tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90021665843912896262024-02-06T21:13:39.422-05:00The NielsensMelissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-901983559728383612013-05-31T11:08:00.002-04:002013-05-31T11:09:52.197-04:00Spring Time in OklahomaThis is what was seen just east of us yesterday. We heard the sirens going off and immediately turned on the news. I could see the storm from our back porch. Kind of scary. A little earlier in the day some rotation went over us and I could see it. Kind of crazy. I have never seen such beautiful yet horrifying cloud formation in my life. <br />
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I am not posting this to scare family that has been worried about us. I just really wanted to save this picture and memory of this. Along with showing the power of spring. Just one more reason for me to not like spring time (besides all the allergies I have). Nature sure does amazing things.<br />
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(Because it is a panorama you might have to click on it to see the whole thing)Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-48375674522201647072013-03-12T11:57:00.001-04:002013-03-12T11:57:46.048-04:00It's a girl!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So here is the story of our little Anastasia.</div>
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Contractions started Sunday morning. They weren't consistent by any means so I thought they were false labor again. By the time we were supposed to leave for church, I had several that were only 4 minutes apart. Thinking this might be the real thing we decided to stay home. Of course a half hour later or so, they all but stopped. I was disappointed because I thought....oh great, we stayed home for nothing but false labor. We should have just gone. </div>
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I continued to have contractions thoughout the day, but nothing consistent by any means. So we went to bed. Eric fell right to sleep. I couldn't get confortable so I got up and wandered around the house, turned on a movie, tried to keep myself occupied. I wanted to let Eric sleep in case I needed him later. Around 1am I started to time them.....still about a half hour apart. Been there, done that, probably false labor again. At around 2:30 or so I decided to go try to sleep. When I layed down, the contractions got harder. Luckily Eric was right there to help me get through them. I decided that laying down was not what I wanted to do so I went to sit in my recliner with a warm rice pack pressed up to my back. Yes, once again, I was having back labor.</div>
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At 3am the contractions were regular, about 10 minutes apart. They slowly got closer together and much stronger. I was able to let Eric sleep until about 5am when I just couldn't do it by myself anymore. I sure do love my husband and all he does for me. He sat on the windowsill next to the chair so I could squeeze his hand during contractions. For the first time I thought I was going to throw up, luckily I didn't. I did end up changing positions to the floor. For some reason I like the floor when I am in labor. </div>
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I am not quite sure of time at this point, I think I was a little delirious. But anyway, I think it was a little before 6 that I told Eric to call the midwife and let her know. My contractions were about 2 minutes apart by then and I knew we were getting close. I think it took about 15 min or so for her to get to our house. Right before she got here, I felt like I needed to push so Eric layed me down so I could breath through them better until she got here. </div>
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Just after she had set everything up she checked me and told me I could push at any time. Oddly enough, I didn't feel the need to push but did anyway. She slowly came out. I was so exhausted by this point, I didn't hardly feel like I could push. Luckily, our bodies are made so the they get pushed out regardless of what I do. So she came slower than the other kids, but I think that was WAY better in this situation. I remember that I thought it took forever for contractions to come for me to push. Never had that before, ususally they are right on top of each other. Another blessing for me I think with being so tired. </div>
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There she was...a beautiful baby girl with a lot of hair .Everything was slow after that. Clean up was slow and I loved it. One of the first things that Eric said after "It's a girl" was "What are we going to do with three girls in a row?" I had to laugh. When they weighed and measured her no one believed how big she was. They actually weighed her several times to make sure it wasn't a mistake. I couldn't believe I gave birth to a 10 lb baby without any problems. No tearing or anything. I guess I was just made to have babies. I do believe that it was a blessing that she came so slow or I probably would have torn. She loves to eat and is really mellow. Looking back now, knowing how big she was, no wonder I was so uncomfortable. Sometimes I think it would have been better had she come two weeks ago. We might have just been in the low 9's then. Oh well, we are glad she is here now.</div>
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I absolutely LOVED having a home birth. I loved not having to wake up my kids or anyone else (besides the midwife) to have the baby. I loved that my husbands attention was able to be solely on me instead of having to answer 500 questions from the hospital. I loved that I could give birth in a mostly dark room where I was comfortable, and could be in any position I wanted to be in. I loved not having to deal with nurses that don't listen or are grumpy. And I loved being able to get into my own bed after ward so I really could sleep. And I love being able to let my kids see the baby whenever they want instead of only for a little while. I am definitely going to do this again with the next baby. Such a wonderful experience. And such wonderful midwives. </div>
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Me and Tasi a couple hours after birth, in my own bed.</div>
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Tasi awake and looking around for the first time. She is really mellow so far and hope it stays that way. In this picture it looks like she is bald on top, she isn't....it is just still matted down. We will take another picture after her bath and post that.</div>
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Our not so little family anymore.</div>
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Dana, Tasi, and me after a shower. Dana delivered Tasi.</div>
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Lottie has been super giggly since the baby came. Here she is laughing with Dada</div>
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Lottie likes to look at the baby but doesn't really want to touch her. I think she is going to like being the big sister.</div>
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Although Porter was a little disappointed to not get the brother he really wanted, he is still way excited. And loves being able to hold her, and wants to tell everyone about her. He has the same problem we all do....he keeps wanting to call her Charlotte. We'll get used to it.</div>
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<br />Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-42955048396856149452013-01-21T22:13:00.003-05:002013-01-21T22:13:37.645-05:00Christmas and Porter's Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas was so much fun this year. We were excited to actually be able to get our kids some things that they wanted and things just for fun instead of just what they needed. Even though we are still far from family we have started to make some good friends here that we enjoy spending time with. We spent Christmas Eve with our friends the Fosters and some others from the ward, that we were able to get to know better. We did a nativity with all the kids which was a little crazy at times but fun.</div>
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Adie was a shepherd, Lottie was a sheep, and since Porter was the only boy (older boy I should say, there was a baby boy), he was Joseph. It was a lot of fun. Here are all the kids in their outfits. <br />
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Here is Porter getting his hunting/fishing wii games. He was excited, but now he keeps begging Eric to take him out to do the real thing. And it was funny, about 3-5 days before Christmas he started asking for Santa to bring him a fishing pole.....well, Santa didn't come through on that one. I guess it was just to close to Christmas for that. But birthdays are coming. <br />
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I wish we had pictures of the girls. Adie just wanted to play with a couple of toys in the princess tent she got from Santa, and Lottie just wanted to look at all of the books that we already had.<br />
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On another note, Eric had the best Christmas EVER it seems. He got a compound bow with arrows and other things to go with it. Now when he is home from work early enough, he is out in our "backyard" shooting it because you can do that here. He hasn't missed the bag once. Now he just has to find a place to go hunting so he can really use it. <br />
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We also had Porter's birthday party. He has been begging for an Angry Birds birthday party for 6-8 months. So I figured we should stick with that. It was so much fun. It kept me busy especially having sick kids the whole week before. Luckily everyone was mostly healthy on the day of his party. We made sugar cookies as thank you gifts for all the kids. <br />
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And since Porter doesn't really like cake, he wanted cupcakes. I don't really understand the difference, I would prefer cake that has layers and a filling throughout but whatever, he is his fathers son. But they were fun and easy to make. And I think they turned out pretty good.<br />
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Here is his table of "treats" and snacks for all the kids. Thanks to so many people for the ideas and whatever for this. Stephanie Sams, thanks for the banner. Natalie Dayton, thanks for the lime slushie drink that my family can't get enough of and can be dyed any color. Thanks for whoever decided it should be National Popcorn Day on my sons birthday so we will always have his favorite popcorns at his parties. And thanks to pinterest for the pig watermelon idea. That was a huge hit in itself.<br />
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The kids were excited about everything....boys are fun! And I am glad that Porter doesn't cry anymore when people sing to him.<br />
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They played "Pig Stomp" where they had to stomp on each others King Pigs. Poor Adie had a hard time getting into this game with all the rough boys.<br />
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And I did venture to make a pinata. Of course I forgot to take a picture before they started whacking it. But all my fears about it not lasting long were put to rest when we had to bring in Dad to make the initial crack so they could do the rest. Way to go paper mache, you held up to the test.<br />
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It was a lot of fun and good to meet the kids that Porter talks about all the time. The kids from school that he likes a lot have all invited him to their parties, but they hold them on Sunday's and we just don't do that. So I am glad that they came to his. And he did get a fishing pole for his birthday.</div>
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I have made a new year's resolution to update this once a month. So here is hoping I will be able to do that.</div>
Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-19827229627171444682012-11-23T15:44:00.001-05:002012-11-23T15:44:41.050-05:00Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The great thing about living in Oklahoma is that we have big trees that loose all their leaves. The kids have had the time of their lives raking up all the leaves into a pile so they can jump into them over and over. Lottie needs a little help jumping in but they all have a blast.</div>
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We were going to have some friends over for dinner so we decided to make a black forrest trifle. It had cut up brownie, chocolate pudding, cherry pie filling, fresh whipped cream and some chocolate swirls. It was so good. Unfortunatley, our friends had to cancel, so we took it to Eric's work meeting the next day to share with every one. We got rid of most of it just because it was too much for our family.<br />
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Lottie can fit most of her hair into a ponytail now. I was so excited. It was super cute!<br />
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Isn't she cute?</div>
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Porter had to disquise a turkey for school so they would be safe for Thanksgiving. He decided on an army guy.</div>
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We finally got Eric's diploma from dental school and it is finally spelled correctly.</div>
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Adie had her 4th birthday and she wanted to have a Little Mermaid party. I racked my brain trying to figure out a cake for her. I finally figured out what I wanted to do and unfortunately started late doing it the night before and was up until 2am finishing it. Lottie kept me company until 1 then I was on my own. Even though it took so long I really liked how it turned out.</div>
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We have a fire pit in our back yard and the kids LOVE to go out and build fires. And eat s'mores. So we do it on a fairly regular basis. Can you tell they are having fun?<br />
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The other day I was looking for Lottie because she had been so quiet. I found her on the side of the couch like this, fast asleep. Poor baby, mom and dad don't put her in bed when she is tired.<br />
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Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-64185306479975177392012-09-19T18:37:00.001-04:002012-09-19T18:37:03.048-04:00My cute kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lottie is getting so big and is climbing on everything.....and I mean everything! She is also running now everywhere she goes. She is in the 88th percentile for height, and in the 12th percentile for weight. We decided today that she has the Ricks genes and will just always be tall and skinny....lucky girl.</div>
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Porter and Adie love each other. My favorite is their embrace after school every day when Porter gets off the bus. They really do miss each other throughout the day.<br />
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Lottie loves it when Porter pushes her around on the tricycle and she smiles the whole time. Aren't they cute?<br />
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And this is what happens when your 10 year old digital camera gives up the ghost. The shutter speed is now so slow, there is no way to capture pictures unless we did like they did in the early camera days with posts behind them to help them hold still until the picture was taken. (Apple Dumpling Gang is what I picture in my mind). So we don't have any more pictures and won't until we are able to find a camera that we want. Sorry, I have already missed some great moments that I wish I had pics of.<br />
