The boys

Jacob had his first violin concert. They really were awesome. The best group that performed. He has learned so quick. I am so proud!!

Every year the 3rd graders at our school have a winter program. They actually get to sing Christmas songs, but this song in Hebrew was my favorite, not a Christmas song, but so fun.

This week has been so relaxing eventhough we are all fighting a cold. It has been so nice for ALL of us to have a break. We really needed it. Two more weeks!!

Lot's more to talk about, but I'll do that later!!

Mama's Mixte

Check out the new fenders & basket!

**Shelby actually posted this and yes I, Monica, am very, VERY happy with the upgrades to my bike that I ride almost everyday. They were badly needed and are being put to good use!

Happy Birthday and other stuff

So much has happened since my last post, but it would be a blogging sin to not post about what I got in the mail today. Research for Wednesday's presentation will just have to wait.

First a quick update.

Shelby and I have both had birthdays. He was better to me than I was to him..of course.

Jacob started playing violin and is the fastest learner. He loves it and his first performance will be in a few weeks. He is doing really well in middle school. Devours books.

We attended an awards assembly for Ezra and he received 4 of them, all that were presented. #1 Academics-from his teacher. She was only allowed to give 3. # 2 Perfect attendance- a given #3 Principal's List- for his straight A's #4 Math Wizard- for knowing his multiplication tables.

I guess I can forgive them for how rotten they can be.

We've gone on family hikes, had movie nights, just enjoying every second we have together. Just been too busy with work, school, church and FAMILY to document everything.

The Primary Program is over and like always the kids did a fantastic job!

Now on to my story:

I came home from Della's baby shower and Shelby informed me that my birthday present from Brian had arrived in the mail. I opened the package and saw a Deseret Book wrapped gift. I knew what it was and was grateful he remembered I wanted it.

You see, October 17th I sent Brian an email explaining that cjane, who we all know and love, would be at the Deseret Bookstore in the Provo Mall. They would be selling "The Mother in Me" which she has a little story/essay in. Also all the proceeds from sales of the book were going to Stephanie and Christian. I linked him to cjane's post about it and asked him to please go pick it up for me.

Well when I talked to him on Saturday, the day of the event, he hadn't read my email. Oh well. He said he could still get me the book, but of course I wanted him to buy it when $$ would go to the Nielsons.

Today I got my book and was so grateful. The boys were watching the new Star Wars Clone Wars and as I flipped to the table of contents to find cjane's contribution, they were saying,

"Mom, are you watching this?"

"Mom, stop reading your book, you're missing the good parts!"

So I put the book down and watched the movie.

Soon Ezra went outside to play and Jacob and Shelby left on their date, to go on a hike.

Finally I was alone with my book.

I open it again, and there was writing in it so I start reading it.

See below!!

I am the biggest dork!

I didn't look to see who signed it and as I'm reading the "Brian is here part" I'm thinking who wrote this??

Brian completely tricked me. He is a horrible liar, but he got me this time. He totally went to the bookstore that day and awkwardly asked them where he could find "The Mother in Me" book. Stood in line as the only male there other than his friend who was nice enough to go with him and met cjane and had her sign the book for me. She made a comment to him(I'm sure completely witty)about him being there (remember no males in sight) and he told her how I love her blog and I how I raised him and the girls and she totally remembered my email.

So Thank You Brian!!

The mother in me is one happy mama right now!!

Sidewalk kiss!

COME HERE SIDEWALK & GIVE ME A KISS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ezra's Baptism

Sptember 6, 2008

4:00 p.m.

My baby was baptized.

I am so grateful his dad is worthy and here to baptize him.

Shelby wasn't baptized by his dad.

Brian wasn't baptized by his dad.

I am so very grateful!

Great grandma Pat

Nana
And of course he got his own set of scriptures. Now he can't wait to read scriptures at night. Maybe we should have bought them a long time ago.
It was a great day. I am always amazed at the love and support of our ward family! Thank you all for being there! It really meant a lot to us!

Afterwards Nana treated the family to Rosa's back at the house.

It wouldn't be a special occasion without Rosa's.

