where that came from, but it's important to him.) and his imaginary birdie that hatches and comes to play with us daily. The sweet little yellow bird lives on either my shoulder or his until it ultimately flies off or dies. (Is that not a boy thing, or what?!) Most of all though, I wanted to capture his voice. Conrad never stops talking and he is such a tease! I will miss that little voice as he inevitably matures. There's just something extra cute and special about this innocent toddler stage.

Don't grow up too fast, Conrad! I kind of want to bottle you up just the way you are now, forever. But I know there is so much more fun ahead. Happy 3rd Birthday!!! We love you so very much.

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.

9.08.2019

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!

A Video: Princesses VS Big Bad Wolf

10.20.2016

For our ward Harvest Party this year, each auxillary was asked to make a short video. This is what my Beehives and I came up with. You've been forewarned: it's painfully corny.

12.28.2014

This year Christmas morning couldn't have been more magical. Playing the part of Santa's elves at midnight is so much fun. I laid awake for almost an hour on Christmas morning just waiting for a tiny knock on the door! Jed was sooo excited. He and Levi were showered with all sorts of new toys. The best part about little kids is that even the simple and cheap toys make their faces light up! We enjoyed a slow leisurely morning opening presents and eating a rich breakfast of bacon and cinnamon rolls. Yummm! Then that evening found us at the Young's home across the street for a fancy feast that left us rolling in laughter while the kids ran around. Perfection, if I may say so.

On Christmas day, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with the abundance of love I feel for this little family and life of mine. Everything I have is because of my Heavenly Father, and I have been blessed richly. I am so grateful for this special season when we get to reflect on our Savior Jesus Christ, his birth and ministry. And the opportunity I have to reflect on the last year, on what I've been given and how I can give back. How can anything possibly be more magical or special than Christmas?! I love, love, love it.

I also love how this sweet video captures so well our Christmas morning, from little chocolate faces to bed heads to the boys' pajamas bottoms falling off their hips... and of course, the feelings of the happiest most magical morning of the year. I hope you enjoy! (I should mention, most of this video was shot BEFORE we opened the presents under the tree and the living room looked like an elf vomited Christmas spirit.)

And yes, a handful of pictures too...

^^The boys each received an Imaginext set from Santa. Army men and Legos were also a big hit. They haven't left their hot little hands since!^^

^^Danny Macaskill's Imaginate video explains these little bikes and riders perfectly. It's one of the boys' favorite things to watch... and now to play with!^^

^^Bron's smiles as he realized he was getting a Garmin heart-rate and cadence monitor for his bike!^^

^^So funny, their little bums hanging out from their pajama bottoms.^^

^^I cried. Yes, I seriously cried when I opened up my box from Bron. He went above and beyond with a new hybrid camera bag/purse, a new blue camera strap, and an 85mm f/1.8 lens. I couldn't believe it. I am officially spoiled to the very core.^^

This year will definitely go down in memory as one of my all-time favorites.

Merry Christmas Every One!

11.13.2014

Let's talk about my sister! Last week my sister, Lauren, came all the way up from southern Arizona with her two little boys, Carter and Jaxon, to enjoy some of the Autumn colors. They stayed at our mom's house near Boise. Naturally, I dropped everything so that my two little boys and I could be there too! It was a full house, but a reunion probably shouldn't be any other way. It was different this year since our mom is working full time. (We may be bona fide adults but we still need you, Mom!) However, we still made a host of special memories.

But before I tell you about the highlights, let me be clear about some realities: four little boys ages four and under undoubtedly gave us our fair share of chaos and high-stress moments. Like when we knew going shopping with all of them would end in disaster but we went anyway. Levi literally laid on the tile floor of Ross kicking and screaming as I made my purchases. I carried him out in tears (His tears or mine? I can't remember. Probably both.) under the stares of everyone else in the store. Luckily, some folks wore understanding smiles. Whew.

Fortunately, the highs definitely out-weighed the lows. We actually had a lot of fun! The kids went wild one evening playing at an indoor park with tubes and ropes and ball pits alongside their Uncle Ryan (who is only ten). We admired the blazing trees during golden hour at the park on two different afternoons. We enjoyed gabbing the evening away with some cousins over dinner. We explored the aquarium and touched live sting-rays and giant lizards. Lauren and I even got to sneak away together for a few hours for some recreational shopping. (I came home with a 9 foot Christmas tree bought at half price! Woohoo!) It was a full trip!

Of course, I took some pictures...

^^View of the pond at Fuller Park^^

^^Levi summed up in one photo. I can't get over this one!^^

^^Um, isn't my sister gorgeous? She let me snap some pictures of her when the light was just phenomenal.^^

^^Yes. Yes, Levi came to find us with his pants down. Haha.^^

^^I keep coming back to this photo of my sister and nephew. Carter's face is priceless! He sure loved that swing ride last week.^^

^^Levi diving head first into the pack 'n play. Crazy kid!^^

^^Admiring the giant lizard at the aquarium!^^

^^Carter and Lauren petting the sting-rays! They feel like wet cheese.^^

^^Jed felt brave and got his hand in the tank too!^^

^^Few things feel sweeter to me than resting with a baby on your chest.^^

^^Jax is the cutest nephew that ever lived. Those big eyes slay me. And his cheeks are like soft giant plums. I just want to smooch on him!^^

^^Chips for breakfast^^

^^Our mom with her grandboys.^^

Honestly, I think my favorite parts of Lauren's visit were just getting to spend some quality time with her at home. We stayed up one night just talking and taking ridiculous personality quizzes. It's amazing how similar we are and yet so very different too! And we LOVE making music together. We practically gravitate towards the piano and violin in the front room. I'm a little embarrassed to share this, but I promised my sister I'd compile our musical nerdiness into one short video. Our talents for music are quite different. Lauren sings. I play the violin. When Lauren listens to the radio, she hears lyrics. When I listen to the radio, all I hear are notes. Thus, a little Yellowcard and Payphone for your viewing pleasure mixed with one crazy child. It's what we do best together! All those years of music lessons...I wonder if we make our mom proud or not? Ha!

I couldn't help feeling suddenly lonely and a little sad as I hugged Lauren goodbye and drove away last Friday. Seeing each other just five, six, maybe ten days a year simply isn't enough! I love you, Sista! And I love the silly bond we share.

11.03.2014

Dun, dun, dun....

^^Redfish Lake at sunrise.^^

Waaaay back in September, Bron and a couple of his buddies took off to the Sawtooth Mountains for a 27 mile epic back country mountain biking adventure that has already gone down as a highlight of the summer. (I'm just glad the three of them came back in one piece! After all, they did see bear tracks. But I'm dying to tag along next year anyway.) The boys spent two nights camping on the shores of Redfish Lake. Bron said that the experience was flat-out incredible; seeing a sea of stars reflected back in the glassy surface of the water gave all three of them vertigo.

^^Antz Basin. 10,000 feet above sea level.^^

^^Last of many creek crossings^^

The mountain biking ride itself was an all day venture including about 5,000 feet of vertical drop, rare views of mountain lakes, peaks, and meadows, and navigating through rock slides and numerous creek crossings. They had a blast! A mile and a half into the trail, the boys didn't a single other soul for the rest of the day save for a few mountain goats and deer. The shear vast primitive ruggedness of central Idaho is awe-inspiring to behold. Fortunately, it was all recorded via two different go pros and painstakingly compiled into one video for your viewing pleasure. If you're short on time, I recommended jumping straight to 7:20 for a good laugh at the end.

Earthly Father, Heavenly Father: Happy Father's Day!

6.16.2014

To recognize Father's Day this year, I want to share this short video. It sums up so well much of what my own dad did for me as a kid, what Bron does for our family now, and is a reminder of the very real presence my Heavenly Father has in my life. It really is thought-provoking! Enjoy.

Happy Father's Day!

*****
If you're having trouble, you can view it HERE.

A {Super Cute} Video for Mother's Day

5.08.2014

Can I make a confession? I don't really look forward to Mother's Day. I haven't pin-pointed why just yet: too much hype followed by disappointment? The inevitable guilt I feel because I know I could be a better mother? I'm not sure. So this year, instead of focusing on what I don't like about the holiday, I decided to put my energy into making a little video. We recorded it last Sunday afternoon and I put it together during nap time. It's very imperfect (I'm not a videographer, especially with a GoPro!), but I know someday I'll miss my boys' little voices, their funny runs, and the way things are now. This life we have here is a good one. I love being my little boys' mama. I count Jed and Levi among my greatest blessings. They make me a better person everyday. Better yet, they make me happy. I think I'll cherish this video forever. Enjoy!

Nu-Tella and 4 Quick Weekend Takes

4.07.2014

^^Proud Mama moment: I have created a Nutella monster.^^

1. On Friday my mom and two little brothers came to visit. Grandma brought presents for Jed's birthday and Jed got to open them early. He was so excited! As always, it was so good to see them, eat, chat, and relax.

2. This weekend we watched Conference! And while we listened (to what we could between the loud calls of little children) to the prophet and our leaders give inspiring messages, we snipped up pieces of foam mattress leftover from the local factory and made it into the most comfortable pillows imaginable. Genius idea, Amy!

3. I found $40 while folding laundry the other day. (Finally, pay day! Bron forgot to empty his pockets. hehe) So while Bron had a few friends over to eat pizza and watch the Priesthood session of conference--followed by some March Madness--on Saturday night, Levi and I went shopping. Levi is actually an amazing little shopping sidekick. He just chills in the cart and points out every balloon or ball in the store, telling me how they go up and pop! I sure love that cute kid. We visited four different stores, but together we finally found the right slacks and vests and bow ties for both my boys without spending a fortune. Yay! Annnd, we enjoyed some yummy froyo together too. "Mmmm, is good!" Levi grinned.

Finally, please allow me to vent...

4. I've been repeatedly told that four years old is a magical age, but as we approach Jed's fourth birthday at the end of this month, he's turned into an absolute monster! I usually enjoy my job as a mother. I'd say three quarters of the time what I do from day to day is more than great. Lately, however, that feeling has flipped upside down and I'm really upset about it! Jed has been whiny and blatantly defiant, he won't listen, throws huge fits, and repeatedly pushes every boundary or expectation we've ever set. And nothing drives me crazier faster than whining. This weekend I got angry--ugly scary mad--TWICE, which is really unlike me. I just snapped; I feel so guilty about it. Bron and I have been using every discipline tactic we know: reasoning, nose on the wall, taking away toys, chores... Unfortunately, we haven't found that proverbial magic bullet to kill the unwanted behavior; I doubt there is one. We're hoping that by consistently standing our ground, Jed will eventually clue in. Why is parenting so HARD?! Someone please reassure me that this is a very short-lived phase. I want my sweet little boy back!

P.S. Don't forget to leave a comment to celebrate five years of blogging and you may win a set of our favorite kids' books!

2.05.2014

Last Friday on the last day of January I turned 29 years old. Woohoo!!!

^^Some friends came over Friday morning for brunch. We couldn't keep all that cake to ourselves! Also, true to life: me all dressed up with no makeup on yet. Getting dressed goes in phases these days.^^

Now I know 29 isn't considered old--not at all--but I have to admit something: I'm feeling it... just a tad bit. My mom is probably rolling her eyes right now; I know nothing about age. But it's a strange thing to feel like I'm still 18 but realize my body just doesn't quite feel that way anymore. I really don't mind those fine smile lines that are forming around my eyes. I think they give a person more character. It's not being able to do a back bend and that achy feeling in my left elbow and hand from carrying Levi and not being able to fall asleep on my right side because I pulled a muscle in my hip when I started exercising again last month... that is what bothers me about getting older! I guess I have a lot to look forward to, huh?

Anyway, Bron made my birthday an extra special one. Thursday and Friday actually turned out to be rough days with the boys. I call them, "eat your young days". It's when the boys are whiny and ornery and destructive and I'm counting down every minute until bedtime. When Bron called Thursday evening to see if we needed anything from the store, I bluntly told him that I've had better days. So later when Bron waltzed through the door with a loaded carmel apple from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, he was hailed as a hero. The four of us sat down at the table to share in its yumminess.