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<br />Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-11022535740336404932012-09-01T12:12:00.001-04:002012-09-01T12:12:45.494-04:00You know you are in Oklahoma when....Well, first things first. A was invited to her first birthday party of someone we didn't know before. I am glad we went as we were the only ones who came that weren't family. Anyway, it was a My Little Pony birthday and so I decided to make a necklace for the little girl. I am quite pleased at how it turned out. Yeah for me and the help of my wonderful hubby!<br />
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A has been getting lonely without her brother home and gets sad on and off. But the good thing about it is that her and L have really had some good bonding time and really like each other now. What a blessing because they used to just tolerate each other. Anyway, so one day she was really sad so we decided to make spiral cookies. They were hard to do and took way too much time in my opinion, but she sure did love them and actually just asked to make them again. They were good though.<br />
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I walked into my kids room the other day to help clean up so I could....so P could vacuum and this is what I saw. AAAHHH IT'S A GIANT POTATO BUG EATING CINDERELLA!!!!! I was laughing pretty hard.<br />
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And to the title of this post. I just looked outside our front window and this is what I saw.....our neighbor across the street practicing his bow shooting as hunting season is just around the corner. I thought that was funny. If Eric wasn't working I think he probably would have gone out and talked to the guy to ask him where to go hunting and if he can tag along. He was a pretty good shot too, or at least it looked like to me. I think most people here do bow hunting and Eric doen't have a bow yet. Someday. Anyway, I thought it was funny.<br />
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Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-39253180659990543752012-08-17T10:17:00.004-04:002012-08-17T10:17:35.312-04:00Big Man on Campus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, today was the day. My little man started Kindergarten. He was so excited he not only made his own bed, but he made his sisters too. He did everything before he even ate breakfast. I was way more nervous than he was. I think he was just super excited to ride the bus, and use a lunch box for the first time. It is angry birds. So cute!</div>
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As we waited at the bus stop for his bus, he would not stop talking. He kept telling me that after kindergarten we were going to go back to Buffalo. I hate to break it to him, but that just isn't going to happen. And then he said that he was "going to be good behave, and listen to Jesus Christ and his teacher." I think that we need to add mom and dad in there too. Anyway, he was jumping up and down as he saw the bus come around the corner. But when it stopped and opened the doors, the look on his face changed. You could see he was nervous, but didn't want to let anyone know. So he climbed right up and went to an empty seat in the back all by himself. Poor kid, so nervous. But the driver was so good, and said he would watch out for him after asking if it was his first day on a bus, and in Kindergarten. <br />
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Needless to say I walked home (across the street) in tears to a husband who was laughing at me. I did drive to his school to make sure he was ok, but it was a zoo! So I found where the busses dropped off and saw that of course it was organized and that he was going to be just fine. I can't believe it. Adie was crying about missing her brother, and doesn't really know what to do without him. He is going to be gone so long. I am sure that I am going to be in tears on and off all day. I can't believe he is so big. Way to go Port!!! I know you will do great!Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-27348063268021917992012-06-24T19:40:00.001-04:002012-06-24T19:40:32.981-04:00my teeth are singing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I guess we are going to go backwards since I don't know how to use this new blogger format (obviously I haven't posted in a while). Here was our fathers day gift to Eric. A malt ice cream and dark chocolate brownie cake. It was soooo good. And really super easy. Every one loved it. (Port calls it the spunkin whoppin cake, really it just had whoppers on it.)</div>
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This is what we have been doing to keep ourselves entertained in a small apartment when we don't have a car and it is too hot to walk somewhere to play outside. It has actually been a somewhat fun experience, but I think it will be good for everyone's sanity when we get to our new house next week.</div>
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When we were in Utah we went fishing up in Mantua (for non-Utahn's it is pronounced man-a-way). The kids thought that it was great until they actually caught a fish. Then they didn't want anything to do with it. And ran from the front of the boat to the back and drove everyone crazy.</div>
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We said goodbye to all of our wonderful friends in Buffalo. I really miss everyone and feel a little lonely down here in OK, but we are hoping to make friends soon in our new ward. There are some other couples that have just moved in that are residents so we are kind of in the same boat. It will be nice since thats what we are used to. But we miss you SO much. Feel free to visit us anytime!<br />
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Our little froggie turned 1. I can't believe it. She has been my slow baby, slow crawling (compared to my other kids), really slow teething, and slow walking. She has finally figured it out this last week and officially has 4 teeth. She just walks and tried to run everywhere, and doesn't really want to be held anymore. She is so much fun and chases the other two from room to room.</div>
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This was her cake. I wish I would have gotten a better picture of it. It was a lot of fun and she got the whole top to herself. She ate some of it, but mainly just destroyed half of it.</div>
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ERIC GRADUATED FROM DENTAL SCHOOL!!!!! YEAH!!!!</div>
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I am officially married to a dentist. And I still don't let him watch me floss my teeth.</div>
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Adie had a dance recital that she actually danced in. They danced to bibbity bobbity boo. She did really good and was so cute. But I think her favorite part was the dessert afterward.</div>
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<br />Eric had a senior dinner/award dinner thing. I didn't want to go in my old church clothes, so I made myself a cocktail dress. I thought it turned out pretty good, but there are some things that I would change if I did it again.</div>
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And as for the title of the post. The other day we were swimming in the pool and Port was shivering. We asked him if he was cold, he said "no, my teeth are just singing."</div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-29127553987611764432012-05-01T16:06:00.000-04:002012-05-01T16:06:15.641-04:0011 months and busy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our little froggie turned 11 months old. She wants to walk but is scared. She has taken a couple of steps, but just won't do it without someones finger to hold. She has weaned herself in the last 1 1/2 weeks (which is great for me) and since has gained over a pound. I guess I just didn't have enough for her. Now she is a happy, starting to get rolly baby. And she smiles at everyone, but don't touch her. She will glare at you or cry.</div>
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The other day it was warm and I sent the hippo and the monkey out into the backyard to play. Neither of them could find matching shoes, so they improvised. I guess I should be happy that they are problem solvers.... but I couldn't not take a picture. <br />
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We went to the Franklinville, NY maple festival this last weekend. A little disappointed by it. It was basically a fair crammed into a very small area. But the kids were excited by the parade and the petting zoo. I was amazed by the fact that they make maple soda, and maple cotton candy. It smelt so good there, and the pure maple syrup was cheap. Too bad we're moving.<br />
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And of course my kids find a playground and wanted to stay there the rest of the day.<br />
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Eric and I just celebrated our 6th anniversary. We figured that in the last 6 years we have lived in 4 states, two of which we moved back to (UT, ID, AZ, ID, UT, NY). Between the two of us we have earned 3 college degrees and 3 certificates. And we had 3 beautiful children. After all that accomplishment, we decided to do something fun. We went to a restaurant that we had never heard of before but has been featured in Guy Fieri's (the food network) show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G2zFpveYeo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G2zFpveYeo</a> ) Grover's bar and grill.<br />
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We had the famous Bruiser burger which is the most delicious hamburger I have ever had and a bowl of their famous cheeseburger soup. They were so good. We shared both and came out completely full. Now just to learn how to make it on our own. Another thing about this burger is that even Eric couldn't fit the burger into his mouth. It was that big, but oh so good!<br />
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On a side note, two weeks then we move back to Brigham City for about 3 weeks, then on to Tulsa, Oklahoma for who knows how long. We are excited, just going through the stress of moving. I can't believe how fast time has gone. More pics to come soon for graduation!<br />Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-13834737588290907192012-03-15T10:34:00.003-04:002012-03-15T10:40:45.381-04:00SOLD!!!This has been such an up and down roller coaster ride. Let me tell you. I never thought it would be this hard. But after only 15 days on the market our house sold. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWFoo4Cz4XSZB2sSHZ0Yx1fVcuwOsSdh_HlblrzWybWdwQK1kvuRJnDQ2dWr32kTxP4IxA8hNgD_hQ4ScorOXkCZuTDGdHz5tTi7VNxlORpv4j91s7mbe2vLKNujhms-C177HRUgnDHBS/s1600/DSCN3693.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720132380783974210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWFoo4Cz4XSZB2sSHZ0Yx1fVcuwOsSdh_HlblrzWybWdwQK1kvuRJnDQ2dWr32kTxP4IxA8hNgD_hQ4ScorOXkCZuTDGdHz5tTi7VNxlORpv4j91s7mbe2vLKNujhms-C177HRUgnDHBS/s320/DSCN3693.JPG" /></a><br />We are now going through all of the contract details that have proved more frustrating that anything else and dealing with picky people. Maybe we just didn't know any better when we bought, but sometimes I just want to smack the guy that bought it to make me feel better. Anyway, we are happy that it sold so fast and we feel so blessed. I never thought I was emotionally attached to anything about this house....but I am. And of all things, I am emotionally attached to my washer and dryer that we have to leave now. But we'll get another one and its ok. I was having a hard time until something went wrong with our sump pump while Eric was taking the clinical portion of his licensure exam. Luckily I have an absolutely amazing husband and he was able to take care of it when he got home, but happily enough, that must have been the last straw for me and I no longer want this house and am more than happy to move! Blessings!!! So now to find a place to move.....it will all work out! <br /><br />More to come next weekMelissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-65604140931648136032012-02-21T09:45:00.003-05:002012-02-21T10:02:36.293-05:00Don't touch anything!!!!So with trying to sell our house I think that I have turned into the worst mom in the world. I have tried and tried to get the house the kind of clean I think that it should be. Does it really work? No. Have I lost all the motivation to do anything now? Sure have. In fact I sat on the couch almost all of yesterday (except for making meals and taking care of kids) and read "The Help". I have been wanting to read it for a while, but that hasn't been on my priority list. And now I am sucked in! Anyway, I also keep telling my kids, "don't touch that", "don't make a mess", "quit playing in there", blah, blah, blah. It's a good thing my kids are so patient with me. They are amazing, and I love them to death. In fact I am really gratefull that P doesn't have school this week so I can spend some time with him. <br /><br />Well, we had our first open house this last weekend so we haven't really let the kids get ANY toys out. So they have resorted to the baby toys that are always out. This is what they have done lately.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjbUBnwadNLYAgQvti9ZsUDcok-yJLh_e4t6Zt4fRvYBOWXrip4W_pua13EGgR02GAJX7wQq2027AyjFy5ISIVv3udZfmKOOZyPql5GlXZ4G4yCmxfG1ENy-pu6bt5u02uo4gpGMmKQ0Q/s1600/DSCN3669.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711601552216327106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjbUBnwadNLYAgQvti9ZsUDcok-yJLh_e4t6Zt4fRvYBOWXrip4W_pua13EGgR02GAJX7wQq2027AyjFy5ISIVv3udZfmKOOZyPql5GlXZ4G4yCmxfG1ENy-pu6bt5u02uo4gpGMmKQ0Q/s320/DSCN3669.JPG" /></a>This is L "the dog" being taken for a walk. When I first saw it I was worried as he has that attached to her shirt. Then as I watched, she was lovin' it! She giggled and followed him wherever he went. Which she usually does anyway, so I don't know why I thought it would be different. We did have a discussion though (for those that are worrying) about how you cannot pull her anywhere.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0kEed161sdWfnHCdQj7G-h1-CUjLsPak_dkE300ddd3kJtqukU7dhuhvTUwmU2W-StdXbC8GkopN3_nuXiJkKHuKuWqMx6FnzFQRRS4N3DzWqKmgkT4h2utDAdtNkL3a7a3yWMmq1sEf/s1600/DSCN3673.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711601524978147666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0kEed161sdWfnHCdQj7G-h1-CUjLsPak_dkE300ddd3kJtqukU7dhuhvTUwmU2W-StdXbC8GkopN3_nuXiJkKHuKuWqMx6FnzFQRRS4N3DzWqKmgkT4h2utDAdtNkL3a7a3yWMmq1sEf/s320/DSCN3673.JPG" /></a>My poor deprived children....this is the first time they ever had pop rocks. P was so worried about it he wouldn't put them in his mouth. A on the other hand, dumped the whole bowl in her mouth. It was hilarious. These are their faces when they first put some in their mouth.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qGEUjF1UcC9sNJkYSjwmEhNLdFcICRozzU0qMiXBVudHJqDDREYsMNHQRhuzq8PHlHBbhNlkodgFbugu3y_Jg9QUQqyxfAJHtuTZc_TZRsdHr9dDUyerGc3Jh3be_U0qLm1B1Y4VGVrN/s1600/DSCN3674.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711601502809212290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qGEUjF1UcC9sNJkYSjwmEhNLdFcICRozzU0qMiXBVudHJqDDREYsMNHQRhuzq8PHlHBbhNlkodgFbugu3y_Jg9QUQqyxfAJHtuTZc_TZRsdHr9dDUyerGc3Jh3be_U0qLm1B1Y4VGVrN/s320/DSCN3674.