Big Meadow 2008

Every year we go to Big Meadow for Labor Day weekend. I think this was one of the best years ever! The only thing that would've made it better would have been if Tiffany, Brian & Keri and Merrill could have been there.
Shelby found this snake on his way back from his crazy bike ride. He rode down Cherry Hill road 13 miles (down to 6000ft elevation)turned and rode up 10 miles to Sherman Pass(9200ft elevation) and 7 more miles through the mountains up and down back to Big Meadow. He is a STUD! Seriously! The snake rode in his Camelback and was the most mellow little snake I've ever met in the wild. He just let the kids hold him.. or her?? and would curl its tail around their fingers. When they were done playing with it, Jacob and I found a nice big fallen tree with lots of bugs and places to hide and let him go.

The kids just played and played and it was so nice that they are old enough to not have to be watched every minute. Their friend Ethan was up there and so they shot over a 1000 bbs and rode their bikes all over camp. There was a fresh dead cow just out in the meadow. Everyone but me got to see a bear come and snack on it. The next day the bear came back and then another one chased it off to have a turn at it. I was glad the bears had a nice big cow to eat so they didn't have to come into camp and eat our food.
And I was there too!

I love my family

Just had to post real quick and mention how much I love my family. Maybe I've been feeling super sentimental because the time I have with them seems like so little lately and I need to enjoy every second. I don't know. But Ezra and Jacob have been so cuddly lately and sweet. Well Jacob kinda had a major meltdown tonight, but it is the end of a long week so I'll cut him some slack! Shelby too... sweet and stuff. He's been making dinner every night and it hasn't been mac 'n cheese and hot dogs. The kids say his everything is better than mine. Whatever! They're just kissing dad's booty. I really do appreciate him. I'm also really missing Tiffany, Keri & Brian. I have no idea when I'll get to see them next. My baby is getting baptized tomorrow and when I saw his name on his scriptures, I almost cried. Yes you read that right... ALMOST! I'll save it for tomorrow. I got a call tonight to speak at the baptism. I thought I was off the hook. I don't think I'll ever be. And that's OK. We are here to serve and I am so indebted to the Lord I'll do whatever He needs me to. That's it for now. I need to go finish that talk.

SSWC08

Shelby raced in the Single Speed World Championships in Napa, CA.

As you can see from his number plate its a very prestigous race.

The racers like to dress up.

Real sophisticated.

Shelby was going so fast, I couldn't get a clear picture!!

Some racers stopped to hang out and spectate

Famous biker Jackie all dressed up for the occasion playing her banjo. She was super nice!

Shelby's legs after the race

The race started with some guy saying, "See that guy down the hill in the middle of that field waving. Everyone go put your bike down there and then come back."

So they did and then they were told to run around the horse corral, go get their bikes and that's how they started the race. It was a lot of fun watching all the crazy people who ride without gears like my stud husband. I have tons more pictures, but not enough time to post.

Next- Big Meadow trip

Goings ons

So in honor of nie (see post below), I feel I need to keep this blog thing up.

Our first day of school.

3rd grader, Kindergarden teacher, 5th grader

Ezra didn't want a picture by himself, but he ended up in Jacob's looking like he's gonna whack something. He wasn't. Just swinging the stick like a light saber.

I love these boys!
My classroom

I love Kindergarden.

Craziness

Shelby's last day of work was today.

Feels like we're jumping off a cliff and we can't see the bottom.

We know we'll be taken care of through this because we prayed and know its the right choice.

Still scary

But so excited

Craziness

Faith

So this blog thing was really hard to get into, but I do have a few people who read it and its an easy way to share what's going on with the family with those who live far away and even those who live close. I have never used this as a way to vent, but there are so many things going on and I need a public place.

You all know I love to talk. Usually about nothing. I cry all the time, but everything is always fine. There are so many things I am feeling right now and they're not even all about me. I don't know if its a curse or a blessing the way I feel so strongly about things, especially others. Right now I am feeling grateful, frightened yet excited and sad yet hopeful.

I hardly update this blog, but I do check up on my friends' all the time. There are two blogs that I found through Mandee's that I read everyday, because they are clever, uplifting, and inspiring. I'm sure some of you may have come across them, cjane and nienie. Cjane is witty and just plain hilarious. Along with her hilariouty (is that even a word?) is a heart I just adore. She is a talented writer and is able to communicate that heart of hers in a way I only wish I could. Her sister nienie has her own flair for blogging. She simply writes about her life and her love of it. She has honestly inspired me to be a better wife, mother and person through her blog. Did you see what I just wrote?? THROUGH HER BLOG!! I, of all people, would never have thought I could have become inspired by a blog (OK maybe Lacey's, but that's because I know her).

So nienie, or Stephanie, is wife to one and mother to four and her and her husband were in a plane crash and critically injured and my heart is broken yet waiting to see the miracles.

For the longest time I lived in fear. I was scared everytime Shelby and I went to the Temple or anywhere without the kids. What if something happened to us? If Shelby was late, my thoughts automatically turned to the worst. Anytime anything bad could happen, which is pretty much all the time, my mind would race to that thought. And then one day sometime in the last year or so, I realised something that had been right in front of my eyes, something I have read in the scriptures I don't know how many times and had witnessed for the previous 10+ years!!

Bad things happen. Terrible, tragic things happen. I had seen my aunt bury her 13 day old baby and then just a few years later her 2 1/2 year old. I had seen my husband and his three little (quite little) brother and sisters lose their parents 9 months apart. Another young cousin die. My grandpa lose his best friend, my grandma. Organ failures and transplants. There is war and hunger all over the world we can't even begin to comprehend. Through all this we make it, we even succeed.

My aunt could drown in her sorrow, but she doesn't. She is the most kind and caring and giving person. Shelby and the kids have done amazing things. They have turned out to be wonderful people even exceptional people. I have witnessed the miracles that occur as we go through this life full of trials. God has given us the strength and courage we need to get through. I can't imagine what Shelby's mom was thinking and feeling as she lay in the hospital, the worry for her little ones. I hope I have loved them enough, the way their mom would have.
I do not live in fear anymore. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us and is constantly looking out for us. He prepares us to withstand the trials that are placed before us and gives us the support we need. If anything should happen to me or Shelby I know my boys would be taken care of, just like Tiffany, Keri and Brian were. And because of all of this I know the Nielson little ones are being watched over and I'm sure Stephanie and Christian are so grateful for their family and the prayers being said in behalf of their family.
Because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer, I hope that the few people who do read this will please add the Nielson's to their prayers. I KNOW it will help this family.

My Brian

This picture was taken just before I met Brian. The first time I ever saw this little boy he came with his big brother to pick me up for dinner with the family. Little did I know he would become such a big part of my life. When he was little he loved to sing -That hasn't changed- His mom would have him perform the latest song he learned from church or school for us. He was her pride and joy! (Sing it with me) That would just be the beginning of the MANY performances we would attend for this young man. Music became his passion and still is.

Now if only he could get into that darn BYU music program.

Yesterday was Brian's 20th Birthday. The picture below is from last year's birthday. That was a good one. All the kids came home and we all spent the day at the beach celebrating. This year however, was not so great. Brian had planned to come home, but due to technical difficulties, was not able and we could not go up to Utah, considering it was the first day of school yesterday and a multitude of other factors.

I just want Brian to know how much we love him and how much we miss him!

We really, REALLY do!

Brian is such a talented, kind, brilliant, giving person.

I am so glad I get to be his "mom"

I know his parents are proud of the man he has become and will one day get to tell him for themselves, but for now that's my priveledge.

He is living proof that great things come from tragedy, that it is up to us what we make of ourselves despite our situation.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN!!!