"You make this apple, Daddy?" Jed asked.
"No, it came from the candy store."
"The candy store?" Jed wore his thoughts on his face: There's a candy store and you've never taken me there? You've been holding out on me!
It was super funny.

Then Bron went out to the truck and brought in something else: a chocolate ice cream cake. Wow!

"The carmel apple is because you had a bad day. The ice cream cake is for your birthday," Bron explained. For the thousandth time, it's pretty apparent I married the best man out there. Bron sure knows how to take care of me.

Then to top off the birthday festivities, Grandma Nelson graciously volunteered to watch our little boys all day while Bron and I went skiing at Grand Targhee!!!

Our day on the mountain was absolute perfection. It was skiing in the clouds on two feet of powder. I've never had a ski day like that before! It was heavenly. The trees were sooo pretty. I couldn't get over how beautiful it was. Everyone we met told us we'd come on the best weekend the resort had seen all season. So while I may have been one of the least talented skiers out on the slopes that day, we conquered every run on the mountain we possibly could. I can ski almost anything if I ski it slow enough! It was an exhilarating, refreshing, and yet relaxing day spent with my favorite man. We're totally going to make this an annual trip.

Thanks for making my birthday a special one, Bron! I love you. I love you so much.

Also, many thanks to everyone who posted pictures and left messages for me that day too. It's so fun to have my phone ring off the hook and log in to read a long list of your sweet thoughts. I even received a package in the mail!

Now without further ado, a Grand Targhee Video. It makes me happy all over again.

Skiing with the Nelsons (My Very First Video!)

1.05.2014

Pestilence has cursed this house. We began the New Year as sickies and it looks like we'll continue feeling gross for another little while. I'm tired of feeling tired. But I think Levi takes the cake on sickness. He was diagnosed with a double ear infection! Poor baby. I was surprised. Levi seems to wear a perpetual grin no matter the situation. He's as tough as nails, that kid. It made me grateful I decided to take him in to see the doctor on a Friday night--you know, just in case. So on top of a little medicine, we've been singing praises to the humidifier, Vicks vapor rub, and hot steamy showers.

Speaking of hot steamy showers, Levi decided he was ready to hop out of one before I had finished dressing for the day. I quickly dried him off and set to brushing out my hair as fast as I could because if I didn't, I knew I'd get distracted and my hair would be a dried rat's nest by lunch time. After all, three minutes wasn't an unseemly amount of time to let my one year old run around naked, was it?

It was.

I had just finished brushing my hair when Levi walked into the bathroom with poop smeared all over his fingers exclaiming, "Yucky! Yucky!" I sighed--it was my fault, after all--and then couldn't help laughing. Levi was genuinely confused and concerned about this "yucky" stuff! He had no idea where it came from or how it happened, really. He was worried and perplexed! Silly boy. I was suddenly thankful he thought it was yucky and not something fun to play with! Five minutes later, crisis cleaned up and averted. Whew.

All this sickness coupled with a stressful week at work for Bron, and well... 2014, I think we started off on the wrong foot. Hopefully this will all be short-lived. If there is anything I can do to turn this around, 2014, please let me know. I want to be friends.

So let's rewind time to that lively week we spent with family just after Christmas. Bron, his brothers, and I all went skiing at Kelly's Canyon one day and took the GoPro with us on its maiden voyage. And then I stayed up last night putting this video together. It was so much easier than I had anticipated, though I don't think I will ever proclaim myself as a videographer. It's just for fun. So try not to laugh at our outdated gear or our skiing skills. It was just a blast of a day out on the slopes.

Music is "Hey Brother" by Avicii

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!

An Interview with Jed

7.25.2013

I want to remember this little voice forever and relish in his funny little kid answers.

Jed Claps for Himself

12.11.2010

While Bron is studying for finals, Jed is studying his pincer grip. We all cheer when he actually gets something into his mouth because more often than not, it gets lost along the way. Boy, I love this kid!

Jed Laughs

11.29.2010

Jed has a sense of humor! Watching Jed laugh makes us laugh!

I know his grandparents will appreciate this.

SLIDER