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Also I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out what to do with my mantle since my plant died. I finally came up with something. I would like to completely finish it someday (the runner that is) but I just kept getting so mad at it! Anyway, tell me what you think. Well, I say that but really I only want to hear good things. I am not at a point in my life to hear criticism. So go on and tell me how great you think I am!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnZTcBfTgfG3hIr-cH1csgnQD8EGMTPga9s5s0wJskTqt6EGr9MjCKRxcS9A8mRaqBuIfwMWDsHaxnumT2CLvmzeVVKOgQvn71FWeA7scuqlO0h0j-3zEikoEaDpX6XDtkUDOL4zruHyV/s1600/DSCN3670.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711601500972316306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnZTcBfTgfG3hIr-cH1csgnQD8EGMTPga9s5s0wJskTqt6EGr9MjCKRxcS9A8mRaqBuIfwMWDsHaxnumT2CLvmzeVVKOgQvn71FWeA7scuqlO0h0j-3zEikoEaDpX6XDtkUDOL4zruHyV/s320/DSCN3670.JPG" /></a></div></div></div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-35068959479631608822012-02-12T21:21:00.004-05:002012-02-12T21:29:20.270-05:00busy, busy, busyI do believe that this is a good indicator of how busy we have been and how our whole family feels right now. I walked into the kitchen and there she was almost falling out of the chair, absolutely sound asleep. Poor girl. As uncomfortable as she looks, of course I had to take a picture of her before I put her in bed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFvbh9dBSef93utzOkv8dFQkdkqkcNRfHngYNy8CZ1A7mXK1v4S9qfzN3QGOH-A_yWL6rLdplRZE1Id2ePBef0WXewC2s6KlP3HOUJwvrUPIMr2aD5N4Kj5HPzp4G9Oce62o0S1ESU-jP/s1600/DSCN3595.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708439954384625378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFvbh9dBSef93utzOkv8dFQkdkqkcNRfHngYNy8CZ1A7mXK1v4S9qfzN3QGOH-A_yWL6rLdplRZE1Id2ePBef0WXewC2s6KlP3HOUJwvrUPIMr2aD5N4Kj5HPzp4G9Oce62o0S1ESU-jP/s320/DSCN3595.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Porter is my favorite little boy ever! I love his happy face all the time. Just look at that cheese. Anyway, he REALLY wanted his picture with his salmon slider so here it is. He is so funny. He even put an onion ring on it because he thought it would taste good, and yes he ate it that way, the whole thing. He is just like his dad.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aCiFPdFUYbPUPFO4EbR3FvCVpW2C41KPR5L0WhmS56VIU6ztV9dTBAaaU0r0NPzYof55psIZcWKSYDeXzT-LnF32gVheXQ6wfJp8kO_oVNqjv_bB7l1g487fsrs-sbPT9dclZqpjlIOG/s1600/DSCN3599.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708439949300543618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aCiFPdFUYbPUPFO4EbR3FvCVpW2C41KPR5L0WhmS56VIU6ztV9dTBAaaU0r0NPzYof55psIZcWKSYDeXzT-LnF32gVheXQ6wfJp8kO_oVNqjv_bB7l1g487fsrs-sbPT9dclZqpjlIOG/s320/DSCN3599.JPG" /></a>If you want the recipe you can go to <a href="http://bestrecipeoftheweek.blogspot.com/">this blog</a> to find it.</div><div> </div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-43420737726280518422012-02-05T21:58:00.004-05:002012-02-05T22:33:54.909-05:00I'm baaaack...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm_XXxtUl5GmIIEm9dXj1a4LOJCT2nTG1IKnuAQJf6xgA50U5S9onW6eqE_eQufkzo7scU539D-aap4H3kFJtsy2T92iR5rwax76dVeSpXbb0KdMt0RS4NR3siPMoSmvkX4mOmmRs_G8_/s1600/snowman+2012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705853383672578866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm_XXxtUl5GmIIEm9dXj1a4LOJCT2nTG1IKnuAQJf6xgA50U5S9onW6eqE_eQufkzo7scU539D-aap4H3kFJtsy2T92iR5rwax76dVeSpXbb0KdMt0RS4NR3siPMoSmvkX4mOmmRs_G8_/s320/snowman+2012.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">So since I can't get this above the picture it is going to be right here. We have been pretty busy lately which is why I haven't posted anything. I am back now, not saying that I am going to post every week or anything, but I am going to try to be better. Especially at the food blog that I started. I have so many recipes I want to add to it. Maybe a little later though. So here is just a little catch up and glimpse into what we have been doing.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Our one and only snowman this winter as we have really not had that much snow. Glad the kids got a chance to make one because they really wanted to. My favorite part is the chocolate money for a mouth and buttons, carrot nose, and football chocolate eyes.</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXFB0SyctTSJWNlMwXKSOkXDhJI6tIO_F2yD8k7XPdveoFLC0R2OICRydB7-n9xH86xlMH5OJoasKrzvgmYKU9xzI1JNyFXKK_fppPudrBoTDl1XJlbAwCVHAJMQZBY_6bilB7F6DEgmb/s1600/Adie+with+mascara+mustache.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705853371424157938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXFB0SyctTSJWNlMwXKSOkXDhJI6tIO_F2yD8k7XPdveoFLC0R2OICRydB7-n9xH86xlMH5OJoasKrzvgmYKU9xzI1JNyFXKK_fppPudrBoTDl1XJlbAwCVHAJMQZBY_6bilB7F6DEgmb/s320/Adie+with+mascara+mustache.JPG" /></a>Adie got into my makeup over Christmas. When I saw her I just started cracking up. She didn't know how to react because she didn't know if she was in trouble or not if you can't tell by the look on her face. I thought she looked like Hitler with that mascara mustache.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DViaRbi5vBA1vX3KqpGlxk4elOonVk9iXnUDJ5SLsBNhBeAOCthQltWbcbOR3KvolkpFky73cz5idq04RXoDLjqbtyckXgOp2DEpyOC0USDkKq0E9lRKz1-lRIQ2cr0Vezu3XrtLAvK2/s1600/Swimming+Christmas+2011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705853369971154930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DViaRbi5vBA1vX3KqpGlxk4elOonVk9iXnUDJ5SLsBNhBeAOCthQltWbcbOR3KvolkpFky73cz5idq04RXoDLjqbtyckXgOp2DEpyOC0USDkKq0E9lRKz1-lRIQ2cr0Vezu3XrtLAvK2/s320/Swimming+Christmas+2011.JPG" /></a>We went swimming in Utah with all the cousins. The kids had so much fun. Although it was also a wave pool and Port just didn't know what to do. He almost started crying and wouldn't go back into the water until it stopped. </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmJUnxMlNVIx0q3b9YL4nCWMDmh5WVmXWMOUdzcAa5FOLe7YkWZnbjA5cz0IU72lixHxUdDdTjptPaEEOOyw-gSDiMo2HSVnpcnLPNg4wS5PBmWzWg83SOzc4Jzd5E9aqDB_acBQbarSe/s1600/RSCN3526.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705853354351509810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmJUnxMlNVIx0q3b9YL4nCWMDmh5WVmXWMOUdzcAa5FOLe7YkWZnbjA5cz0IU72lixHxUdDdTjptPaEEOOyw-gSDiMo2HSVnpcnLPNg4wS5PBmWzWg83SOzc4Jzd5E9aqDB_acBQbarSe/s320/RSCN3526.JPG" /></a>Things that we have missed. Idaho (yes, I know some people think we are crazy, but we REALLY like it there.) and 75 mph speed limits. It felt so nice driving fast again.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_Y3-_3SupPdQ7yODGO3nd08VvvYOT3dO7-Z0-doYKpIZnPF02k5djhLka86bukYgH-H35Y6qpG2kSpamRnjFSPTKJAP-cOyHhF7-Yi2mi7kG9N8-_7JnVQXf59DuQWc4uKjPsLJOAtLC/s1600/Porters+5th.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705853357238802706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_Y3-_3SupPdQ7yODGO3nd08VvvYOT3dO7-Z0-doYKpIZnPF02k5djhLka86bukYgH-H35Y6qpG2kSpamRnjFSPTKJAP-cOyHhF7-Yi2mi7kG9N8-_7JnVQXf59DuQWc4uKjPsLJOAtLC/s320/Porters+5th.JPG" /></a>These are the lego batman cupcakes I made for Porter's birthday. It was a lot of fun and I think they turned out pretty good. Although I forgot the capes.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjLip_g26i1VjsvrU-Bte_RZrGS_G8pX0N4wXI4fsP4EBPiS1nu5sZTd2CKgCGWD6hryZ8bJRMp253AB4NHHHEE03aW71ZucodrEQfU_H8cWP5K-IJuZzys6V8arWZp5w5yfwi3ErN6aB/s1600/Porters+5th+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705852872200911666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjLip_g26i1VjsvrU-Bte_RZrGS_G8pX0N4wXI4fsP4EBPiS1nu5sZTd2CKgCGWD6hryZ8bJRMp253AB4NHHHEE03aW71ZucodrEQfU_H8cWP5K-IJuZzys6V8arWZp5w5yfwi3ErN6aB/s320/Porters+5th+2.JPG" /></a>Porter loved it. He even sang "Happy Birthday to me"<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQK3gKJ0oKGbV2aI3WdrVgeMrSop7z-S-dd4L0aUaNka-Mp703koUTc96RvQu9nce7c0XITstjFvIrHmaS12ZaBYtjvxh2nmRr472qWf_fHYZKabxCkn9skT1dF53uXrFZeFGxXBvRqTgW/s1600/Ice+fishing+2011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705852850774837458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQK3gKJ0oKGbV2aI3WdrVgeMrSop7z-S-dd4L0aUaNka-Mp703koUTc96RvQu9nce7c0XITstjFvIrHmaS12ZaBYtjvxh2nmRr472qWf_fHYZKabxCkn9skT1dF53uXrFZeFGxXBvRqTgW/s320/Ice+fishing+2011.JPG" /></a>Eric went ice fishing with his brother one day. He was in heaven. He may have caught the least amount of fish, but he did catch the biggest. It was 25 inches long and 6 lbs. From what I understand that is pretty darn big for a rainbow trout.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQ-jx3KnZp4V1OrH9ul_E6rJhWtP5s9azX2UovE1wUzEmv_n3rdTczzyTHn-Ub1OiEoFMaGuUODfqQUtNnkO5tZLJ7_Y9CiktkY8Ij-0Vr2vAkHYXW9C8sP1jZjTO5G0mEPRIFCqcy3YI/s1600/Christmas+2011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705852844096731810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQ-jx3KnZp4V1OrH9ul_E6rJhWtP5s9azX2UovE1wUzEmv_n3rdTczzyTHn-Ub1OiEoFMaGuUODfqQUtNnkO5tZLJ7_Y9CiktkY8Ij-0Vr2vAkHYXW9C8sP1jZjTO5G0mEPRIFCqcy3YI/s320/Christmas+2011.JPG" /></a>Christmas at Grandma's house. Lottie didn't know what to think and Porter couldn't have been more excited about every little thing that he got. (as you can tell by his facial expression)</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMAJbCXhkz-2datHoTJryVDHydE_jeFmaY0x4GKYZJO5q2HOF6JEdzERfFLwMqC_gxSfbBSLdu8eK5wdYqoVdwbJVU88WR7DuktACsxZ_HpUi9oqXSXDmt-Mw47yuDIOUshFgtriXrqd-/s1600/Bowling+Christmas+2011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705852837791390786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMAJbCXhkz-2datHoTJryVDHydE_jeFmaY0x4GKYZJO5q2HOF6JEdzERfFLwMqC_gxSfbBSLdu8eK5wdYqoVdwbJVU88WR7DuktACsxZ_HpUi9oqXSXDmt-Mw47yuDIOUshFgtriXrqd-/s320/Bowling+Christmas+2011.JPG" /></a>We also went bowling and yes, this is how Adie stood after every time that she bowled. Then waited, and waited, and waited, and waited for the ball to actually get to the pins with only enough momentum to knock down one pin. I loved it.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAS7nHc_x9OA8EMKGWLn4hq7b0WSxT2G6hyphenhyphenKBCEc4uBQKaKPW3KSPIwshhb3Kaz_NA2pLj4RsYf2lnuRzprAz57iK0GKFnqP2W_2mtQKrFftjcGfF3FBC4QWj7eQSXEwX9DHvuvypJTV4/s1600/8+months.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705852833767692050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAS7nHc_x9OA8EMKGWLn4hq7b0WSxT2G6hyphenhyphenKBCEc4uBQKaKPW3KSPIwshhb3Kaz_NA2pLj4RsYf2lnuRzprAz57iK0GKFnqP2W_2mtQKrFftjcGfF3FBC4QWj7eQSXEwX9DHvuvypJTV4/s320/8+months.JPG" /></a>Lottie turned 8 months old and wants to walk. She just figured out crawling over Christmas and the first thing she did was try to climb the stairs. She is getting big so fast.</div><div><br /><div>We also did a lot of other fun things like ice skating, and saw the lights on temple square, had a family party with my siblings and spent time with Eric's siblings. It was so much fun. We also spent a couple of days in Boise as Eric met with dental brokers to look into buying a practice there. That meeting pretty much ruled out Boise for us unfortunatley. Then Eric and I went up to IF and Rexburg to meet with another dentist selling his practice. It was a lot of fun to go and we realized exactly how much we missed that place. Then Eric went by himself up to Butte, MT meeting with a dentist up there and stopped in IF again on the way back and in Rexburg and in Blackfoot all to meet with dentists. He was a busy man looking for a job. We think that we may have found what we are looking for but we aren't going to say anything (although some of you already know) until we know for sure. </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-4508130307475335822011-10-10T18:38:00.006-04:002011-10-18T14:40:00.638-04:00Chaos and then some<div><div>So this is in no particular order because I just don't have that much of a brain right now. I think I just need more organizing skills. I just feel like a chicken with my head cut off. Anyway, we had a super busy summer and beginning of fall. Here are some pictures of our fun. (from now on just so you know, I will be refering to my kids by their nicknames to just be a little more careful. If you know us, you will know who is what.)</div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQ7Nn2VSRVyEI0fL7ct5gxK3E7glhx_F81k-lfltvs1d4I7rfJ9d9bEUDIMcNiZ4fUF_p3uDRTdlEIJc9Lg1f4R69n1B24DQ8uh2l1_7lFCE0N6bnVt3ufL35kCpPDmNMg9Gr5h-4cCcg/s1600/DSCN3383.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661998859473818322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQ7Nn2VSRVyEI0fL7ct5gxK3E7glhx_F81k-lfltvs1d4I7rfJ9d9bEUDIMcNiZ4fUF_p3uDRTdlEIJc9Lg1f4R69n1B24DQ8uh2l1_7lFCE0N6bnVt3ufL35kCpPDmNMg9Gr5h-4cCcg/s320/DSCN3383.JPG" /></a></div><div>This is a typical sight of our kids. They love playing around each other, and our little froggie doesn't like to be left alone at all. When the other two run into the other room, she starts screaming.</div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xb6R49wcTQY2W47LcMjGtVV0Z8-DqR4z6HJzQy-UOaedXYL-Zj1zMZ-KCV6eYAvL5uYZuNV1izNBwkeBS6xonitfmchqiDB8dVlcED0a-r7suI5OpSDpN0ZfQUOKUn7_7I_8_fuiZWx8/s1600/DSCN3372.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661998849093428306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xb6R49wcTQY2W47LcMjGtVV0Z8-DqR4z6HJzQy-UOaedXYL-Zj1zMZ-KCV6eYAvL5uYZuNV1izNBwkeBS6xonitfmchqiDB8dVlcED0a-r7suI5OpSDpN0ZfQUOKUn7_7I_8_fuiZWx8/s320/DSCN3372.JPG" /></a>This is what we wear when Monkey picks out our clothes. This is how we went apple picking with Eric's class. It was fun....although we didn't actually pick apple because we already had a couple weeks earlier. We just had donuts and cider. They were really good.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAjb8eaSx-NdMhi0LCo3QbWFs7C57F4Dzbp1Hy4j4V9IlwBOJvsoSXdIZBXVFSEzHQvdQyaGMLQy4cgRmHm1Iu0xv4H9yLV4B5m2CIwnmQXqa66O1xmXtRopHnsYdPcuL_WpcDfmomAea/s1600/DSCN3369.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661998845810342882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAjb8eaSx-NdMhi0LCo3QbWFs7C57F4Dzbp1Hy4j4V9IlwBOJvsoSXdIZBXVFSEzHQvdQyaGMLQy4cgRmHm1Iu0xv4H9yLV4B5m2CIwnmQXqa66O1xmXtRopHnsYdPcuL_WpcDfmomAea/s320/DSCN3369.JPG" /></a>During football season, every Saturday is appetizer night. So they are not full balanced meals, but I do try a little. This is a picture of ribs, zucchini fries, and sun-dried tomato cheese balls. We are getting a great list of delicious appetizers. <br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C96b1rrL6il3EwifHOtr0FddweBUMcgLDEY12aTyThn_7CLbG_BIkLMKbysf7V6o4skWX5t3MCloemBz21sV9u4-ylizajVIMM-61JdMXn59MegEo12wxq4RHxoqrr3ATkVp4OK3ZoLu/s1600/DSCN3356.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661998835553252722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C96b1rrL6il3EwifHOtr0FddweBUMcgLDEY12aTyThn_7CLbG_BIkLMKbysf7V6o4skWX5t3MCloemBz21sV9u4-ylizajVIMM-61JdMXn59MegEo12wxq4RHxoqrr3ATkVp4OK3ZoLu/s320/DSCN3356.JPG" /></a>Hippo loves to do things with dad when he is home. Needs that man time, you know? So when he was painting the front porch, Hippo had to help. He really did a great job and is very meticulous. </div><div> </div><div>I have realized over the last little while that I have instilled my OCD ness in my children. We had friends over for dinner a couple of weeks ago and Hippo wouldn't let them in until he had picked up the front room (which I had been asking him to do for at least 30 min prior). Monkey was frosting a cookie and freaked out because the frosting got on the side of the cookie instead of just the top. I don't think that I am that bad....but I guess maybe I am if they are.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKY_ukw6R5xyOzmzmTqmyivhhHRnykEcCnvJaeKn_Mmpahv7kjFBgqC_DaPojrCnlQS5BEIJARDX7ZG7q2A9n2RSHgYs0m7JYgPp7ZL7JhqX4ozL6e2DgqyhXOICezkgNG1YSFA-WMUbRW/s1600/DSCN3354.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661998831235737602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKY_ukw6R5xyOzmzmTqmyivhhHRnykEcCnvJaeKn_Mmpahv7kjFBgqC_DaPojrCnlQS5BEIJARDX7ZG7q2A9n2RSHgYs0m7JYgPp7ZL7JhqX4ozL6e2DgqyhXOICezkgNG1YSFA-WMUbRW/s320/DSCN3354.JPG" /></a>Hippo started school. I still can't believe it. He has been going for over a month now and is doing wonderfully. It has really changed him...some for good and some for bad. But that just gives us more teaching opportunities at home. This is him with his teacher Mrs. McCarthy. She is absolutely great, I love the was she is with the kids. Hippo really likes her too, and always wants to take her flowers, cookies, muffins, or whatever else is special to him.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4EOGO5Mku4YCpxMS5JuxLUH8B_jBnY_kmAEm1FBWhVdPhC_R81FhE_ouksxooMguDHmWfexaRxh29ELaTNCH6uSkyhplvk89nhpvDo-Ry9QXv2ZxK07LL4g2mTYK3baO9asBD5mr2MrM/s1600/DSCN3352.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661998299203884098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4EOGO5Mku4YCpxMS5JuxLUH8B_jBnY_kmAEm1FBWhVdPhC_R81FhE_ouksxooMguDHmWfexaRxh29ELaTNCH6uSkyhplvk89nhpvDo-Ry9QXv2ZxK07LL4g2mTYK3baO9asBD5mr2MrM/s320/DSCN3352.JPG" /></a>Here he is before we left for school that first day....SO excited.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzSlbHMJ53Q1h_dxWFWu04LppdwZ6FjXnU4OToJ36q1Ma8CwxILPCIfpBgZlZnNFSEwHCJH4CzXpdnQ4yLCwaqwAuLP1Az8D1scMxwVhDHWH0aFG3bo3GGbW6U_buCm_CMhofCtDkbXSz/s1600/DSCN3351.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661998290641752802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzSlbHMJ53Q1h_dxWFWu04LppdwZ6FjXnU4OToJ36q1Ma8CwxILPCIfpBgZlZnNFSEwHCJH4CzXpdnQ4yLCwaqwAuLP1Az8D1scMxwVhDHWH0aFG3bo3GGbW6U_buCm_CMhofCtDkbXSz/s320/DSCN3351.JPG" /></a>I made these for him as first day of school treats. He was so excited when he woke up and saw this. He was nice and shared his treats with everyone.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAFpHyBaNtnHbCQfCSmsTHAzm7vih9JivWS7_FYXmAiXnOwkJC25yd02vq44hpp26BRWRQOBpSjN8BOuuYpT3AlnoMyPp30cDPvMVGMAVfs1ePMas58iIbR1gybT6CSL_fOq_DB_EJfvY/s1600/DSCN3348.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661998280725005170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAFpHyBaNtnHbCQfCSmsTHAzm7vih9JivWS7_FYXmAiXnOwkJC25yd02vq44hpp26BRWRQOBpSjN8BOuuYpT3AlnoMyPp30cDPvMVGMAVfs1ePMas58iIbR1gybT6CSL_fOq_DB_EJfvY/s320/DSCN3348.JPG" /></a>Froggie just loves to be in the middle of everything. This one looks like she was just caught red handed or something. <br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4L0-Gz0xP8845gp_Kpje_OT8xV-MTslDWykIIdbSwXLjs5XMsuPLm5EJXPRLppyHWvDelvLNHdoaqCVGRj1snJrP3KWW92WUeP0rXaEMZLlh7T4tKE6uk6Ps-jT_YIoXMrcvuila7ZZs/s1600/DSCN3347.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661998277746850930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4L0-Gz0xP8845gp_Kpje_OT8xV-MTslDWykIIdbSwXLjs5XMsuPLm5EJXPRLppyHWvDelvLNHdoaqCVGRj1snJrP3KWW92WUeP0rXaEMZLlh7T4tKE6uk6Ps-jT_YIoXMrcvuila7ZZs/s320/DSCN3347.JPG" /></a>We also did a LOT of canning this summer. We made 5 pints strawberry jam, 5 pints peach jam, 5 pints peach raspberry jam, 11 quarts pickles, 12-15 ( I can't quite remember) quarts peaches.... .and I think I am forgetting something. Oh yeah, 5 pints strawberry kiwi jam. So we were pretty busy with that.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMUGAWQUT56kf0__zramysHy1IeCxST8mDUIADcwZfaR2FEbkpqfNN-WI4rdYqOkemZ5E_e0zwnYsqJ7OXDrp7cjieJEu3VJ5JRAqLeuoE8KUwFJc82cVircgfYj23f87MVTLRtB6gZsz/s1600/DSCN3337.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661998271384672946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMUGAWQUT56kf0__zramysHy1IeCxST8mDUIADcwZfaR2FEbkpqfNN-WI4rdYqOkemZ5E_e0zwnYsqJ7OXDrp7cjieJEu3VJ5JRAqLeuoE8KUwFJc82cVircgfYj23f87MVTLRtB6gZsz/s320/DSCN3337.JPG" /></a>Hippo and Monkey love to be superheroes, especially after watching Super Why. I think I need to make Monkey a REAL cape.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAz0tc9ysqVCrkZGaILlBMydiPRh6GWovLBBfwUZrPwAwFf1mp928zBWBb31HmVXxe-nvlYv-_LWvm1-kiAwsSHtPO-WoZ8OFMdU7lxEZgRkD9BQMbHGgWzrsNIEtw4UcwazMz2XRbJRd/s1600/4+months.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661997443530423026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAz0tc9ysqVCrkZGaILlBMydiPRh6GWovLBBfwUZrPwAwFf1mp928zBWBb31HmVXxe-nvlYv-_LWvm1-kiAwsSHtPO-WoZ8OFMdU7lxEZgRkD9BQMbHGgWzrsNIEtw4UcwazMz2XRbJRd/s320/4+months.JPG" /></a>Froggie turned 4 months (even though she is actually 5 months now). She keeps us busy as she is fussier than the other two were, but she melts our hearts every day too.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWaPNg0FhZBj7quZR5yh39-BG6i0Wqt4Ssx8svSW2W9GgO4svKoflZIln-R91OeNEBiU6y21oCvhsX7mZFk5lFe0BTmEJ6UrCmgUh3jGv2hZgY2cidb-NZgqzMtj4yIwK41tB26w3iFGR/s1600/DSCN3398.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661997432081819186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWaPNg0FhZBj7quZR5yh39-BG6i0Wqt4Ssx8svSW2W9GgO4svKoflZIln-R91OeNEBiU6y21oCvhsX7mZFk5lFe0BTmEJ6UrCmgUh3jGv2hZgY2cidb-NZgqzMtj4yIwK41tB26w3iFGR/s320/DSCN3398.JPG" /></a>We headed down to Letchworth State Park which is called the grand canyon of the east. It really is pretty, but definitely more like a resort. All the kids wanted to do was play on the playground.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmGfnCbWHxJ1buMojduxCgNZjzomOWA0f2NKXcJzM85LGjg4ubnZsQBHMumzA0JDcKDk3hoWJGpkYE4rcrL2ghkcI3lasRaUSz43FPX_MnKt8eShaM0chbXwkQbtDaGulVltw3wJOyQ-e/s1600/DSCN3402.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661997422279880658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmGfnCbWHxJ1buMojduxCgNZjzomOWA0f2NKXcJzM85LGjg4ubnZsQBHMumzA0JDcKDk3hoWJGpkYE4rcrL2ghkcI3lasRaUSz43FPX_MnKt8eShaM0chbXwkQbtDaGulVltw3wJOyQ-e/s320/DSCN3402.JPG" /></a>But I loved the fall colors in the canyon, and the drive was gorgeous.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTfI6O2wBsXtkd6v0c3nxTC8dx1cWprevu5-xlsJE-HO1OnbuZUrJiW5RsPONJh441CTYddkKVwFRhsLHxlrZ5NgW45af8kuoaMh3l-f-CClvisRYBeYpFYqcSW-0lfXw0spMxcLtqk8X/s1600/DSCN3394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661997415510011090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTfI6O2wBsXtkd6v0c3nxTC8dx1cWprevu5-xlsJE-HO1OnbuZUrJiW5RsPONJh441CTYddkKVwFRhsLHxlrZ5NgW45af8kuoaMh3l-f-CClvisRYBeYpFYqcSW-0lfXw0spMxcLtqk8X/s320/DSCN3394.JPG" /></a>The kids also loved the waterfalls.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4CTyxFDU1_vsbgGYzP7tuxlNE3PV9b_qkII2xgSFMnEZS-FP5kn_zR4YVpgmY61mtSoCCHNQ4mITujhnPBu3aHhwKnjDEcI_740jY115svvsz_gJtE8lZe1sWj_BG26JjyWLaK8XDQPh/s1600/DSCN3396.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661997407463877522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4CTyxFDU1_vsbgGYzP7tuxlNE3PV9b_qkII2xgSFMnEZS-FP5kn_zR4YVpgmY61mtSoCCHNQ4mITujhnPBu3aHhwKnjDEcI_740jY115svvsz_gJtE8lZe1sWj_BG26JjyWLaK8XDQPh/s320/DSCN3396.JPG" /></a>We also had some excitement of Eric getting in a car accident that totalled our blazer leaving us in need of a new car. We decided on a sedan (since we still can) and then wait for the next baby to buy a bigger car. That way it saves us on gas right now. There were other things I wanted to write about but now can't remember. Maybe next post....<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-24363993144571532722011-07-31T20:56:00.007-04:002011-07-31T22:12:26.803-04:00owie :(<div>We had a BIG owie happen a little over a week ago. I felt like the most horrible mother in the world. We had some friends come over to enjoy our a/c during a major heat wave. While us adults were inside cooling off and talking, the kids went outside to play. We had cooked dutch oven that night and Eric took care of the coals, or so we thought. I had a feeling I should go out and check on the kids, and thought for a second, but then went and sat down. I have been kicking myself about that every day since and with a new resolution to listen more closely to the spirit and follow immediately. When we eventually went outside, Adie was screaming so hard she was shaking. And all she could do was point to her foot. No body knew what happened and her foot was filthy. So we brought her in and washed her foot in cold water trying to calm her down enough to talk to us. We also were interogating Porter to see if he knew what happened. I finally asked the right questions "were you in the garden?" and "was the dirt hot?" to which she answered yes to both. She was playing in the garden, which she wasn't supposed to do anyway, and stepped in the hot coals. We also think that she got one stuck in her sandal under foot which is why it was so bad. She sat in a cool to cold bath and watched Tangled to help her calm down. Then watched probably two more movies while on the couch with either an ice pack or frozen juice on her foot. Again, mother of the year award goes to me right? I felt horrible and still do. I stayed up with her until about 1 am because she would just start screaming every once in a while. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvknVBvGXD_Jd1q2iJg5uoXMZxhWKYqCjFyDJkCW3ZsUYutaGGmZOIcRS7su4cYUAl20rwy8S-OvrLToPQ8sWLyzuEp-J48mRC3QayLGN6ba_aVrhObeECb72f1dxXGXR0MReDCPn_GVI/s1600/DSCN3306.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635699334509171762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvknVBvGXD_Jd1q2iJg5uoXMZxhWKYqCjFyDJkCW3ZsUYutaGGmZOIcRS7su4cYUAl20rwy8S-OvrLToPQ8sWLyzuEp-J48mRC3QayLGN6ba_aVrhObeECb72f1dxXGXR0MReDCPn_GVI/s320/DSCN3306.JPG" /></a>This is a picture the day after. It is pretty gross. It looked even worse after some of the blisters ruptured. We lanced them trying to preven that, but alas, it happened anyway. I still have a hard time looking at it....it just hurts me. Eric thinks I am silly, but I have talked to other moms who feel the same way, and it is not even their kid. So luckily he is home for the "summer" and he can take care of it. And luckily we have "Hello Kitty" bandaids to ease the pain.</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1PQaRYu_Bi5ewrCo_boNhzUIH7T-5IE8qgT74GA5qxLln4pVYjKOmOXy6l0hI8CPlLnaCWQ7TPv2ggdtE9CJwy-lp6kIS83998WjLCB3aB-1boDKlnXAPrkQU5GhpBclaWggdzXW49Jb/s1600/DSCN3308.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635699324345109026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1PQaRYu_Bi5ewrCo_boNhzUIH7T-5IE8qgT74GA5qxLln4pVYjKOmOXy6l0hI8CPlLnaCWQ7TPv2ggdtE9CJwy-lp6kIS83998WjLCB3aB-1boDKlnXAPrkQU5GhpBclaWggdzXW49Jb/s320/DSCN3308.JPG" /></a>On a happier note, this is a delicious cake that we made for fun the other day. A little labor intensive, and very rich, but very good. It is called a red velvet crepe cake. Just imagine the possibilities with that. I am excited to try them.</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNzBw-bAUAd47K3xaW1JoPWf1vHDRq5sYwe5IrY6XQGH0i4Y7sRnCBgVtQqwa4ERt-KlL6vl6dVbhHr3v3fGTMOcd8TK3y9Jr-2_iM7T0smKQRwgrdWiTThjAgyX4Go7v-mwO5WY-HOpR/s1600/DSCN3303.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635699323025512466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNzBw-bAUAd47K3xaW1JoPWf1vHDRq5sYwe5IrY6XQGH0i4Y7sRnCBgVtQqwa4ERt-KlL6vl6dVbhHr3v3fGTMOcd8TK3y9Jr-2_iM7T0smKQRwgrdWiTThjAgyX4Go7v-mwO5WY-HOpR/s320/DSCN3303.JPG" /></a>Porter has been so cute lately. The other day he had Adie sit down in front of him and he pretended to do her hair. She sat there for him as he tried to pull it back into a ponytail. So cute.</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpy3zJt2z3U6FZ3lSXZzB7AabHAegqnQHGsRsAy1_5sDZ3pOuE7P3HTKY_f-2j35NUPwrjy6_TuWb7TS8mDHxBX4PSX4sNH355U6fWF4-kTWOkgGusSs9rYAWJXANgU-sigQyrSepmNVp/s1600/DSCN3310.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635699313480090098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpy3zJt2z3U6FZ3lSXZzB7AabHAegqnQHGsRsAy1_5sDZ3pOuE7P3HTKY_f-2j35NUPwrjy6_TuWb7TS8mDHxBX4PSX4sNH355U6fWF4-kTWOkgGusSs9rYAWJXANgU-sigQyrSepmNVp/s320/DSCN3310.JPG" /></a>Also, he does things semetrically now a days. I don't know if this is just a developmental phase that every kid goes through, or if it is just the way that he thinks. I had just asked him to clean up his train tracks before dinner when I came in and saw this. I couldn't get mad because I was just too amazed and had to take a picture. He is so creative. You should see the things that he makes out of his legos. They are pretty amazing.</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWlvViDy5ZLSrIPbvQvaTkwENv2lgjNI91RegM18LDZ8sTiZWy-MjWERwkK0N7Mz6PicVmXSS0yobzR0Aj_IKaDr1wt25kq4xS9Lunq66CZaIZUUUGKF4FZDyvLC-HGXObdxTyNNd8tb7/s1600/DSCN3313.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635699308547122498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWlvViDy5ZLSrIPbvQvaTkwENv2lgjNI91RegM18LDZ8sTiZWy-MjWERwkK0N7Mz6PicVmXSS0yobzR0Aj_IKaDr1wt25kq4xS9Lunq66CZaIZUUUGKF4FZDyvLC-HGXObdxTyNNd8tb7/s320/DSCN3313.JPG" /></a>I think this is just how she smiles, chunk and all. I love it. She is her happiest right after the kiddos go to bed. She lays and wiggles and talks up a storm. I love it. I think she just wants to one on one quiet time.</div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-13046175518475057242011-07-19T16:10:00.004-04:002011-07-22T22:49:23.405-04:00the kiddos<div><div>I think this is one of Porter's favorite words right now. He is always asking me when I call them, "mom, just one kiddo, or both kiddos?" Or when playing, he'll be like "mom, you lost your kiddos!". Anyway, that is totally besides the point. </div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div>I got the kids pictures taken by a friend who just wanted some practice. I think she did an AMAZING job. Tell me what you think.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 213px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631159673294090242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgO9SgrJz8QfewomS3FWTV0UDRsEiNl2lUkpI2dyJUTkhZofkDu0OU8Jf2zfdKzBLBAAwp7pyw2tAT7VyfNJZI_YjMTR8PKQ7RqfwGX4NhYz8kKgK2gHakAY6oSShMsUYzFkcJlRSD36h/s320/Porter.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 213px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631159667418096818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij03KpkBxtRnP_6FiefV7hRItyXipjTRZqjyA3JK9DumhqInhLE4hnb7HTeEnUizHA9bRfsatXKttJri80WWmtVkcmmCkviRjaowy525BzooGEAZQCikcTsPBmXJJ2b3vpUVrJ2P6MtBYA/s320/Adie.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 285px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631159661499704274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrwU9vGqnd-y3i8chNS_7FrHH1qt1pxKr6D5oe8TnQUEVnT0SaPZVFwUJCevyikcDE3qZIPjyl19m1NuEoe89ZxQJ4YaARA2QNxFQmY3o37fU34WqZMQ9Is8mkkNoRyBAf5k9sWTxXga5/s320/baby+Lottie.jpg" /></div><div> Well, for some reason this is being dumb and it won't let me edit my last post. And I am having to go a round about way to publish my posts too (if anyone knows how to fix it please let me know.) At 2 months she is 12 lbs. 6 oz. and 24 in. long. When comparing all 3 she is just 2 oz more than Adie, and 2 lbs. less than Porter. Man he sure was a chunky monkey.</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 263px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631159647543229666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrceiIOtsqw5ulEo3RoAQ8f5ztHWbL3jQW1eAYWU7XxUg0H96mmDJ22gRyAMzF68QGIO1vbrcY8f5S00zORzwD7r-Ri1SLc29D7PfVZqK1N7eJU4r6c-9DTiXWYNPrPT8R7VBfae4h-eV/s320/our+kiddos.jpg" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-62950337789210832902011-07-18T13:13:00.004-04:002011-07-19T15:57:08.289-04:004th of July and summer fun<div><div>We have had a lot of things going on lately. Here is just a little catch up.</div><div> </div><div>The forth of July</div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uK9A6pxT5HAHflA0kuZYEF9TlKxobRaXhk7qCdphV8qnAZkqbtRCAMEVJkY2Q_eHJSkhFG5vcAPedDsFfYDffZuM0lL4KDCAYTs5DUTOHaqKy04kRKprSgjlb9_l3tFIzc7GuwjjlPXH/s1600/DSCN3260.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630743376531498418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uK9A6pxT5HAHflA0kuZYEF9TlKxobRaXhk7qCdphV8qnAZkqbtRCAMEVJkY2Q_eHJSkhFG5vcAPedDsFfYDffZuM0lL4KDCAYTs5DUTOHaqKy04kRKprSgjlb9_l3tFIzc7GuwjjlPXH/s320/DSCN3260.JPG" /></a></div><div> Adie was the only one brave enough to hold the sparkler. Porter wanted to do it after they were all burned, of course.</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNrnrE_k792siij56J_ynsRPzn91ZkgGG6RyXqHwIf3fYjLI0XXrGF3vfWWgx_qAxgDEoADSouxGHROS7pzZuuhpwn91qGa3P5Y8EDGXAat8V_q6su1pZ2AWPGntsTEI347k6Me5c3dvu/s1600/DSCN3250.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630743367422324658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNrnrE_k792siij56J_ynsRPzn91ZkgGG6RyXqHwIf3fYjLI0XXrGF3vfWWgx_qAxgDEoADSouxGHROS7pzZuuhpwn91qGa3P5Y8EDGXAat8V_q6su1pZ2AWPGntsTEI347k6Me5c3dvu/s320/DSCN3250.JPG" /></a>We went to the local parade. We ended up sitting with a whole bunch of friends that live around us and didn't know they were going. Glad we say them, it was a blast. Porter and Adie didn't quite get the idea of running out into the street to get candy that was thrown. I am a little torn on whether that is a good thing or not.</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSsS2sZ6Im6Hh1GlMh8cmtV6jaSWik5vkpyupP1_Co7VmdQbQvUCh6R-k0QdWAzsxHXudeepMb6POf3gk7T91QNKcpGNtRmCn_Y8DPi82mgbk_H9S5WQrX5BGSp_PqX15egvgZ3T9njf4/s1600/DSCN3259.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630743354976165170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSsS2sZ6Im6Hh1GlMh8cmtV6jaSWik5vkpyupP1_Co7VmdQbQvUCh6R-k0QdWAzsxHXudeepMb6POf3gk7T91QNKcpGNtRmCn_Y8DPi82mgbk_H9S5WQrX5BGSp_PqX15egvgZ3T9njf4/s320/DSCN3259.JPG" /></a>Our red kids after the parade. They are just hot and sweaty. We did have sunscreen on and the next day they were all tan, except for Lottie. She was completely covered the whole time.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Random<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnT9mzVbeToeOhaBKjRBcCAJp_HeN2fQQZq4xwUimm4iNFWsqWPFkPLzeiVwuqm0ozWKG2hsU0D25fZzIf5R4GYjCNCeJCyoqROtrZl3S7kf1HLlkPxq_hI_mrW5FoGd4J9A9DOQToZEQ/s1600/DSCN3262.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630743346006246194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnT9mzVbeToeOhaBKjRBcCAJp_HeN2fQQZq4xwUimm4iNFWsqWPFkPLzeiVwuqm0ozWKG2hsU0D25fZzIf5R4GYjCNCeJCyoqROtrZl3S7kf1HLlkPxq_hI_mrW5FoGd4J9A9DOQToZEQ/s320/DSCN3262.JPG" /></a>This is Porter with one of his best friends. We didn't know they had the same shirt, and wore it on the same day. So we had to take a picture.</div><div> </div><div>Blessing<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0dp3soVZ7JqgIsYUlxkbifeNqx4Yk4CBUwztJKUvnRzKfE1wOPZjrfvKfjk37rBUQSXUBn-9yobYFgIUh-8Fe741Xp4Oqvbhq9cPXT8tRFSQ6OXwHhaQIMEn-NqIth6JH1N6X8w7WHI8/s1600/DSCN3270.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630743336532431986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0dp3soVZ7JqgIsYUlxkbifeNqx4Yk4CBUwztJKUvnRzKfE1wOPZjrfvKfjk37rBUQSXUBn-9yobYFgIUh-8Fe741Xp4Oqvbhq9cPXT8tRFSQ6OXwHhaQIMEn-NqIth6JH1N6X8w7WHI8/s320/DSCN3270.JPG" /></a>We blessed Charlotte on July 10th with all our family in town. It was a lot of fun. We wanted to get a picture of her in her dress, but she didn't want to cooperate. So I will have to try again soon.</div><div> </div><div>Family</div><div> </div><div>I wish I had taken more pics, but my hands were a little full, or I just forgot. I am going to get some from family that took pics, but this is the second round of family that came. Eric's brother Kevin, his wife Laura and their little boy Trent. It was so much fun to have them.<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZfTcMz8qaCIMa5zdmdiuuOWWBsCNyZx1iT_7MiNHyfZJBCRDgjFpjB0aTObgdm-nEhyphenhyphenF1DBF0psV-ed-nn26JGbhik5lHpnlkxWqP3R2Jkpq_jwMB0EB1fCgXxq4Z-sKUT2bUEpzkkUq/s1600/DSCN3280.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630742818382004754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZfTcMz8qaCIMa5zdmdiuuOWWBsCNyZx1iT_7MiNHyfZJBCRDgjFpjB0aTObgdm-nEhyphenhyphenF1DBF0psV-ed-nn26JGbhik5lHpnlkxWqP3R2Jkpq_jwMB0EB1fCgXxq4Z-sKUT2bUEpzkkUq/s320/DSCN3280.JPG" /></a>We went out to Palmyra, saw the sights, went to the Grandin Press where the Book of Mormon was first printed. It is a wonderful place. Then went to the Hill Cumorah and saw the pageant. If you haven't seen it, it is definitely worth the trip. Our mail lady has been several times, she is not LDS, loves it and tells everyone to go. So seriously, everone should make the trip. They always do it in July, the second weekend and third full week. </div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzSUAM2BddvlPuUppRkPds3z1W2MHaqzC0xwhJ9h3qfBLJUlDzHLvHCI0sQe7W9W8mMFDjVPzwCIVu7uXU2aK8onZ-N_n06WN9sqvbCqM7twCtXZ3Y5DCPI8SDbe-Yv2dHOzjryoQEDK4/s1600/DSCN3286.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630742805074300770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzSUAM2BddvlPuUppRkPds3z1W2MHaqzC0xwhJ9h3qfBLJUlDzHLvHCI0sQe7W9W8mMFDjVPzwCIVu7uXU2aK8onZ-N_n06WN9sqvbCqM7twCtXZ3Y5DCPI8SDbe-Yv2dHOzjryoQEDK4/s320/DSCN3286.JPG" /></a>Charlotte turned 2 months old. I don't have her stats yet, but will get them this week. She is big, and I can't believe how fast she is growing.</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBIrNA5vqpeCfgEiDUw1hKU0AYsrSDRa3I0mwJEOz88nffUli26uodL7kzprNtWjn6rUFum1Bx3L9gC3zwlBhBDfj5sNr684npnO-SxB2Ydapi1B_bZWE4gMHZXNfrzBoLEadYsVm7_z8/s1600/DSCN3295.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630742796114195058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBIrNA5vqpeCfgEiDUw1hKU0AYsrSDRa3I0mwJEOz88nffUli26uodL7kzprNtWjn6rUFum1Bx3L9gC3zwlBhBDfj5sNr684npnO-SxB2Ydapi1B_bZWE4gMHZXNfrzBoLEadYsVm7_z8/s320/DSCN3295.JPG" /></a>Porter asks almost everyday to play in the sprinkler. I totally indulge him because everything needs to be watered since we are in a "drought". (meaning it hasn't really rained in several weeks)</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjqA8hv-1Fk7vbo5eai0fRk6tq9CaSmNDlH0sUIwyrtfNT7Hel7W-elijtzGMuT5DECLwZjwz75a54A6mY_3FNIDwrQcpQf-MvCZEjTdDGmLYgL1ppCaiUNQ_eWaBk4RVRXEGj0eAbwC2/s1600/DSCN3299.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630742787646409298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjqA8hv-1Fk7vbo5eai0fRk6tq9CaSmNDlH0sUIwyrtfNT7Hel7W-elijtzGMuT5DECLwZjwz75a54A6mY_3FNIDwrQcpQf-MvCZEjTdDGmLYgL1ppCaiUNQ_eWaBk4RVRXEGj0eAbwC2/s320/DSCN3299.JPG" /></a>This is one of my favorite atempts at getting a picture of Lottie smiling. She looks like such a chunk. But yes, her hair is usually in a fro. I guess it just naturally has a lot of lift in the roots.</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzrCJcuoH-n6DMoH8b_GfelM3JLQKGDiEYKC0hgKT7yRqMZiwWAUkWMFB1oXLClsxbA80DC9Hb243fFSBYCFu3D9nEb-wfZpjMw76_TgojZD35k2bF923NW3ym2Q03c5pEqYSuAqjdGHv/s1600/RSCN3303.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630742780035203378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzrCJcuoH-n6DMoH8b_GfelM3JLQKGDiEYKC0hgKT7yRqMZiwWAUkWMFB1oXLClsxbA80DC9Hb243fFSBYCFu3D9nEb-wfZpjMw76_TgojZD35k2bF923NW3ym2Q03c5pEqYSuAqjdGHv/s320/RSCN3303.JPG" /></a>I love this picture too because it reminds me of my moms baby picture that I grew up looking at in my grandparents room. It just makes me happy.<div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-25127248196910377812011-06-22T22:14:00.004-04:002011-06-22T22:36:26.860-04:00Stuff<div>So this isn't in the order that I wanted it but I am too lazy to care right now.</div><div> </div><div>Father's Day turned out perfect I thought. I made cinnamon swirl french toast with buttermilk syrup for breakfast. If it didn't take so darn long to make, I think I would do it more often. Then for dinner we had steaks, berry brie, and some other stuff for dinner. It was delish. This was what we (the kids actually did help) made for Eric. They are pop top cans filled with his fav candies. He thought that was pretty cool, which made me happy that he really liked them. </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4Wg8nUaL9ZA2tOnTGQuInc0JN1rOuBnk0hyphenhyphen29cq8_OqJcGRZV7oFwENbhhZeymf4LBZBsXpkFvcmZoyjEzzdgZJOtkx8O6a7saPhVY2FHWm_KFkSgESQai6JYTF4-2LKeyzWxDQT474i/s1600/DSCN3238.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621234282460153618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4Wg8nUaL9ZA2tOnTGQuInc0JN1rOuBnk0hyphenhyphen29cq8_OqJcGRZV7oFwENbhhZeymf4LBZBsXpkFvcmZoyjEzzdgZJOtkx8O6a7saPhVY2FHWm_KFkSgESQai6JYTF4-2LKeyzWxDQT474i/s320/DSCN3238.JPG" /></a>Then the pie turned out perfect and was one of the best I have ever had. It is a five fruit pie consisting of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, and rhubarb (even though technically it is a vegetable). Wow, what a great pie.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38MLB-6MsusKF1gZN8OIn5ujIZ7zGGGP5JenQSNFN0rW9kIU-ae9X3nNFeb4vs-_5g5om9XXRfBQ_XVy-0-HQhiBjxh-hp0j8TW-L1ZdLnjLHXzUUxMEloBOq25lXLbWAuLMmePQ7aMDi/s1600/DSCN3232.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621234113980922034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38MLB-6MsusKF1gZN8OIn5ujIZ7zGGGP5JenQSNFN0rW9kIU-ae9X3nNFeb4vs-_5g5om9XXRfBQ_XVy-0-HQhiBjxh-hp0j8TW-L1ZdLnjLHXzUUxMEloBOq25lXLbWAuLMmePQ7aMDi/s320/DSCN3232.JPG" /></a>Here is my mom with the girls. Porter only wanted to take the picture, not be in it. She was such a great help. And it took me quite a while....in fact I am still getting used to not having her here to help.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsRDQYUrsmu3I2DPhQ1eRrCL_z_7w-0pypiCJ1GDqVSwmBWg2R7e1E6AIHs7yqbkeyrStQBJJ-FIv-6XaJ2QzJL4Kcu5Skt3uKrVoRJlhYohJ-R_fqeFYxmU72POvSe4WMMruw8MKYfoK/s1600/DSCN3139.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621234108674459266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsRDQYUrsmu3I2DPhQ1eRrCL_z_7w-0pypiCJ1GDqVSwmBWg2R7e1E6AIHs7yqbkeyrStQBJJ-FIv-6XaJ2QzJL4Kcu5Skt3uKrVoRJlhYohJ-R_fqeFYxmU72POvSe4WMMruw8MKYfoK/s320/DSCN3139.JPG" /></a>And the traditional bum shot. Usually we only have these with a wedding and all of my sisters. But alas, my kids have joined in the fun. The funny thing is this is actually a tantrum throwing party on the couch.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyxWbLKupTK0O3cJ2FAIlQPwtw6tscM8JllSAWgl12zjjMJRsh84_KW8a-yao6DtHZ9bv_AifJ24GE7MJujWIPqxtc9idyH7vvfmkOnXNDA9rLQdS27sF7OO4g5LRVTNNvy02nkZre0ya/s1600/DSCN3141.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621234093115266418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyxWbLKupTK0O3cJ2FAIlQPwtw6tscM8JllSAWgl12zjjMJRsh84_KW8a-yao6DtHZ9bv_AifJ24GE7MJujWIPqxtc9idyH7vvfmkOnXNDA9rLQdS27sF7OO4g5LRVTNNvy02nkZre0ya/s320/DSCN3141.JPG" /></a>Our first picture of our family of 5. I can't believe it. <br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX7_BIKfBCjzBceNQHtIRErXPza86sn6RcV9gkYWXw_sMkJAhgSmRHtpSzrbRzvPsS7C6dZem8zQFBxuw01KRNvIPmcfH8e_DVBtNDYak0BkwNWDyDR1LaMae3BWHC2g1OlOVcQc1Bcxv/s1600/DSCN3136.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621234088816694546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX7_BIKfBCjzBceNQHtIRErXPza86sn6RcV9gkYWXw_sMkJAhgSmRHtpSzrbRzvPsS7C6dZem8zQFBxuw01KRNvIPmcfH8e_DVBtNDYak0BkwNWDyDR1LaMae3BWHC2g1OlOVcQc1Bcxv/s320/DSCN3136.JPG" /></a>Somewhere in there, Charlotte turned one month. I can't believe how fast time flies. I totally forgot that she was one month until grandma reminded me. Hense the jammies and the mohawk bedhead look she is sporting. <br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SRX_HkpPl3XS_NMdygGRcg5udb7QxFt2IcRrXt78VA3S-19EhkZvMXVRH5TBBIjPKHPZXanOMvu7yeRG529uULndIT5Ej1A-DE4vd18tzoqG-5gkw98YxN6SpIR_KMyMiIiXsduurkWe/s1600/DSCN3228.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621234087511613826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SRX_HkpPl3XS_NMdygGRcg5udb7QxFt2IcRrXt78VA3S-19EhkZvMXVRH5TBBIjPKHPZXanOMvu7yeRG529uULndIT5Ej1A-DE4vd18tzoqG-5gkw98YxN6SpIR_KMyMiIiXsduurkWe/s320/DSCN3228.JPG" /></a>Here's her stats. </div><div align="center">10 lbs. 11 oz.</div><div align="center">22 3/4 in long</div><div align="center">holds her head up </div><div align="center">Starting to like to be put down when she sleeps</div><div align="center">is mastering breathing out of her mouth (she has a stuffy nose)</div><div align="center">She rolls over on to her side all the time</div><div align="center">she has rolled from back to tummy twice</div><div align="center">during tummy time she scoots herself forward</div><div align="center">she is very opinionated and will let EVERYONE know when she is unhappy</div><div align="center">she takes a "me-me" (a pacifier) which is a blessing to me.<br /></div><div align="center"></div></div></div></div></div></div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-7473220489284818832011-05-17T13:39:00.005-04:002011-05-17T14:21:03.736-04:00It's a Girl!!!So, I know this is later than a lot of people want, but what can I say....I just had a baby.<br /><br />Friday morning I woke up a little discouraged having not gone into labor yet, wondering if I ever would on my own, and headed to my dr. apt. Much to my surprise, I was dialate to a "good 2" and Dr. was willing to stretch me to see if I would go into labor, and assured me that I would probably go into labor that weekend. Needless to say, the stretching definitely gave me some contractions, and I decided to go through my day and spend as much time "verticle" as I could so hopefully I would go into labor. By 6pm the contractions started to hurt and I would have to concentrate to get through them. But they were all over the place, and not consistent at all. I remembered that happening with Porter so I was pretty sure I wasn't in labor. We watched the kids that night for our babysitting swap (but we did ask that they keep their phones handy) and then watched a movie. By the time the movie was over they were slowing down, so I was a little sad, but didn't think that anything would happen. Eric was a little excited because he wanted to go to sleep. As soon as we got into bed the contractions got harder and were all of a sudden 2 minutes apart. After about 5 contractions within 10 minutes that I couldn't even open my eyes through, I told Eric we needed to go to the hospital. Luckily a friend of ours was willing to come over and be with our kids while they slept. So after he arrived, we headed straight up. We got up to the labor and delivery and everyone was going SO slow (or at least it seemed to me). Granted they did have to wait for my contractions to stop so I could move. Within a couple of minutes I was checked and they said, we need a room ready now for her and moved me over. People were running around like crazy and another nurse was spouting off random questions at Eric. The rest is kind of a blur for me except for the fact that I knew that I couldn't hold off pushing until the dr. got there. Baby popped out in just a few pushes and ..... IT"S A GIRL!!!! I was so excited. Dr. walked in as they were cutting the cord, and he joked with me that I don't mess around when I go into labor. I tried to warn him and Eric warned the nurses. She was born at 12:46am on May 14th. I am so glad that I missed the Friday the 13th by 45 minutes. I loved this experience giving birth. Everything was perfect.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlbC1XvWdYtcKSXNDAU1NmFCkH_fp0YvPjHTCEHly9dsCupPBPHXsFtFUknyUQaXqUEXn2lEHNKifnu2LPTGN3mSklPRbVv24J40IuhOUc454rYrzSwj3QTRzLFRsVIqSUOtef6ON9exF/s1600/DSCN3089.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607743795287254546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlbC1XvWdYtcKSXNDAU1NmFCkH_fp0YvPjHTCEHly9dsCupPBPHXsFtFUknyUQaXqUEXn2lEHNKifnu2LPTGN3mSklPRbVv24J40IuhOUc454rYrzSwj3QTRzLFRsVIqSUOtef6ON9exF/s320/DSCN3089.JPG" /></a> Here she is. Our little Charlotte Ann (I call her Lottie). She was 8 lbs. 8 oz. and 20.5 inches long. She looks like her daddy (which I think is pretty darn cute), and loves her siblings already. I love this little girl. I feel like I have had her for forever, and am so excited to be able to keep her for forever more. It was definitely time for her to come to our family, and she just fits right in.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-RDtAxxiYxhggMJCKcmLYt3tb61J8ly_PDuBFBSs0xKQEma5M7w9ODR2D1umSwEfzvYV89mPkQdsHgnrWa6XoqA6H9IKHU3zDdXvkMtqFx1UoAEEwjLAqx4MuxAfe5d_ioZhzC7ldA3_/s1600/RSCN3100.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607743788832611106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-RDtAxxiYxhggMJCKcmLYt3tb61J8ly_PDuBFBSs0xKQEma5M7w9ODR2D1umSwEfzvYV89mPkQdsHgnrWa6XoqA6H9IKHU3zDdXvkMtqFx1UoAEEwjLAqx4MuxAfe5d_ioZhzC7ldA3_/s320/RSCN3100.JPG" /></a> This man is my hero. I wouldn't have been able to do this without him and he is just smitten with this little girl. It only took me three kids to figure how I needed his help through labor and he went above and beyond the call of duty. I sure do love him.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYo797v4mRNOkkKYwegADBk1DDoRvdTmKMsDkh1FghKQbVUCIZH9RseCDDxiqr5odKuaG1VBPIRDT0T2W8jgl7jhEyvy7lILrvT-R2qzLHw9rS8Ld2Dslw6Clk9FGJDPe_yOeP-iZmo9cL/s1600/DSCN3103.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607743783540332482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYo797v4mRNOkkKYwegADBk1DDoRvdTmKMsDkh1FghKQbVUCIZH9RseCDDxiqr5odKuaG1VBPIRDT0T2W8jgl7jhEyvy7lILrvT-R2qzLHw9rS8Ld2Dslw6Clk9FGJDPe_yOeP-iZmo9cL/s320/DSCN3103.JPG" /></a> With her eyes open for really the first time. I was lucky I caught it with our ancient camera.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTPkuvYdrfg6LthyphenhyphenhDInykQBgNozziedHBJtVKFmMWfYewIHejrkleIxk395MHDEGfjJ4b-n2RzhCy4H5GvjV7nMRP5Z7ds0q_FAFpfDqWPG5QwnjQnLYpmHVfciQg77HV4Pv1oXDn2nr/s1600/DSCN3094.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607743778445025698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTPkuvYdrfg6LthyphenhyphenhDInykQBgNozziedHBJtVKFmMWfYewIHejrkleIxk395MHDEGfjJ4b-n2RzhCy4H5GvjV7nMRP5Z7ds0q_FAFpfDqWPG5QwnjQnLYpmHVfciQg77HV4Pv1oXDn2nr/s320/DSCN3094.JPG" /></a> Adie is so happy to be a big sister....can you tell. She is constantly asking to hold baby Charlotte.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607743769655636482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPzyILR_KhgJp3uGKwPmhF0672ppg5IRxpw2scaIOgdhe9qlmachzcGIoenTfcS4iLyR-pYhCpfnkj6OqguAyYVwcsfruac36O_vZOX9B_q7XfgaqhiQxVnhJ9Mak6cflCtYvPw0-6cOt/s320/DSCN3097.JPG" /></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><p>At first Porter didn't want anything to do with her, but now is constantly telling her how pretty she is and how much he loves her. What an amazing big brother he is. </p><br /><br /><p>I sure do love my family. And thanks mom for coming out to help us, I couldn't go through the day without you here.</p>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-80570976552088695382011-04-10T21:33:00.005-04:002011-04-10T22:12:19.738-04:00Birthdays and moreWe will start off this post with my birthday. I had a wonderful day. It was so much fun. The weather was fairly nice with no snow on the ground, and there were wonderful strawberries in the store. I also was taken out to lunch by my wonderful friends in the preschool. We went to Red Robin and it was a blast. 4 adults and 7 kids. We got a lot of looks like we are insane. Go figure. Maybe we are, but it was fun none the less. Then Eric made me dinner, but I helped because I wanted to. And I made this strawberry cake. The actually cake is strawberry. I think that I need to tweak the recipe a little, but it was pretty good. And it looked really pretty. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKcg_DsPun7oAmhbzLBvXifwR-7aiBEMfTLhPZ094FRdKVLFqTsdJXWAMCDAKTV1UNC573-OjLvJIOLHtBFaYUOa4jQxDJAp0XY98DSjRjEnhTms9KYNiJXNCbwUZJtFzXkPtvE7SJe6O/s1600/DSCN3045.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594135204070862162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKcg_DsPun7oAmhbzLBvXifwR-7aiBEMfTLhPZ094FRdKVLFqTsdJXWAMCDAKTV1UNC573-OjLvJIOLHtBFaYUOa4jQxDJAp0XY98DSjRjEnhTms9KYNiJXNCbwUZJtFzXkPtvE7SJe6O/s320/DSCN3045.JPG" /></a> This is supposed to be me blowing out the candles. I think we had 5 in there. Yes, I am that young. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3KeYX-aTO8JtenzWhFrUEixtkQxe5DrHaYljAnTMgPwg5STYEgH1gmjB1qoNA_2LuQzFaghkKQvgyOwb5FfuizbvGBR8sVnl4M5tTgFZM8F_WQAoVp_T8W0StdKW-HxvOfsvchZjxTaj/s1600/DSCN3048.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594135200464510226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3KeYX-aTO8JtenzWhFrUEixtkQxe5DrHaYljAnTMgPwg5STYEgH1gmjB1qoNA_2LuQzFaghkKQvgyOwb5FfuizbvGBR8sVnl4M5tTgFZM8F_WQAoVp_T8W0StdKW-HxvOfsvchZjxTaj/s320/DSCN3048.JPG" /></a> We also celebrated Eric's birthday. From what I know he had a great day too. The group that he was on rotation with took him out to lunch at a place called Global Market. He had an apple brie cheese sandwhich. He came home and said that we needed to make some. Maybe after I am not pregnant anymore. Anyway, he had requested a dinner and pie that are generally more summertime food, but they were delicious. We will definitely be making them again. Here is a picture of the pie. It turned out perfect so of course I had to take a picture. It was a raspberry rhubarb pie. mmmmm.... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYPzFDsnVZU244pBP92U0EoVza7GBBdcnmZuht5QoEzlwCAG5fD5VpI3kDMv327neBoAqQPyq_qXNm6Njqjm4fAdr9jMQugs0Qh7f6bRNBJ_u1pWuWlJB_2SpxWByYzeRqodk9E_gGU4L/s1600/DSCN3053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594135195576171138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYPzFDsnVZU244pBP92U0EoVza7GBBdcnmZuht5QoEzlwCAG5fD5VpI3kDMv327neBoAqQPyq_qXNm6Njqjm4fAdr9jMQugs0Qh7f6bRNBJ_u1pWuWlJB_2SpxWByYzeRqodk9E_gGU4L/s320/DSCN3053.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nWr0G5i_aeN7M9lKYaWmMZl77BxyEg-3sbgqVo0ej8080hjMHn2dQ-Xw1U2IlBq_wt_72rVOZrq8CNPaj0nZVtKPePcNGWCag5XOYHBR7BvcpGIJopS-r6rkj71hXFTVHig8AK1gM3Mq/s1600/DSCN3055.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594134848913263954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nWr0G5i_aeN7M9lKYaWmMZl77BxyEg-3sbgqVo0ej8080hjMHn2dQ-Xw1U2IlBq_wt_72rVOZrq8CNPaj0nZVtKPePcNGWCag5XOYHBR7BvcpGIJopS-r6rkj71hXFTVHig8AK1gM3Mq/s320/DSCN3055.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>We also got to celebrate April Fools Day. I don't usually do anything but this year I really wanted to. So this is what I made for dinner.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Q6ld6WSlWtkUWDoc5zWiAGf6kj7JXtXF52jKHKNs7XJe29CJ8uWxztTAyh2rfPWX_RnBIs_jSqPOs0GeThP-Ek21mBEO773F3NXygSUrNX-kRCesiYaHA8DfgDwbSr8lwvrTZueaiOAd/s1600/DSCN3049.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594134846049066786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Q6ld6WSlWtkUWDoc5zWiAGf6kj7JXtXF52jKHKNs7XJe29CJ8uWxztTAyh2rfPWX_RnBIs_jSqPOs0GeThP-Ek21mBEO773F3NXygSUrNX-kRCesiYaHA8DfgDwbSr8lwvrTZueaiOAd/s320/DSCN3049.JPG" /></a> Eric was a little suspicious, but had no idea what it really was. Porter was so excited to have cake for dinner he couldn't stop talking about it. Also, Eric's birthday was coming up and he knew that so he thought it was for that. He even asked for us to sing happy birthday to Eric, so we did and then he held out his plate for a piece. You should have seen (and I wish I had a picture of) the look on his face when he saw what was really inside. It was utter disappointment as he sadly said "it's a sandwhich." Then he didn't even want to eat it. Poor kid, mom pulls a crazy joke like that on him. So really it was just a sandwhich made in a bundt cake pan and topped with cheese to look like icing. I was pretty proud of myself.</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOi5h7yJ-E5inhm3Dk5m7Kgwi8IjxRkjOUfa0hvZIJBE_0eNn7BdRlqEfGa_SHUK6PWK-qVSnwjHb-3jV7nAfoGEFoLAysYnJQs2Zs94mXfJjnqpq_lPqv8psIX7iSHABGageIFjgwXXdR/s1600/DSCN3050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594134835521093618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOi5h7yJ-E5inhm3Dk5m7Kgwi8IjxRkjOUfa0hvZIJBE_0eNn7BdRlqEfGa_SHUK6PWK-qVSnwjHb-3jV7nAfoGEFoLAysYnJQs2Zs94mXfJjnqpq_lPqv8psIX7iSHABGageIFjgwXXdR/s320/DSCN3050.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>I love that all of these things happen around the same time. Not so good for the weight gain, but I love it just the same. We also had general conference, where we listen to the voices of modern day prophets. Sunday breakfast is always my favorite. Crepes with vanilla yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, mini chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. With sausages on the side.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV94LwaP-nGaj_zNwhEsP-4YckVhCwTVt_lSiF4l_wJzEQf63BsVtKvkdpaTa5mvnyxrEhaEEunbU457U199ZjxcasNYWDTrCEVp1EofBsrtMAU84ft0eze8PuG-d3QPbJ8f-qjqFPPske/s1600/DSCN3051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594134832651482962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV94LwaP-nGaj_zNwhEsP-4YckVhCwTVt_lSiF4l_wJzEQf63BsVtKvkdpaTa5mvnyxrEhaEEunbU457U199ZjxcasNYWDTrCEVp1EofBsrtMAU84ft0eze8PuG-d3QPbJ8f-qjqFPPske/s320/DSCN3051.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>With all the nice weather we have been having we have been going outside more. My poor kids. I need to invest in more bandaids and neosporin. We were walking to playgroup because it was in our neighborhood and it was nice, but the wind was a little chilly so we were still wearing coats. Adie had put her hands in her pockets so she wouldn't be cold. The one time I stopped paying attention to her to answer a question from Porter, she totally trips. And because her hands were in her pockets, she did a total face plant into the cement. I felt so bad and almost started crying with her. My poor baby. Luckily we were only half a block away so I picked her up and ran to playgroup so I could wash her off and take care of her. She even had some rocks in her mouth. Her upper lip was all swollen, and luckily she has bangs to hide some of the damage done. This is later that night. So it looks a little better. But she definitley had some scabs to deal with, and woke up the next morning with a sore face.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1mSG2S-WA2C4wDEFPmcBSyL6d4PH36MZv_lRiwlFtsGyYyRwtrKmfqiTRnn6btmBay0hIkZr0tyqggd8eT3Og8IANj969FZSDi3UqiO-_NMPuY79ZpIRTrO0wyB1O1D7Jj_wYHmcH3-7/s1600/DSCN3041.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594134827386778114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1mSG2S-WA2C4wDEFPmcBSyL6d4PH36MZv_lRiwlFtsGyYyRwtrKmfqiTRnn6btmBay0hIkZr0tyqggd8eT3Og8IANj969FZSDi3UqiO-_NMPuY79ZpIRTrO0wyB1O1D7Jj_wYHmcH3-7/s320/DSCN3041.JPG" /></a> Porter is getting very artistic. We made mosaics the other day and this is a dragon. There are also two people, fire, and a sheep. See if you can find out where they are. I think he did a good job.</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmQV3BdYuGD-dRoXgtSWGB-FzcUD4dvNBjEea-OvathEnorlVRJ4V1GK7-MQQiF5gsGHIZGvsc9f9LNeLgcU0gFHubk9rsGVzvjb1LDGnyzJAvuj8EJoBWN355vidWsFa6scRRUqZvDG_/s1600/DSCN3056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594133717094338850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmQV3BdYuGD-dRoXgtSWGB-FzcUD4dvNBjEea-OvathEnorlVRJ4V1GK7-MQQiF5gsGHIZGvsc9f9LNeLgcU0gFHubk9rsGVzvjb1LDGnyzJAvuj8EJoBWN355vidWsFa6scRRUqZvDG_/s320/DSCN3056.JPG" /></a> I sure do love my kiddos. They are so silly.</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa8YNKjiYpkRakg06EX2ohauydIyLFT8Fs-dBfmbGvQCZuyGPlGln4IEb5e1-WMm8HPmxs1xPINCWPkNwFTNKYZ3AlqSx7C3EDjCsek5d9BGhtJVsABLxA8qX17_t1kXh-PUarDpX-jdO/s1600/DSCN3031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594133715612020546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa8YNKjiYpkRakg06EX2ohauydIyLFT8Fs-dBfmbGvQCZuyGPlGln4IEb5e1-WMm8HPmxs1xPINCWPkNwFTNKYZ3AlqSx7C3EDjCsek5d9BGhtJVsABLxA8qX17_t1kXh-PUarDpX-jdO/s320/DSCN3031.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>This is how Porter draws people. This is a picture of Porter, Adie, and Dada. See if you can guess who is who.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzeU5CzSGE0zBS9pp3edP8w64FLv1L_5f_WVTHqPDPH-n9i6qvuWGqAs7HDYSI-Xa22L9zmCgkgbYndGMgh3Nufd6ePutc2wEjCGEl6JJv2908HT2MjC_7JdGMnDWapcPB8URRZLafxUx/s1600/DSCN3038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594133707452466866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzeU5CzSGE0zBS9pp3edP8w64FLv1L_5f_WVTHqPDPH-n9i6qvuWGqAs7HDYSI-Xa22L9zmCgkgbYndGMgh3Nufd6ePutc2wEjCGEl6JJv2908HT2MjC_7JdGMnDWapcPB8URRZLafxUx/s320/DSCN3038.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>While Eric was gone, Porter learned how to write his name. I think that he is doing great. He needed a little help with the order for a while, but now can spell it all on his own and he writes his name on everything. I am so proud of him. He is also learning how to sound out words. I can't believe how big he is getting. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkrBVeewAdIzQze8eHDfN2AyyAkggq-JpsCrKgE5ytrDmGaewJpCi5V0QtFTGIvuf6mjJW3yNc2Yikg9MwZgC2bFMapsMnX0DzW7S0bBVbhhUxuRoV0GrwVTsUtFgaTZ6T86s3EgbQitQ/s1600/DSCN3039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594133702525866610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkrBVeewAdIzQze8eHDfN2AyyAkggq-JpsCrKgE5ytrDmGaewJpCi5V0QtFTGIvuf6mjJW3yNc2Yikg9MwZgC2bFMapsMnX0DzW7S0bBVbhhUxuRoV0GrwVTsUtFgaTZ6T86s3EgbQitQ/s320/DSCN3039.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>I have also been working on a quilt for Adie. I chose the pattern when I was with my mom last summer. This is generally a bad idea because I think that I can do anything when I am with my mom. This has taken almost a year for me to do (granted it was here and there, but there are a LOT of little pieces). But I am pretty happy with the outcome. I still have the applique and the border to put on, but that isn't going to take as long. My goal is to have it done by her 3rd birthday. We will see if that happens with baby coming soon and all. I would really like to quilt it this summer, but again, we will see.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1qda2GXpk4v9epzZkFXR9ONcD4zOHf8L9KvNfZ1dqb-L-k6VVeNLvwijMalC6PPprC2f865Wc6hN9DrT3g-4VHQkKJcvh0tjnlz1zDCjCotQ8O5c5UrQ5Om8Hc8t3awvGKXcWNTGbNya/s1600/DSCN3035.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594133692736796226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1qda2GXpk4v9epzZkFXR9ONcD4zOHf8L9KvNfZ1dqb-L-k6VVeNLvwijMalC6PPprC2f865Wc6hN9DrT3g-4VHQkKJcvh0tjnlz1zDCjCotQ8O5c5UrQ5Om8Hc8t3awvGKXcWNTGbNya/s320/DSCN3035.JPG" /></a> <br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-82821282815817338252011-03-14T20:31:00.011-04:002011-03-21T14:49:30.630-04:00Spring Break 2011So while Eric has been here doing "dental work" for spring break....(plus one week with a vacation in Fiji),<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOosx7PS0k85xOxdkWfF5v_g0mgXNT9mVkEDNtGF4EKcCGX_OHtOzcLHfT6ILZqjOc01oVEc_CzGorxc8nRjkSpAlL_rjfxZgZinTjCA26fT_sY4FGyGB0vyf6PhC_q7Ct6tby_qdoSKwW/s1600/fiji.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586599623057649218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOosx7PS0k85xOxdkWfF5v_g0mgXNT9mVkEDNtGF4EKcCGX_OHtOzcLHfT6ILZqjOc01oVEc_CzGorxc8nRjkSpAlL_rjfxZgZinTjCA26fT_sY4FGyGB0vyf6PhC_q7Ct6tby_qdoSKwW/s320/fiji.jpg" /></a><br />We have been here,<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkA89caZ3RXb0zwBUxnh_W35rimo0udy7Dj9URNgJSVPvTsDpiyalsPLi_cPbEAI4d4E_HF-xx4MGMtI5DWFVw1CAwBj44t5BiCw9IktOlKWZ3nzBWGp29IM_9FGtxxWKi2sjl_jrtX4L/s1600/snow.