Nielsen Nonsence

It's Grrrr8 to be 8!!!

2011-06-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Ethan's eighth birthday, Chris and I took him and Clark to GREAT America. Ethan was quite the dare devil, riding roller coasters like the Grizzly and the Demon. They both enjoyed Boomerang Bay and swimming in the Lagoon. Next time he plans on riding the Tasmanian Typhoon and the ship wreck. (He couldn't get Grandma to do those with him this time.)
Ethan and Grandma after a ride on Logger's Run.

Ethan's Favorite Rides

2011-06-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

Ethan's favorite rides at Great America were the Grizzly that he rode with Grandpa, the Demon that he rode with Grandma and the Taxi Jam that he rode with Clark.

The Taxi Jam.

Tour of California

2011-05-19T22:45:00.000-07:00

Chris was working from home on Wednesday, and things were pretty slow. He has followed bike races for several years now and is interested in the current Tour of California. So he walked out from his office with a smile on his face. "Let's go see the Tour!" We grabbed a couple of umbrellas just in case the rains came back, but it turned out to be a beautiful day. We hiked up Sierra Road in San Jose to a spot where we could see the riders coming up the hill. Soon the helicopters were hovering overhead and lead cars came through with their horns honking. Next came the cyclists. Chris was on the opposite side of the street taking pictures as fast as he could. This picture is of Levi Leipheimer. Later that night we watched the TV coverage of the race. They had the same picture of Levi from a different angle with Chris in the background taking this picture. Ah, Chris had his .5 seconds of fame!

Happy Mother's Day - To the Moms in my Life

2011-05-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

First, my Mom. She showed me by example how to be the best Mom through every stage of motherhood. Her voice was pleasant, her smile consistent. Patience was her hallmark. I used to say I wanted to be like her when I grow up. Well, I'm grown up and in some ways I'm like her, and in other ways I'm still trying. Thanks Mom for all you taught me and for your unconditional love. Love you and miss you!!

Second, my mother-in-law. She continues to amaze me with her passion for life. Just last week when I was in Utah she joined the family for a "walk" along a creek that led to a water fall. She loves spending time with her family and sharing her love with them. She raised four terrific boys and a wonderful daughter. I am blessed to be married to one of those boys. Happy Mother's Day Mom. I love you!

Daughters as Mothers

2011-05-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

There is no greater joy for a mother than to watch her children and their spouses doing a fantistic job as parents. On this day I say "Thank You" to my daughters and daughter-in-laws for the wonderful job they are doing.

You Light Up My Life!

2011-02-06T22:09:00.001-08:00

Chris and I have been debating, well not really debating, more like discussing the need to change the light fixture in our dining room. There was one vote for changing and one vote for leaving the 1970's very elegant, valuable crystal fixture. Yes, it was elegant, and valuable, and made of fine crystals. But . . . it was from the 70's! Guess you can tell what the writer of this blog was voting for. Since we are a democracy, I decided to get the vote of our children to break the tie. When polled, they each were very diplomatic, and wouldn't vote. However, I caught Alison in a weak moment. We talked on the phone while we looked at Overstock.com. I found the fixture I wanted and she agreed it was nice. I took the picture to Chris, asked him for his blessing, he consented, and we installed it yesterday. I wish we could capture in a picture how beautiful it makes the dining room. You'll just have to come visit to see. Oh, and my conversation with Alison resulted in changing her light fixture with a great find from ksl.com. Check out her blog.

P.S. Just for clarification, we did not change the crystal chandelier from Chris' mission. It is timeless and still hangs over the kitchen table.

Rise and Shout

2011-02-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

Chris and I spent the day with Eric and Anna-Lena's family a couple of weeks ago. After a fun day at their home, we caravaned to Stockton to watch the BYU Men's volleyball team sweep UOP. Everyone was decked out in BYU gear. I think BYU fans out numbered UOP fans. GO COUGARS!

A Family Tradition

2010-11-28T22:17:00.001-08:00

When I was a little girl, my Mom made the most beautiful ornaments for our Christmas tree. She found a source for goose eggs, emptied the centers and cut out the oval opening. The eggs were then spray painted gold, filled with a little whipped wax and decorated with miniature scenes. For years our formal living room tree was flocked white and adorned with these lovely gold eggs. As an adult my Mom surprised me one Christmas and gave me an entire tree worth of her hand crafted eggs. Recently when my daughters and I were going through my Mom's things, we found cartons of prepared eggs that needed to be painted and decorated. My ambitious daughter and daughter-in-law wanted to make eggs like Grandma's. They motivated me, and I made an egg for each couple and each grandchild. I love Christmas traditions, and I thank my Mom for started something that will last through the generations.

Two years later . . .

2010-11-18T13:14:00.000-08:00

We went to Fairyland recently and had to get a shot of Ella at the same spot we took two years ago. Isn't she a little princess?

California Dreamin'

2010-11-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

This is the sight Chris and I saw along the beautiful California coast last Saturday. We went with the Priest and Laurels for their annual beach trip. It's always a wild card going to the beach in November, but this particular day was gorgious. We barbequed, played in the sand and had a huge bonfire where the youth could ask their stake leaders anything they wanted, and then we ended with smores. It doesn't get much better than this.

These last few months have been especially nice for me. I was able to visit Nathan and Gemma's family in New Jersey, Laura and Taylor's family in Arizona, Alison and Jorgan in Utah, and my brother, Neils and Jolene in Albuquerque. I also got to go sailing with my brother, David in Utah (see picture above) and visit Chris' Mom and Carol and John. Chris has been so nice to hold down the fort and live on left over dinners while I've been gone. I did manage to come home in-between trips and get laundry and ironing done for him. I'm enjoying this stage of my life!

We did it!

2010-08-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

Chris and I took a day trip to John Muir woods. Our children would be so proud of us. Normally we just stay home on Saturday doing yard work, but I decided on Friday that I would get all the bushes trimmed and the lawns mowed so we could go do something fun. I have lived in the Bay Area for 33 years, and I had never been to Muir woods. It was beautiful! We hiked the medium trail, taking pictures along the way. After we finished there, we drove to Stinson Beach and ate lunch in a small café. We took a short stroll on the beach (it was cold) and started to head back to our car when we ran into the youth from our ward. They had hiked from Muir woods to the beach and were going to have a barbeque. On our way back along Highway 1, we pulled off at Muir beach overlook. It is a small piece of land/cliff that jets out into the ocean. We walked out to the end where I felt like Kate Winslet on Titanic. The whole Pacific Ocean was laid out in front of us. It was absolutely beautiful!

What did you do last summer?

2010-07-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Summer isn't over yet, and I'm sure there are many more days of swimming still ahead (thanks to my good friend Annette), but the major events have come and gone. So here is my report:

Aspen Grove Nielsen Family Reunion

2010-07-31T15:28:00.001-07:00

Chris’ Mom and almost all of her descendants were there. We had all of our children and grandchildren. Cosmo came and gave all the grandchildren a Cosmo T-shirt. I think I smiled, laughed, and relaxed more than I have in years. I even got a tan!

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4th of July

2010-07-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

Carol and John hosted their annual 4th of July bash. There were water balloon fights, games, food, and fireworks. A fun time was had by all, which was almost 90 people.

More 4th pictures . . .

2010-07-31T14:50:00.001-07:00

Taylor graduated from UCLA Law School

2010-07-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

Chris and I traveled to Los Angeles with a mini-van full of things to transfer to Taylor and Laura’s moving van. I think all of us should be tetrus champions. Every square inch of those vans were filled. Enough of the vans though, the real star was Taylor. After four years of under grad and three years of Law school, Taylor was awarded the degree of Juris Doctorate. Way to go Taylor!!!

Couldn't find "Psych". . .

2010-07-31T14:20:00.000-07:00

but we found Santa Barbara. After Taylor's graduation, Chris and I spent two days there at the beautiful Fes Parker Resort. It was a relaxing Mother's Day!

The Party Place

2010-07-31T14:15:00.001-07:00

In May we hosted a wedding reception for some good friends in our back yard. Later in July we had the 20th annual Relief Society potluck and the next night we hosted the Stake Presidency barbeque for the bishops and their wives. I’ll try to add a picture later.

Don't think I'll go into the business . . .

2010-07-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

but I feel really good about the two chairs I recovered for Eric and Anna-Lena.

Memorial Day

2010-07-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

We spent the day with Eric and Anna-Lena's family. They got together with friends for a game of baseball and a picnic.

A Tribute to my Mom

2010-07-31T13:56:00.000-07:00

I’ve written this blog many times in my mind since my Mom passed away March 18. I just don’t think I can do it justice. Her birthday was yesterday, and so I’ve been thinking about her. She was the epitome of refinement, yet made everyone around her feel comfortable. I’ve heard others say that a synonym for our family is NICE, sometimes to a fault. I don’t know if anyone can be too nice. Well, if we are nice, we learned it from my Mom. She had the ability to listen, truly listen. She knew what to say in response that was not advice, but instead led us to our own answers. Who would have known when my Dad passed away in November, my Mom would join him in eternity just four months later? Whenever I start to feel sad, I just picture the two of them together – forever. Our pediatrician had a plaque hanging in his office that read, “The best gift a father can give his children is to love their mother.” That is true for mothers too. I thank my parents for giving me the best gift. During the last three years of my Dad’s life, my Mom stayed by his side everyday. She only left the house to have her hair done on Fridays, and to go to the occasional doctor’s appointment. There was one time she had to be gone for four days when she had a knee replacement. My Dad sat in his chair those four days staring at her bedroom door. I gave him the report on how her recovery was coming along, and then I asked him if he was feeling alright. He said, “I’ll be feeling better when I see Marie walk through that door.” There’s was and is a true love story.

What happens in Vegas . . . . .?

2010-03-07T22:10:00.000-08:00

I’ll tell you what happens in Vegas. These five amazing people ran a full marathon. Yes, that’s right, 26 miles UP and down Red Rock Canyon. I can’t report on the beginning because I wasn’t there. Chris and I were doing grandparent patrol (our own mini-marathon) back at the hotel. We did manage to get the grandkids ready and to the spectator bus in time to see them cross the finish line, everyone except Jorgan that is. He was too fast and crossed the line before we arrived. Gordon and Ella had fun holding up “Go Mom, Go Dad” signs. Taylor was the first one we saw cross the line. Jake sneaked in shortly after Taylor. Alison and Laura were all smiles as they rounded the corner and headed for the finish. