Butt Wipe Bootcamp

There are two things I am not looking forward to this week.

1. Teaching Spencer how to wipe his own bum.

2. Potty training Olivia

The first is long overdue, but believe it or not, I was more willing to do it for him than to have to Shout every pair of his undies. I suddenly realized that I let the whole summer slip away, and now I am faced with the reality of either me dealing with it in the privacy of our own home or having his teacher call me and tell me about the mess she had to clean up after Spencer clogged the toilet. There are plenty of you moms who have already gone through this. Any pointers? I am guessing it really shouldn't be too big of a process. Fingers crossed.

As for Miss Oli, she has expressed enough interest in wearing her princess panties and the potty that I think this should be fairly easy. Probably famous last words. I have decided to opt out of using Pull Ups. Unnecessary in my book. Once again, that will probably come back to bite. One less child around the house for half the day should help with my ability to focus. I am sure Oli will thrilled with the opportunity to run around in panties all day, drinking Capri Suns, and watching TV.

Precognitive Puking

Early this morning, oh lets say around 5:30, I was comfy in our bed, in a state of REM.

My dream:
I was in our room, beginning my morning chores, when Spencer ran in and told me Olivia threw up. I bolted out of the room into the family room to find our rug rolled up length wise and Fruit Loops spewed out all over our beautiful walnut floor. I asked why the rug was rolled up and if there was throw up inside. Spencer thankfully said no. As I assessed the damage, I noted, and felt grateful for, the easy clean up. The last thing that I wanted to do was scrub puke out of carpet.

A few minutes later (or so it seemed it my particular state of consciousness), Kevin and I were awakened to Olivia crying in our doorway. Kevin flew out of bed to see what was the matter. I was still groggy and trying to figure out what was going on, when I heard Kevin say something about her throwing up. WHAT! I ran into the bathroom to see her finishing up the deed while Kev peeled his juicy shirt off. I decided to see what damage there was in her crib, and to my surprise, there was none!!! As much as I hate cleaning up vomit, I was thrilled with only having to wipe it up off the bathroom floor and toilet seat. Way to go Olivia! So far today we have had no other incidents. Lets keep our fingers crossed. Good thing we don't have any Fruit Loops in the house.

Sick kids are so sad, but I can't say I don't mind the napping...and the bed head!

Anatomy According To A 5 Year Old

This actually happened a few weeks ago, but I had to post it before I forgot.

My sister, Lydia, was talking to Spencer at my parents house, and when she finished speaking, he told her, "I could see your ugula." To be pronounced yu-gue-la. We got a good laugh out of it. I must admit I was impressed. How many five year olds do you know that that dangily thing is a uvula?

He's a genius...almost.

So much for asking

It may be milk's favorite cookie, but it is NOT my floor's favorite crumb. I need to lock the pantry.

Summer Sabbatical Is Over

We're alive!!!!!!! I know, I know. It has been a decade or so since I have posted. A combination of things lead to that, of course. It was mostly laziness, but we did have house guests for a month, went out of town a few times, thought my computer was broken, and on and on. It seems like I did this last summer too. Anyway, here is a run down of our lives for the last two months. I would love to say I will give you the summarized version of it, but you all know me too well. I will do my best.

After the last post, we had an incredible 80th surprise birthday party for my Grandma Christensen. I have to admit that the best part was seeing her reaction. She was truly surprised. It was so wonderful to have so many family members there to celebrate her life. If only I was as fit as she is now! She is such an inspiration!!! Eliza took pictures, so check her blog out. Uh, yeah, that was in June so you have to scan way back!

July was packed with festivities! It started out with a fabulous 4th of July weekend at the Harber/Nelson compound in Cedar Breaks. There was tons of four wheeling, food, fireworks, and I mustn't forget the sweet scavenger hunt Nola put together. BTW, our team one! I love getting together with those Nelson's. We laugh our brains out!

As soon as we got home, we greeted Mr. Michael Easley to our home! He just got a new job here, and crashed with us until Alli got here and 'till their house was ready. It was fun having them here...kittens and all! Our house seems so empty now! Alli and I had plenty of late nights. I have grown so much closer to her from this time we had. LOVE YOU ALLI!!! It was fun to get to know Michael better too. Too bad Spence wanted to wrestle all the day with him. Too bad for Harper that "Dolly" was making out with him by the end. Sigh. Glad to have you crazies here with us in Utah!!!