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586599615946167314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkA89caZ3RXb0zwBUxnh_W35rimo0udy7Dj9URNgJSVPvTsDpiyalsPLi_cPbEAI4d4E_HF-xx4MGMtI5DWFVw1CAwBj44t5BiCw9IktOlKWZ3nzBWGp29IM_9FGtxxWKi2sjl_jrtX4L/s320/snow.jpg" /></a> But I am not bitter in the least can you tell? I think the worst thing about the whole thing is that I have not talked to my husband in 2 weeks. Part of me has gotten used to it. Part of me is kind of angry about it. And the rest of me just wants to get even. I know I need to get over my anger issues, but I am having a hard time doing that when he is half a world away in paradise while I am stuck in Buffalo with two kids that only want dada now, and am 7 months pregnant. Maybe one day I will get over it.<br /><br />And for the record the weather really hasn't been that bad. I did snow the first couple of days, but nothing stuck and then it has been pretty warm since, like in the high 40's low 50's. I think even one day it got up to 57. Yeah, we didn't wear jackets or anything that day.<br /><br />Porter has been way into superhero's lately. So while doing spring cleaning we found the superhero kit that my mom gave Porter for his first birthday that we never opened. He wore it for several days straight and jumped off of everything in sight trying to fly. But we had to talk about what superheroes do because he kept trying to beat up Adie's babies. We'll get there.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHQXGvbEcKw5QwZiHL-w_gg3YVdZurT2vzfeE01kJYBR0gxcUON89spT-XLvOlVLH34ei3oeTdduhv51DUhH4BRPrArNTELpv2xPzvQjB6XAUWhoQAhPSSGbGl1hdOazJhp3vrBkUe7MO/s1600/DSCN3012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586599612023686034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHQXGvbEcKw5QwZiHL-w_gg3YVdZurT2vzfeE01kJYBR0gxcUON89spT-XLvOlVLH34ei3oeTdduhv51DUhH4BRPrArNTELpv2xPzvQjB6XAUWhoQAhPSSGbGl1hdOazJhp3vrBkUe7MO/s320/DSCN3012.JPG" /></a><br />Adie has been my little helper in the kitchen. Especially when it comes to chocolate. And she has to lick the spoon. I don't blame her.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0y8CnnmGjjiwE5fmKImeFQrK5iJ9e9eFBE1s0Fj1NnOjauF8GS7EjdZRek-A84Hziw2MEmOIwjkpgInXMh6vD-Dr9M1VKATbV4UALM5X4Us6xarStz1Yke6AS3GciFcconJOJwQdc516/s1600/DSCN3014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586599602575906210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0y8CnnmGjjiwE5fmKImeFQrK5iJ9e9eFBE1s0Fj1NnOjauF8GS7EjdZRek-A84Hziw2MEmOIwjkpgInXMh6vD-Dr9M1VKATbV4UALM5X4Us6xarStz1Yke6AS3GciFcconJOJwQdc516/s320/DSCN3014.JPG" /></a><br />One of the days we went with a friend to the East Aurora Explore and More Museum. It was so much fun. The kids played for probably 4 hours and would have loved to stay there longer, but we needed to go home. The had a whole section dedicated to droping balls from different heights on tracks to see how far they go. My favorite part was the probably 8 yr old in the picture that kept trying to do it all by herself and telling all of the 3 and 4 years olds that they were being selfish.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMcZQawsnxhu7Z9oJOwd7SUNeJfdEYVXf6WYaLd-tXzwX5GqXb-qxcZ_33yE1lBQ7OvwmdhYsOIw1P-jFyv-G7kEsdfHfNFBi8aDgzAX9oiU8fbXMHK4t42UjOEUOVdHe-LPxoyM9gRwu/s1600/DSCN3026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586599600481505874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMcZQawsnxhu7Z9oJOwd7SUNeJfdEYVXf6WYaLd-tXzwX5GqXb-qxcZ_33yE1lBQ7OvwmdhYsOIw1P-jFyv-G7kEsdfHfNFBi8aDgzAX9oiU8fbXMHK4t42UjOEUOVdHe-LPxoyM9gRwu/s320/DSCN3026.JPG" /></a><br />Adie playing with Valorie, one of her best friends.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBw7eH9HLYE7EL9XLgBbvrQPkm4OvhFhkbxW9PklB3oP7bawVQQIl2THlbQzI2xV_O4_rzficdvXFpNU_6RXPpkYlvO1RcMQXb-iksAy9IX9S0BzW4cTJqNJWpU9bPvbzlyZmyDgeyFWO/s1600/DSCN3025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586599184272757970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBw7eH9HLYE7EL9XLgBbvrQPkm4OvhFhkbxW9PklB3oP7bawVQQIl2THlbQzI2xV_O4_rzficdvXFpNU_6RXPpkYlvO1RcMQXb-iksAy9IX9S0BzW4cTJqNJWpU9bPvbzlyZmyDgeyFWO/s320/DSCN3025.JPG" /></a><br />This was fun, Porter played in a boat catching fish. His favorite though was the construction zone in the back and he spent most of his time there. But I didn't get a picture of it.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDYYvklm_w_Ob7MnfrC1xvoynBuLAknCUseUi8P8E7J_rz8Z3mSADGjbxhl8Y4ajSaVzvRALm253VCPQ0xsKkQb0n-gQKdXEXdTFVkRac1deHe1XhbfQtZIcamzs-6SKgQBOK8gOu_-Ot/s1600/DSCN3024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586599177827553618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDYYvklm_w_Ob7MnfrC1xvoynBuLAknCUseUi8P8E7J_rz8Z3mSADGjbxhl8Y4ajSaVzvRALm253VCPQ0xsKkQb0n-gQKdXEXdTFVkRac1deHe1XhbfQtZIcamzs-6SKgQBOK8gOu_-Ot/s320/DSCN3024.JPG" /></a><br />We played outside as much as we could. This is one thing that they did. They made a "road" by putting all of our rocks in the little place inbetween cement slabs. We also had to discuss the difference between rocks and bunny poop as it seems one has been living in our back yard for a while. Here is hoping it won't eat all of my plants that are just barely coming out of the ground.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZusZ5angiS9F8D4zNbCRfiuW4HpnhL2MMlACyzysuhuZkas1-XCu0QdNKp6nyjFly52kkSbRzc8xS4KnNCi5Eapu0OeLzLk9xXgtg9TJArAJh6JIsBB3BgzooSICWNIZLv-0OmFbSmIi/s1600/DSCN3020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586599169319391810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZusZ5angiS9F8D4zNbCRfiuW4HpnhL2MMlACyzysuhuZkas1-XCu0QdNKp6nyjFly52kkSbRzc8xS4KnNCi5Eapu0OeLzLk9xXgtg9TJArAJh6JIsBB3BgzooSICWNIZLv-0OmFbSmIi/s320/DSCN3020.JPG" /></a><br />We also rode bikes. Adie is learning how to pedal which is a lot of fun. But she gets really frustrated quite quickly when her legs don't do what she wants them too. Hhhhmmmm.......I wonder where she gets that from. In this picture she isn't just looking down, she is pouting because she can't get it to go as fast as she wants.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5GrJsiriL1soMJe1-f_KUXx4i8XyecMK7LC8O_xQ7C49M4SjJ4-BcpCjyQNWdDVXbeS6JQCTxK74DojPNZna81Jt7JJQpg5dWHZgdl1v5OcyUfqfcNTKzq8e7qHEZjtY1c9IfVSaT4M7/s1600/DSCN3019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586599164726697634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5GrJsiriL1soMJe1-f_KUXx4i8XyecMK7LC8O_xQ7C49M4SjJ4-BcpCjyQNWdDVXbeS6JQCTxK74DojPNZna81Jt7JJQpg5dWHZgdl1v5OcyUfqfcNTKzq8e7qHEZjtY1c9IfVSaT4M7/s320/DSCN3019.JPG" /></a><br />We also had a baby shower for a friend. We did a brunch and it was a blast. Can you tell these girls were ready for food? After it was over we stayed and played for a good portion of the day as both of our husbands were out of town.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXeKFkEVbCCGVlrTTuqljMci5IRIVBVOtAQt7qw0Qjjfl7phm8mrQBy7qohiU6d9nUI7QE7jhknh2FelrUwzUOKZtM9pssXBS0a4HMECfSlBNRumM6WsA8s74r6s69GpfUoyuSsP0ZIwV/s1600/DSCN3027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586599157879252674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXeKFkEVbCCGVlrTTuqljMci5IRIVBVOtAQt7qw0Qjjfl7phm8mrQBy7qohiU6d9nUI7QE7jhknh2FelrUwzUOKZtM9pssXBS0a4HMECfSlBNRumM6WsA8s74r6s69GpfUoyuSsP0ZIwV/s320/DSCN3027.JPG" /></a><br />We did do a few other things that I didn't take pictures of. Like we went to see Tangled at the cheap theater, which is fun because that was the first time they have ever been to a movie theater. Both of them loved it. I thought it was cute but had a part that I didn't really think was necessary and made that part a little more scary. But it ended up being ok. I just covered my kids eyes. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>We had several play dates and invites to dinner at friends houses. I am glad that my kids eat wonderfully for other people even though they don't always for me. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>We also had a date night where we went to Red Robin for dinner. The kids ate almost all of their food, again a suprise for me. And were well behaved for the most part. We even shared a milkshake. Then we came home and watched Megamind because Porter has wanted to watch it for a while now. It wasn't the best. A good idea and nice moral, but really not my favorite movie. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>I have also been able to catch up on a lot of projects that I haven't been able to finish. The front to Adie's quilt is almost done. Pictures to come. And I will be doing some scrapbooking this week. I wanted to do spring cleaning but realized a lot of what I have left requires heavy lifting and I just can't do that on my own.<br /><br />On another note, Porter is registered for Pre-K and learned how to write his name this week. He still needs a little help with the order, but gets all the letters right. He also has to show everyone that comes over what he can do. What a smart kid. He will do just fine in school, it will be me that has a hard time.</div><div> </div><div>I also had a doctors appointment this week. The doctor is getting worried about how big this baby is going to be. He said that I am measuring good (right on what it is "supposed" to be) but that I need to be really careful. I was kind of thinking well I measured two weeks big with Porter and about a week and a half big with Adie, so I think I am doing pretty good. But I am also not a dr. I have only gained a little more than 10 lbs., but I guess that isn't really a good indicator. So we will see. We may have another induction for this one if it is going to get too big. I have an ultrasound this week so we will see what they say.</div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-19351957167989445782011-03-13T20:13:00.005-04:002011-03-13T21:22:24.446-04:00Everything...Well, I have been debating for a long time whether I should play catch up or not. I've decided this will mainly just be pictures with some captions and subtitles. I just know that if I don't do it now it won't happen with all of the recent and upcoming events not so far away. <br /><br /><strong>Christmas</strong><br /><br />For Christmas we got to spend some time with Eric's family in Brigham. It was fun to see so many people. Some of them had never met Adie, so that made it even more exciting. We loved seeing the mountains again....we really miss them. Here's hoping that we get to move back to the west to be closer to family and the mountains.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXvkveuQsfPIgb_V0anl8Xx-pXZ8kUuOSnUL9t4d7PBzBS7voYKS-rRjyIBR6c2r-cSQ6Z0lPYHfFw8OXDQvWuafLxXHzdP8YbyabxJJ-py1uBuasLu7Aoe-m-p2fCxdFO_7fgk0tpcjQ/s1600/DSCN2975.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583724873888351714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXvkveuQsfPIgb_V0anl8Xx-pXZ8kUuOSnUL9t4d7PBzBS7voYKS-rRjyIBR6c2r-cSQ6Z0lPYHfFw8OXDQvWuafLxXHzdP8YbyabxJJ-py1uBuasLu7Aoe-m-p2fCxdFO_7fgk0tpcjQ/s320/DSCN2975.JPG" /></a> Porters favorite thing to do at grandma and grandpa Nielsen's house was to help feed the horses and to ride them too. He loves animals. It is too bad his mama has such bad allergies or maybe we could have animals some day. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD5-5bAmScbkRlxCyQ8x8B64PmUbJzr6eN2JLU0DkK__hm4X5afq2ZNnhj-VH5l3F-qTdlkJlY4DKgSEHzBXzv8uViBzfs5JDM2BGBzUFK5RIGfPkHPyTAjgJERwngR2yIJsTSYpzQ_Zp/s1600/DSCN2977.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583724871387026498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD5-5bAmScbkRlxCyQ8x8B64PmUbJzr6eN2JLU0DkK__hm4X5afq2ZNnhj-VH5l3F-qTdlkJlY4DKgSEHzBXzv8uViBzfs5JDM2BGBzUFK5RIGfPkHPyTAjgJERwngR2yIJsTSYpzQ_Zp/s320/DSCN2977.JPG" /></a> Adie's favorite thing was to play with baby Trent. She just adores babies and wanted to do everything with him. I think she sat here holding him for a good 10 min before anyone started to worry if she was going to drop him. I remember being like that when I was little. And she was just totally content with holding him and watching everyone else. Hopefully a good sign for the upcoming baby. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGZe4l2eiF3I0Qj_E1Di3P9FNImrGBWacrt07eSvnaI9ldbHQGOcOQMveI81viUGT_sGgBqC6Ar2-3FKRCM2eqT8hx3-wbemiM5NSWjCeHbjtpkDLhZze72sHSgezDSl5ArXZIeXgkqzQ/s1600/DSCN2969.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583724551794989746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGZe4l2eiF3I0Qj_E1Di3P9FNImrGBWacrt07eSvnaI9ldbHQGOcOQMveI81viUGT_sGgBqC6Ar2-3FKRCM2eqT8hx3-wbemiM5NSWjCeHbjtpkDLhZze72sHSgezDSl5ArXZIeXgkqzQ/s320/DSCN2969.JPG" /></a> This is what Eric did for almost the entirity of the "vacation". He got in a skiing accident Christmas Eve day and couldn't move. Fortunately he was willing to bring his decrepit self into the living room for Christmas for his kids.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCuwB22dTHNN3avSF7XJTUGrYAoqfI56G8dKvqYwO7YK4C0ahfM7keJ_YWE7x8kECu6PLULtlDwEsrklraBs_c071GKW7eb7s8u_kLCistnuJVPq9zK79uD3DZknnOi2fAt71R5VJpP94/s1600/DSCN2972.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583724537801844770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCuwB22dTHNN3avSF7XJTUGrYAoqfI56G8dKvqYwO7YK4C0ahfM7keJ_YWE7x8kECu6PLULtlDwEsrklraBs_c071GKW7eb7s8u_kLCistnuJVPq9zK79uD3DZknnOi2fAt71R5VJpP94/s320/DSCN2972.JPG" /></a> We were also able to get together with my family. Every family was represented out of us siblings. We were just missing Sarah, Ali, Andy, and Mom and Mike. The twins aren't in this picture because they were already in bed, but it was amazing to have so many people together. Amy and I are both pregnant and due a week apart from each other. We'll have to see who delivers first, or maybe they will be born on the same day. It was fun to see everyone there too.<br /><br /><strong>Porter's Birthday</strong></div><div> </div><div>In January, Porter turned 4. I can't believe how big he is getting. He starts pre-k next year and is starting to learn how to read. I can't believe it. He wanted a Buzz and Woody party, so this was the best idea I could come up with for his cake. Although after the second year in row of him not eating any cake and only eating the ice cream, I have decided that he doesn't really like cake. So next year we are going to do an ice cream cake.</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_zI6M3RgHAH6wYEcjVEnmCloA8ejqO85V5kkP-qp3-QWcaW1lyhMYyi2IJ2QRPHXpkSUqGw8NYZ2ZdWomLg2NgkjT5GE74T2P3Wt7kd50DdnXrdHnRYhDy35vYD5OZRUIA_IszeQ5PAw/s1600/DSCN2982.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583724533488588402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_zI6M3RgHAH6wYEcjVEnmCloA8ejqO85V5kkP-qp3-QWcaW1lyhMYyi2IJ2QRPHXpkSUqGw8NYZ2ZdWomLg2NgkjT5GE74T2P3Wt7kd50DdnXrdHnRYhDy35vYD5OZRUIA_IszeQ5PAw/s320/DSCN2982.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vMWRkzdZQIZZI4CIv7T6L-vqIoFsGlFCydPYcAPPryGwMRL-mxTC79nk54PUPorZIfz_wBfYp7QvLMa1E71_hhNBFtCyxB6eZlfDHBNBdb4Uh0lc8pDvZ38RUJfIGHgUvp7ojD4kFJIo/s1600/DSCN2986.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583724525800522786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vMWRkzdZQIZZI4CIv7T6L-vqIoFsGlFCydPYcAPPryGwMRL-mxTC79nk54PUPorZIfz_wBfYp7QvLMa1E71_hhNBFtCyxB6eZlfDHBNBdb4Uh0lc8pDvZ38RUJfIGHgUvp7ojD4kFJIo/s320/DSCN2986.JPG" /></a> We had a fun birthday party for him with his friends. We did a pizza lunch where the kids made their own, and I just made some for the adults. Then we played a couple of games like, pin the parts on Mr. Potato Head, pass the present, etc. Just simple games. They had a lot of fun and I had fun doing it. Luckily Porters birthday is right around Martin Luther King day so he always has a holiday to celebrate on.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-LoXdePghJkOmZQvuwaeUXgE8pY3ruSl0sivqfsCXQmocSr_JAOOz_-lB3pNsKVleGm7MoQI2gK3wk4T2hHggb46c0FZuusi_t8fgcfwhcolABzKhBjRGYn92BriIWKdIz1M-JOoXW5a/s1600/DSCN2987.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583724517758505986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-LoXdePghJkOmZQvuwaeUXgE8pY3ruSl0sivqfsCXQmocSr_JAOOz_-lB3pNsKVleGm7MoQI2gK3wk4T2hHggb46c0FZuusi_t8fgcfwhcolABzKhBjRGYn92BriIWKdIz1M-JOoXW5a/s320/DSCN2987.JPG" /></a> He was so excited about these presents.<br /></div><div><strong>Chinese New Year</strong></div><div> </div><div>Even though we are not Chinese, I really like celebrating the holiday by making a Chinese feast. <br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-_MotZl6vRUuF7Y7FAkN9vepac7g6PxkV1mUCeF1T5KsXMmXehSAYhWOX6YMbGgxfwNbCtK4_VVIWnC3ZTTKxrouDDQM3cwxR52_NqJ3mekGRclqDCbukVkjTXOUgldgysdK_qTDei9n/s1600/DSCN2993.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583723468796854274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-_MotZl6vRUuF7Y7FAkN9vepac7g6PxkV1mUCeF1T5KsXMmXehSAYhWOX6YMbGgxfwNbCtK4_VVIWnC3ZTTKxrouDDQM3cwxR52_NqJ3mekGRclqDCbukVkjTXOUgldgysdK_qTDei9n/s320/DSCN2993.JPG" /></a> This was after we ate, but there was definitely plenty of food. We had Long Life Noodles, egg rolls, pork loin, steamed pork buns and several dipping sauces. It was really yummy but we should have had someone over to help us eat it. There was TONS of food.<br /><br /><strong>Valentines Day</strong></div><div> </div><div>We are not usually into a whole bunch of stuff for Valentine's Day. But I thought it would be fun to have a delicious special dessert just for me and my honey that day. These are molten chocolate cake. But I cooked it a little too long so it wasn't so molten, but it was still yummy. And Eric got me a present that I wasn't expecting. He got me a 10" chefs knife. It is amazing and I use if for everything now. I love having an amazingly sharp knife that cuts through everything like butter. Then Eric got himself and handy knife sharpener so that we can keep it sharp. What a great guy.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85y7k1xiGi1ykMmntXcqqKB9mi58W_JQ-cAwkmIBmXPChJusS9YOA8sLVHhnlp6SaKTrbl2Kpw6SDoCXgy1eDyJ9dZ7Og3-A0e7AYj3coSa-7sRfFO2zRqqnXZOsODo3S71AgkUyIodTe/s1600/DSCN2996.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583723461125463250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85y7k1xiGi1ykMmntXcqqKB9mi58W_JQ-cAwkmIBmXPChJusS9YOA8sLVHhnlp6SaKTrbl2Kpw6SDoCXgy1eDyJ9dZ7Og3-A0e7AYj3coSa-7sRfFO2zRqqnXZOsODo3S71AgkUyIodTe/s320/DSCN2996.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSviiM3-vlymX4fsNgD1jrX5kxu6cVoRrzdP_1xFf5VToHNHpfTgEHXucPRT6cwxDMwAOAczfEcymQeMNEQfKA38iH3nLmoOvtVgDbaQsiT5WZvdOLFgrIhRd98ObnMPOrIJByD_BF0UX/s1600/DSCN3000.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583723449171329762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSviiM3-vlymX4fsNgD1jrX5kxu6cVoRrzdP_1xFf5VToHNHpfTgEHXucPRT6cwxDMwAOAczfEcymQeMNEQfKA38iH3nLmoOvtVgDbaQsiT5WZvdOLFgrIhRd98ObnMPOrIJByD_BF0UX/s320/DSCN3000.JPG" /></a> I also tried my hand at cake balls and decorated them for the holiday. They were so yummy, and easy to make. It was fun. Then we gave them to our friends.<br /><br /><strong>Lately</strong></div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbcu5UFu9We3EPzQbB52eVAAYqv7cBH2isXmJ_VfTlKQo1qiqbGCMENYAd1daevZxnh7Qr91IV-_Ff_sUy0MZr_Y6epU0M7g-8t95hlS671KnQcHYnjVR6T7OU8b080yZvjqqmxHWB_my/s1600/DSCN3008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583723440857719474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbcu5UFu9We3EPzQbB52eVAAYqv7cBH2isXmJ_VfTlKQo1qiqbGCMENYAd1daevZxnh7Qr91IV-_Ff_sUy0MZr_Y6epU0M7g-8t95hlS671KnQcHYnjVR6T7OU8b080yZvjqqmxHWB_my/s320/DSCN3008.JPG" /></a>The kids have absolutely loved building tents lately. So for fun we have been having picnics in them and doing other things in it. It has been fun to play with them.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrLjArGVpruA7iQxJi9VjsXnRidO1WkoCMbHaixua9zh2fZYVdOKm03AKo1CHwqGExziGJCKO_S0SU5J87XKoMjvhKW1TowLOgoZAUTLkX-8DLFKGQg7aK5d2k3X2ncMYyDRMKejnevWe/s1600/DSCN3007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583723430648681650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrLjArGVpruA7iQxJi9VjsXnRidO1WkoCMbHaixua9zh2fZYVdOKm03AKo1CHwqGExziGJCKO_S0SU5J87XKoMjvhKW1TowLOgoZAUTLkX-8DLFKGQg7aK5d2k3X2ncMYyDRMKejnevWe/s320/DSCN3007.JPG" /></a>I finally took my last certification test in February and have felt this overwhelming sense of freedom since. So I finished some projects that I have been working on for a while now and just haven't had time to go back to. The first was to make aprons for the kids. They were so excited and wanted to wear them for the entire day. It was fun and easy. I'm glad they like to use them. </div><div> </div><div>I also finished their growth charts but haven't taken a picture yet. I am quite proud of them and the kids like them too. I did a separate one for each of them just so they can have it when they have kids and can keep track of it on them. We'll see if that actually works out. But I had fun making them.<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-51106507210413145612011-01-13T14:57:00.002-05:002011-01-13T15:07:30.050-05:00That's Right....You guessed it friends and family. For those of you who didn't already know. We are expecting baby number 3 around the middle of May. Although Eric and I are hoping for the beginning of May because that fits nicely into our schedules, and according to past babies, we just might get that luxury. But we will take baby whenever it comes. The funny thing about it is that when we started talking about having more kids, I remember saying to Eric, "May would be a good month have a baby someday." Thinking of springtime and how I love opening windows again. This defintely wasn't my plan for this baby, but that is how it worked out. Lucky me. Now I will only be big and fat in the winter when it doesn't matter so much and can start exercising outside again after baby is born.<br /><br />Once again we want it to be a surprise so we did not find out the gender of the baby. My motherly intuition tells me that it is another girl. I have been right with both kids so far, so we will see if my luck hold up.<br /><br />This has been the hardest pregnancy for me by far. There has been a little more worry about different aspects of this baby that resulted in a lot of testing, thanks to all of you who babysat for me. Now that that is over I just have a lot of aches and pains that I didn't have with the other two. But I also didn't have two kids when I was pregnant with them. I just have to rest a little more and watch my activities so I don't strain too much (which is sometimes really hard to do). <br />Other than that everything is going well. Just look for new pictures of baby when May approaches.Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-75591417780530273522010-11-28T12:16:00.003-05:002010-11-28T12:31:14.580-05:00Thanksgiving 2010I have been counting down the days to Thanksgiving this year. I have wanted all of the foods that you have for Thanksgiving since Halloween. We had so much fun with all of our friends. We got together with our child swap group, the same as last year, except this year, we hosted it. It was so much fun and Eric even found place holders on line that he wanted me to make. So this is our table that mostly fit everyone since all the kids didn't sit down at the same time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QHqTNBjoS5s_FScPNiHFL06rWKDgZ3_wmue7dAHpb1J7MjZUmkntOTcVx_4gW1D2YbMGOVBFXufig8pMBqu2Pr_MYewMjxTJfeM6wrrtqOWPbm3qA9Vy4fTUQYjQu74K0FL54r0YK_UL/s1600/DSCN2952.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544651141087011730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QHqTNBjoS5s_FScPNiHFL06rWKDgZ3_wmue7dAHpb1J7MjZUmkntOTcVx_4gW1D2YbMGOVBFXufig8pMBqu2Pr_MYewMjxTJfeM6wrrtqOWPbm3qA9Vy4fTUQYjQu74K0FL54r0YK_UL/s320/DSCN2952.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is what the little place holders looked like. I thought they would take WAY less time than they actually did. So I was still working on them when people started showing up. But it was ok, our friends are pretty lax. And they were fun anyway, but don't put them at the kids seats. They want to eat them first and we had a lot of fights and tears over having to eat turkey before they ate their "turkey". It is humorous to think about now. Anyway, I thought they turned out pretty good.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4o0LOKru6WIVY6j_qWDkhzXPXWRNKapYTitR6ZLZg6HbrNtgr-UOfFwAZVPQKCTGOxl2DFbQoI8CUew7KWLwtYJAPLrx961uMxkojHrECXOegtLvlhQsev9RbVl7zGYZ8KJrDMa-xS5az/s1600/DSCN2954.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544651140366859234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4o0LOKru6WIVY6j_qWDkhzXPXWRNKapYTitR6ZLZg6HbrNtgr-UOfFwAZVPQKCTGOxl2DFbQoI8CUew7KWLwtYJAPLrx961uMxkojHrECXOegtLvlhQsev9RbVl7zGYZ8KJrDMa-xS5az/s320/DSCN2954.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This was our buffet line. Everyone brought two or three things and it was great. Just to list off our food (there was a lot, the perfect THanksgiving feast) we had: tukey, stuffing from the bird, stuffing from a box, and cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, wonton salad, green bean casserole, candied yams, rolls, cheese and crackers, a veggie tray, and pickle-olive-cheese spears. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCTybzz20K6tg_eNNwGSY6HH487TeMge1r7Ybd2GsE7bNkFz_5f0kZKP-Io-gJPICC_vkMsKJsPrExeOL2m81zCbW39KDvxj3t07TiEm0iWNhXUVLm7uVszjHH5hov-5_8vq9at9xlKeb/s1600/DSCN2956.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544651131024832370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCTybzz20K6tg_eNNwGSY6HH487TeMge1r7Ybd2GsE7bNkFz_5f0kZKP-Io-gJPICC_vkMsKJsPrExeOL2m81zCbW39KDvxj3t07TiEm0iWNhXUVLm7uVszjHH5hov-5_8vq9at9xlKeb/s320/DSCN2956.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Then we come to the pie. Pumpkin pie (which no one really ate and I thought was funny), mini cherry pies, apple crumble pie, pumpkin cheesecake, coconut cream pie, a brownie peanut butter pie, and blueberry custard pie. THen of course I made the little pie cinnamon rolls with my left over pie dough, that was the kids favoites. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHrKf0Fyw-wVovwuPgzq6Dpq-eCLVK2aZkwMR41PvphB4In_i4UJfMn9yLzu4eqtR2AkV7bNMGHzwqNloKlP4uhzfon2U4fJX13LDtJp8zD1SVf7E5SxnLu30SmdzAu8q0PVGUkaV3tHH/s1600/DSCN2959.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544651122781121986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHrKf0Fyw-wVovwuPgzq6Dpq-eCLVK2aZkwMR41PvphB4In_i4UJfMn9yLzu4eqtR2AkV7bNMGHzwqNloKlP4uhzfon2U4fJX13LDtJp8zD1SVf7E5SxnLu30SmdzAu8q0PVGUkaV3tHH/s320/DSCN2959.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />What a wonderful day it was of completely overeating. I think everyone snacked until bedtime. It was so fun. Eric had set up the basement like a "man cave" with a foos ball table, and the wii ready to go. </div><div>I think the funniest part of the night was finding Adie in the kitchen up on a chair picking all of the meringue off of the blueberry custard pie. The look on her face was hilarious and oh so guilty. So our left over pie had NO meringue, but that is ok, I am glad she liked it.<br /><div> </div></div></div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9002166584391289626.post-18461176656723044092010-11-16T09:47:00.003-05:002010-11-16T10:05:09.597-05:00Adie's BirthdayI can't believe she is already two. It just blows my mind and makes me a little sad. She is getting so big and doing so much. Here are some things about her that show her little personality.<br /><ul><li>She has an opinion about everything from cereal to how to layer her blankies to who can touch her and when.</li><li>She loves both monkeys (and acts like one on a regular basis), and princesses (which I don't think she has ever acted like one)</li><li>She has been potty trained for almost a month now and doing great</li><li>She loves babies and almost always has one close by even if she is playing rocket ship with her brother.</li><li>She absolutely adores her brother and will do almost anything that he says, which sometimes gets her into trouble. </li><li>She loves to help cook even if all she can do is hold a spoon and taste test the end product.</li><li>Her dada is her hero. She talks about him all day and is the only person that she will really snuggle with. She is more devestated when he leaves than she has ever been with me.</li></ul><p>We sure love that little girl. She amazes us every day. If you have talked to her recently I am sure that she has mentioned to you about her monkey birthday. She has been so excited about it for months, not that she really knew what a birthday was. But let me tell you, her party was a lot of fun except for her crying. Here are some pictures of her family party and with her friends. It was a wild time.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHk8alaIcYIll3hLouegPYDjrtRk5UUG5v8q5y-SAdk7mIEHdPzsNNUivjuk1UVEkZTDmxmvdxqADKx60UN3XkOWO6hUdl6FkRxFuxmnTKQ1U8VxHooBZCqA1tdttW3YiTrF0SehfkAEC/s1600/DSCN2944.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540160364845715986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHk8alaIcYIll3hLouegPYDjrtRk5UUG5v8q5y-SAdk7mIEHdPzsNNUivjuk1UVEkZTDmxmvdxqADKx60UN3XkOWO6hUdl6FkRxFuxmnTKQ1U8VxHooBZCqA1tdttW3YiTrF0SehfkAEC/s320/DSCN2944.JPG" border="0" /></a> Thanks to Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Stevenson for the tea party set and princess shoes.<br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHi4LkiZBEqqGFKrquZ52NXFrDCPWnvC-0GNtzsM4-EEAGxPUZB_WtnhH5pyGMtDzYw-9FGvXkEqdaajtlMgJTM8kqP_1JIRbFgES3MluYMDb1v1bDja-tOaq2rynsOcxrNdUMB3n69-7/s1600/RSCN2949.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540160360922638370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHi4LkiZBEqqGFKrquZ52NXFrDCPWnvC-0GNtzsM4-EEAGxPUZB_WtnhH5pyGMtDzYw-9FGvXkEqdaajtlMgJTM8kqP_1JIRbFgES3MluYMDb1v1bDja-tOaq2rynsOcxrNdUMB3n69-7/s320/RSCN2949.JPG" border="0" /></a> This was her monkey cake. I have to say having cocoa krispies on a cake is one of the best ideas anyone ever came up with. It was SO delicious. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_MZjI2XEquqgH0BHBkpHhL6VCold69kHAc7g_VKYJxiANhGK6aWzc3TKwXBro4rO5lE70JSfSz4tYrdjzRpnBXDKN-j0t3-QCzVcJJ6WbzunajnP89AXWhyK7CwCACjr8U5ZJso80Exx/s1600/DSCN2947.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540160356907370946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_MZjI2XEquqgH0BHBkpHhL6VCold69kHAc7g_VKYJxiANhGK6aWzc3TKwXBro4rO5lE70JSfSz4tYrdjzRpnBXDKN-j0t3-QCzVcJJ6WbzunajnP89AXWhyK7CwCACjr8U5ZJso80Exx/s320/DSCN2947.JPG" border="0" /></a> All her little buddies that she loves and talks about regularly minus one. There's Tyson, Brielle, and Valorie couldn't make it but we thought about her. Along with Kaleb, and baby Lexi. It was fun.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_Z_c7g2Tpk1Abc-_esD2WYNcqn1uzPVmq-8NUrof5SXc8C3s6yBApKZJrE84_cA4qpo4NP0IyTDIfaR9xMXau9O90uryR2rnY9gvjTe4JDZqZwgQDvTSEX-2xV7cKcyTHbaIBTY7uPim/s1600/DSCN2951.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540160348515959122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_Z_c7g2Tpk1Abc-_esD2WYNcqn1uzPVmq-8NUrof5SXc8C3s6yBApKZJrE84_cA4qpo4NP0IyTDIfaR9xMXau9O90uryR2rnY9gvjTe4JDZqZwgQDvTSEX-2xV7cKcyTHbaIBTY7uPim/s320/DSCN2951.JPG" border="0" /></a>Then this is what I found them doing this morning, so of course I had to get out some snacks so they could have a REAL tea party.....well, they had water, pretzles, marshmellows, and ritz crackers, but it might as well have been a real tea party with the way they were acting. <br /><div></div><div></div></div></div></div>Melissa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705425173294568517noreply@blogger.com2