"8 is one of my favorite numbers" -Ezra

This little guy turned eight today. My baby! Turned eight today! He came early just like his brother and those first few weeks all he did was sleep and eat... and then he woke up. Sometime around his due date he woke up and has never stopped. I wish you could see the look on his face in the picture above, eyes wide, looking straight at dad. He was definitely a daddy's boy. When I would have to walk around and nurse him at the same time to get him to sleep, dad could just lay back in the La-z Boy and bounce him.
This picture was too cute. He had bumped his head at preschool and split it open. Not the first scar to be had on his face. He is a crazy boy. He goes and goes and goes and then just stops. Thank goodness! As soon as his head hits the pillow he is out.
This was a patriotic day at school. He planned exactly what he was going to wear. Yes, this is what he picked out. Ezra loves to dress up. He wants a suit so bad. A black one like his dad's.Ezra loves Star Wars ( its inherited)! Here's one of his presents-Clone Trooper voice changing helmet- just in case you were wondering. His dad couldn't stop playing with it at Target. He was so sweet today. We didn't plan a big party, just family, but this morning he asked if his friend Ian from church could come over. So I called his mom and explained that we're not having a big birthday party so please not to go buy a gift. I wanted to make sure Ezra understood about that and he said "Its not about the presents mom" He really just wanted his friend over. That was also good because we didn't buy him tons of stuff. I'm so glad to have boys who are not like Dudleykins (IF you get that, then cool, if not, go read HP)
So my Clone Trooper will be baptized next month and that is a crazy thing.

I love him so much and couldn't imagine my life without him.

He drives us crazy.

He makes us laugh.

He loves to snuggle and still be carried to bed.

He loves music.

I enjoy him so much.

Happy 8th Birthday Ezra!

**Warning-TMI**

Now I think I'm gonna go throw up because I caught Jacob's stomach bug!

Reunited with Extreme Makeover

My brother and sister came to visit. We had a little fun.

See for yourself!

CSI: Cub Scout Investigation

As I wait for the camp t-shirts to wash on the eve of the last day of Cub Scout Day Camp, I needed something to pass the time.

These are my Cub Scout Investigators

...in disguise of course...

Every year day camp rolls along and every year it just so happens that I am the only one who can go. And I LOVE it! I really do! About 5 1/2 hours/day all week outside with 8 boys (this year) walking to different stations...Archery, crafts, water games, learning, but mostly having FUN!! I love to see how much they really enjoy themselves. Its really hard to describe it and the pictures just don't show the laughing and craziness, the discovery and excitement.

*Hitting a bullseye*

*Getting to dress up, be silly and pose ever so seriously with your friends *

*Breaking codes*

*Going on arrow hunts*

*Playing with Mackenzie-The favorite Boy Scout helper*

*Making wallets to hold your badge*

*Bloody noses and choking on Jolly Ranchers*

*Holding real animal skulls*

*Learning to track*

*Being Boys*

Honestly I feel so blessed to be able to watch these boys as they have the time of their life. Every year the countdown to day camp starts when summer comes. This is Jacob's last year, but next year will be Ezra's first real year and I hope nobody else will be able to give up a week to go to day camp... well, maybe I could let one more mom spend the week with us.

Maybe?

Subieshop

So my brother and his girlfriend have an etsy shop. Check it out if you want some cool original art or handpainted yoga bags!!
subieshop

The Party

Jacob is pretty easy to please. All he wanted was to have his friend Noah spend the night and go bowling.

I asked him what kind of cake he wanted: Ice cream cake!

What kind of ice cream cake? Cookies & Cream

So I made one rather than spending $30 and it was soooo... good!!

Jacob is so excited to be a Webelo and earn his Arrow of Light.

Right now Jacob's favorite things are books and Legos.

A Whole Entire Decade!

Today my first born is ten! TEN YEARS OLD!!!!

I cannot believe it!

Here are some pictures for now.

More all about Jacob and his birthday tomorrow!

The first time I got to hold him. He was on a ventilator, IV in his umbilcle cord and hooked up to so many monitors, I couldn't hold him for about a week.

One year old in Tennessee visiting great grandparents.

The best big brothers and sisters!

He has always looked after his little brother.

All boy! Blowing bubbles with his spit!

He loves his Papa! I found so many pictures at different ages of him looking at Shelby with this very look!

And here he is... All grown up and 10 years old.

I looked back at all the old pictures and can still see that sweet baby, toddler, preschooler in this boy before me. It all continues to go too fast for me!

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

I love you more than the world!!