We also celebrated Kevin's birthday. Sadly, there is not much to speak of. I didn't really go above and beyond on this one. We did go to a movie! :P Next year? Maybe our Bear Lake trip a few days later made up for it. We had a blast with Kevin's family. We celebrated the 24th with some fireworks, and we also celebrated Big Steve's birthday too!

We also had a bridal shower for Lauren in Las Vegas. It was a busy weekend because we also went to Jason and Jen's wedding too. It was beautiful, and we are excited to see them so happy. The shower was fun, and it was fun to have a party just for the girls!

August came so fast, and we managed to squeeze in baby Taylor's blessing in before we all headed to Mesa for Ryan and Lauren's wedding!!!! What a wonderful weekend. You will need to refer to Lydia's blog for the pictures. Spencer got some interesting shots as he played photographer at the reception. Anywho, we barely made into town with enough time for me to fly over to the temple for Lauren's endowment session. I was so glad I made it in time, but it was sweltering in there! Poor Lauren almost passed out...for the second time that day (you'll have to get the story from her. It's great). Later that night we experienced the full meaning of "monsoon season." Yeah. Really. Flooding and all. It cleared up by morning just leaving behind all the awesome humidity. Oh, my hair was rockin' it. We had a wonderful family dinner with all the family that was in town. Ryan is so blessed to marry into such a great family. They are a blast! Kevin and I are contemplating inviting ourselves down for Christmas. We love warm weather Christmas's!

The sealing was beautiful, of course. The only bad part was waiting outside in the scorching heat during pictures. BLEH!!! I am a complainer, but I did feel worse for Ry and Lauren! All those layers! The reception was fun, and the video was exceptionally excellent considering it had two completely random pictures of Eric...by himself. Hahaha! We loved it all. We especially love that Ryan found Lauren. She will fit in perfectly with our family and he with hers.

Finally, we capped the week off with a couple days in Vegas visiting Stacey and Lance's clan at Cal and Jeanette's house (THANKS!), and then a few days swimming in St. George. It was a fun way to break the week up, but we are so glad to be home. I must say that I am lovin' this 85 degree weather! I am a little sad to see the summer coming to an end, but I can't help but anticipate the fall either...

...and I'm spent!

Auction Block Party

Humm diddy um ditty um ditty um ditty...SOLD YOUR WAY to bidder 156!

OK, so I lack the auctioneering skills, but I will say that I ran myself ragged last night helping out at the big home and property auction last night for ENAuctioneering. Kevin and I were able to participate with the rest of the Nelson crew and it was a blast!!! I think everyone had pre-auction nerves. No one knew what the turn out would be or how many actual bidders to expect. We had a few here and there that showed up before registration was supposed to start which had some of us a little nervous because our bid packages hadn't shown up, but we had a back up plan to keep us rolling. People started filing in and then we were all on our toes! I couldn't believe what a turn out we had!!! We kept numbering bid cards, thinking it would be enough, but it never was. I think we had about 179 registered bidders. We even had a few superstitious people! Love it!

As people began showing up I realized that I had no reason to be nervous. You could sense the nerves on the bidders. Most of them had never been to anything like this and were anxious to learn the process. They were in great hands. Uncle E is alway so cool, calm and collected. I can't forget humorous either. He has a way of loosening up any crowd! Also, I must say that Miss Aleda Nelson was as cool as I have ever seen her before. She was even groovin' to the band between properties! You go girl! My cute hubby even got a $20 tip!!! That lucky mug didn't have to move all night. He found a hot corner while the rest of us ran the room. Yeah, I was a little jealous since my calves were cramping in the heals I wore. Thanks Lydia for trading me shoes! Lesson learned.

All in all, the night was a great success. The over all vibe from the crowd was energetic and optimistic, except for Lydia's one account, but we will let her tell that one! I am sure now that we have some educated bidders, there will be even better results the next go around. After all was said and done, we were all worn out, hungry, and pretty excited at the results. Of course our way too generous Uncle E took us to a late night dinner to wrap up the night. Work or play those Nelsons' know how to party! Thanks for the adventure last night!

I Got It From Norma

I am one who has truly been blessed with an amazing heritage. The women on all sides of our family are very strong. Strong personalities, strong opinions, strong sense of humor, strong testimonies. These are all traits that I feel I have inherited. There is one, however, that always seemed so mild and gentile. This was my Grandma Nelson. She was the kind of woman who was an ideal grandmother. She was soft spoken, reverent, and always very proper. She had an old timey bun that she always wore on the top of her head. I only once saw her hair down, and I remember it made me gasp when I saw that she had hair down to the middle of her back. She was the kid of woman who doted on her children. "Paul, dear," she would ask, "what would you like for breakfast?" Then proceed on to the next. "Clarence, darling, what would you like?" She had six children. That will never happen in my home. With cereal, maybe, but with a breakfast made from scratch? No way. She was a collector. A serious collector. The kind that Oprah or Clean House would love to have on their shows. Pathways from one room to the next and every room filled to capacity. Clutter gives me anxiety. I love to get rid of piles of "things." I think I developed this because of her. We share the love to shop, but she only influenced my need to clean from her obsession with "collecting". Although we differ here, there is a great pleasure I have from knowing she was so eccentric in this way. The stories I continue to hear about her always amaze me. She died when I was in the 6th grade, and I feel that was the time I was just starting to get to know and remember her. I wish I had more time to get to know her, and I know that one day I will.

There is a particular memory I have of her that always makes me laugh. She was staying with us while our parents were out of town, and she was naturally trying to accommodate her grand children in every way. I, however, was much too independent for that. I remember telling her I wanted a drink. She said she would get me a glass, but I refused, and told her I would get it myself. I remember her face as she turned around and saw me standing on the counter. I did it on purpose. I always knew she was a worrier, and it always made me laugh when I got a rise out of this mild mannered woman. "Oh darling! Please get down! That is so dangerous. Please let Grandma get it for you." By then I had gotten the needed cup and was safe on the ground. This is where the story turns. Now, Grandma is the one smiling down at me as she watches me worry over my own children. This is what I inherited from her. I am a worrier.
I never thought I would be this way just because I was the one who was tempting others to worry. Even my cousin Stacey has had good laughs at my expense over my worrying natrue. I find myself struggling with the little milestones my children make or soon hope to make. For example, Spencer was talking about learning how to ride his bike without training wheels, and all I could think about was him forgetting how to use his breaks and zooming down the driveway right into the street. My heart stops every time I think about it. He wants a skateboard too. I keep telling him they are too dangerous. Now I can't even consider it after hearing about TC Rogers. How do I do it?
Well, a couple days ago I let him go to the "swamp" by our house with a buddy and his big brother. It is a little stream with reeds. They had nets and were going to do who knows what, boy stuff I guess. I couldn't resist driving by to make sure everything was OK. Of course everything was fine, and I am sure this little outing made our little guy the happiest kid in the world. Still, I struggle.
I know that worrying comes along with having children. How do you let go? How do you let them grow up? I once bought a children's first aid book so I could be prepared if anything happened. I had to shut the book after the first few pages because I was nauseous. I don't know if I will ever get over it. Like I said, it is in my nature. Either way, it is something that connects me to this amazing woman.

"The Swamp"The young Norma. So beautiful.

We can't forget Oli! I wov hu!

OH. MY. GOSH.

I really should be posting about Spencer's graduation from pre school, but that will come later. I have been a bit down since our boy David Archuleta didn't take home the big prize Wednesday night. I know he will get a contract and he will make millions, but we just wanted to see him win! Well, I am officially recovered. LOOK AT THIS AMAZING TALENT!!! They are both unbelievable. The second clip is my absolute favorite. I could watch this guy for hours on end! Make sure you watch until after the judges speak. He does another somin' somin'.

Jessalyn Hillier Richards 1919-2008

I am a little late in posting this, but I have really wanted to, and I felt it was necessary. Blogging is my journal. We recently celebrated the life of Jesselyn Richards but better know as Grandma Richards who passed away on May 2, 2008. She was an amazing woman with an amazing history. All the stories I have ever heard were of her hard work, refined manners, and dedication to her family. One of Grandma's favorite things to do was to just sit and watch her great grandchildren play (all 56 of them). I loved hearing her quiet laughs when she saw them do something silly or even naughty. We were so blessed to have her in our lives and to have our two children get to know her. She was always so patient when they would come to visit. As soon as they would get to her room they would pull out every toy they could find, and kleenex, and pictures...the list goes on. There was always a treat to be shared and a laugh to be had as they, or Spencer rather, asked her silly questions. We are also so grateful for Kevin's mom, Sheryl, for her love and dedication in taking such great care of her all these years. She leaves behind an amazing legacy, which is evident it the way all seven of her children lead their lives. She will be greatly missed. We love you Grandma.

Isn't this a beautiful picture? I love these old timey shots. Gorgeous.

Quarantined

OK, maybe we aren't officially quarantined, but I feel like we should be! As of late, I am just not sure how safe it is to come to our house. In the last month or so we have had two visits from the fire department due to 911 calls, two ER visits (one for Spencer and one for me), two IV bags, 4 vials of blood taken, one chest x-ray, 2 urine samples, 35 vomits (me), a week of fevers from Spencer, two days of fever with Olivia, a total of 3 seizures, another 2 days of Spencer with fever accompanied by sore throat, and Kevin is going on week three of his "smokers cough." Yeah. I think we have filled our sick quota for this year, and NO, I am not pregnant (although it would have make the puking worth it).

Spencer had another fever seizure on Saturday morning after his fever spiked. This time it was a grand mal. So much scarier. Thankfully I knew what was going on and what to do. I can't imagine if I would have experienced that the first time. When the fire department arrived it was the same crew that came a few weeks ago with the exception of a person or two (thanks for moving to CA Melanie). It helped me not to feel so ridiculous somehow. No worries, that feeling came later as the calls started flooding in later that day from curious and concerned neighbors. Luckily we were able to just take him to his doctors office instead of the ER. We were happy to find out that he should be growing out of this soon. He just needs a tight regiment of Tylenol and Motrin. I am beginning to feel like we should buy their stock.

Don't worry. We really are happy and relatively healthy. I truly think we have been blessed with great health and are grateful that we are just dealing with minor issues. You may just want to think twice before visiting! ;)

Bree and Eric Updated. Check Her Out!!!

Cinco De Mayo BABY!!!

There is a gene that runs in the Nelson family that is specific to celebrating/partying. We don't need any specific reason to get together and play. WELL, now Cinco De Mayo has a purpose. It is the birthday of lil' Miss Taylor Lane Nelson!!! She came five days late and covered in chins and rolls, but she is finally here! Bree and Eric couldn't be more pleased. All went well with the delivery, and you can go to their blog for the details (when they get around to posting). So far, Baby Tay hasn't exercised her lungs much. She is so mellow and sweet. She has a perfect little head and is a wonderful combination of both her parents. We are so excited to have a cousin on the Nelson side! Watch out Taylor, they are excited to meet you!!!
Two girls in one week (Lauren and Taylor)! These are the things that make life so great.

P.S. Happy Anniversary Bree and E! What a great anniversary gift! (Bree and Eric were married May 6, 2006)

STOP THE PRESSES!!!

ATTENTION! ATTENTION EVERYONE!

Twenty six year old Ryan Nelson of Las Vegas, NV is recently engaged!!! On Saturday May 3rd in Mesa, AZ he proposed to the lovely Miss Lauren Davis. Lauren was quoted as saying (from a text message), "He totally tricked me!" She also said that, "I LOVE it so much," when asked about her ring. Details are pending on the acutal event. An interview with Ryan is in the works. However, we can expect a sealing date sometime in early August. All parties are thrilled.

I Decided To Participate

Where were you born? Las Vegas, NV

Middle name: Jessica (on Church records) and Nelson for the rest of the world.

How old will you be this year? 29 (until I turn 40)

Nicknames: KJ, Kissy, Kage?

Are you taller than your mother or father? Barely taller than Mom and dwarfed by Dad

Do you cry often during movies? Yes. It can be the smallest thing. Even the music will do it.

What is one of your biggest pet peeves? lights on during the day. I need natural light! I also HATE when something is spilled on a freshly cleaned floor. OH, and garbage in the sink. GRRR.

Favorite color: Depends on the day. Black always.

Favorite foods: Mexican, French fries, and ice cream!

Favorite beverage: Coke with Sonic ice or fresh squeezed lemonade.

Favorite cold cereal: I like lots of them. I also love granola from the church mill. MMMM!

Favorite smells: rain, clean baby, clean house, clean laundry. Can we say OCD?

Favorite time of day: Mornings and when Kevin gets home.

Favorite make-up products? MAC and Bare Minerals

How many pillows do you sleep with? two

Do you play an instrument? Used to play violin.

Did you do any sports in High School? volleyball

What was the last movie you saw in the theater? Horton Hears a Who. I need to go out this weekend!

What is your favorite article of clothing? JEANS!!!

What is your dream vacation? Touring Italy and Spain. What the heck. Let's say the whole Mediterranean.

What was your first impression of your spouse? Tall, handsome and reserved.

What is your favorite "me-time" activity? Shopping alone or reading a book.

Favorite TV shows: Dexter, House, Office, 30 Rock, SNL, Flight of the Concords...the list goes on.

What is your dream car? Right now a new Tahoe. Later an A6.

What is one of your weaknesses? Junk food

What do you fix for dinner when there's nothing to fix? Grilled cheese or spaghetti

What is the emotion you feel the most? Contentment

Do you consider yourself outgoing? Most of the time.

What is something you are constantly working on? Patience (Remembering my Love and Logic)

Any hidden talents? I haven't found them yet.

What is a word or phrase you overuse? "OH, my gosh," "WHAT!" and "NO!"

What was the hardest thing that has happened to you this year? Having the market drop

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year? Having the market drop (put things into perspective)

What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? Getting our backyard in and growing our first veggie garden.

The best piece of advice you've learned so far this year? Remember to have joy and be positive. I love President Hinckley!!!

Now, post the most recent picture of yourself. This REALLY is the most recent picture of me. It's a project of Alli's! Just trying to give her a little business!

These are good questions, so I hope some of you will do this one!

Your're Only 21 Once

Twenty one years ago today Lydia Marie Nelson came into the world at a whopping 10 lbs. 7 1/2 oz., a full head of black hair, and the cutest cheeks you've ever seen! Thankfully since then she has shed the hair that coated her shoulders and back too! Hahaha! I could hardly wait to take her newborn picture to my second grade class for show and tell. I think my teacher almost fell out of her chair when she asked how much she weighed. She probably thought I got my numbers mixed up!
I remember I was so excited to have a little sister. I had been the only girl stuck between two boys for eight years. The score was finally even. By then, I think I had mostly thought of myself as a boy, and it was refreshing to have some estrogen in the house. Lydia was as girlie as they come. She loved all the princesses, could belt Natalie Cole's "I Miss You Like Crazy" like no other, and let me abuse her head to no end with all her Sunday do's.
I think for her three older siblings it was a definite benefit for us to be so much older. We could get her to do and say anything. She could grab her junk better than Michael Jackson and got Uncle John to "look at her butt." Aw, those precious memories.
It has been fun to grow closer through the years and to have our age gap disappear. We have such a great time when all us kids are together, and we all look forward to the future. We are so proud of you Lydi. We love you so much, and have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Yeah, and one day I will learn to edit my scanned pictures. HELP!

This Is Hard To Swallow

Allergies. Phlegm. Post nasal drip.

That is where I am at right now.

Mmmmm.

Olivia's First Haircut

Well, the day finally came. My baby got her first haircut. I am not sure if she is really considered a baby any more considering she is two, but she's still my baby! I have had so much fun braiding her hair and putting in ponies, but by mid afternoon her curls were starting to look more like cotton candy than anything else. So when, for no apparent reason at all, Olivia asked for a haircut yesterday, I thought I should jump on the opportunity. I mean really, how often does a kid ask for a hair cut!
She was pretty excited about the whole ordeal...until it started. Of course. She really wasn't too bad. She just didn't like the idea of having to look down. Once I realized it would be easier for her to stand on the chair she didn't seem to mind. I must admit, I think it turned out pretty cute! I had initially been putting it off because I wanted her sides to grow out a little more, but once it was all cut, the sides didn't bother me as much as I thought they would. It just looks like they are tapered. I wanted a more dramatic A-line on the sides, but those will grow out. All in all, I think it was a success. I think we have officially entered the stage of toddler hood (?). Don't you just love how it looks like she has no neck! That's because I bit it off! ;)

Unproductive, Useless, Thirsty...

I can just hear my husband letting out a quiet chuckle as he reads this. What does this title mean, you ask? I just spent the last three days reading the Twilight series. Understood? I have had Twilight for months, but put it off because of the craze. You know what I mean. Somehow I just couldn't read it while everyone was so obsessed. Now I know why they were! My children were forced to watch 726 hours of TV, Kevin had no ironed shirts, and my neck and back paid the price as well! On day two, I had to wake up early and get the house in order so I didn't feel guilty about what I was doing. Good thing right, since I haven't done something like this in 8 1/2 years of marriage. Lucky for Kev I never read the Harry Potter series!
I started of just thinking I would do some casual reading and finish the book in a week or so. Um, no. I finished that day, well actually at 4 am the next day if you want to be technical. I had my domestic duties to still fulfill, you know! My thoughts then told me to just get them over with so I could be useful again. I hunted down the next two books and finished them up. I even had to go to Stephanie Meyer's website to see if she had the first chapter of her next book. I was very disappointed to see that wasn't the case. I did, however, find the first chapter of Midnight Sun. Ooooooh! I really hope she writes that one!
I have always been drawn to the darker side, and it was nice being able to find something that was still so clean. My imagination is vivid enough. Speaking of imaginations, I found that I was at first a little disappointed that I knew who was cast for the movie because that is who I imagined in the book. By the end I was happy I already knew because I think I would have been disappointed with what I envisioned. I am completely satisfied with the casting of Bella and Edward now. I think if I hadn't know who they were and conjured up my own characters, I may have been disappointed. I read somewhere that Stephanie was wanting Henry Caville, but then she thought he was too old. Oh my word. I wouldn't have been disappointed if they chose him. Mmmm.
I am also torn between Edward and Jacob! How do you choose? I am inclined towards Edward because he was the first. Her first true love, but Jacob! He is so nice, and he will keep her mortal. Bleh. Too many good men to choose from! I will just wait for Breaking Dawn before I get myself too worked up. I wish Eclipse had the first chapter of Breaking Dawn in it. Maybe that would just drive me crazy.

American FarkleyToes

Last Thursday Eliza, Ashley, my madre' and I went to get pedicures at a little salon called La Villa, in Lehi. They have a fun option called Glitter Toes. Instead of getting your toes painted, you can get glitter instead. This is no ordinary glitter. They put a layer of gel on, followed by a layer of your color choice of glitter, another layer of gel and a quick drying under the UV lights. They are so SPARKLEY! It is also nice because they do your nails BEFORE you get your pedi, so you end it all with the wonderful massage. This is definitely something we need to do more. We were sad that Bree or Kathy couldn't come, but hey, that is what summer break is for! Let's make this a spring time tradition! Next time we will remember to pull out our cameras! We were too busy talking! Oh yea, these puppies stay on for about 5 weeks and look perfect the whole time! That's what I'm talkin' about!
Take a guess. Who is Fred, and who is Willma?

I'm A Big Kid Now

Spencer turned 5!!! I can't believe how big our little guy is getting. Time has flown by so fast. It seems like yesterday that he was just a little nugget in my arms. He has become so independent, or so he thinks! He is definitely head strong like his mama, but he has a soft sensitive side like like his dad. He is such a blessing to us, and brings such a fun spirit to our home. We love you Spence!

He had BIG plans for his birthday this year. He told me he wanted a surprise party, and he also wanted to send out a gift list with his invitations so his friends would know exactly what to get him. Uh, no. I told him it is a lot more fun to be surprised when you get gifts. I decided to hold of on the surprise party this year since he was ASKING for it. Maybe next year buddy! We wanted to keep the party kind of small, but that totally didn't happen. We had friends from the old neighborhood and friends from the new neighborhood. The grand total was 12. That is about 6 more than I wanted, but it turned out great. It was loud and crazy, exactly what we expected. It was a total success. Spencer was absolutely thrilled with all of it...especially all his gifts.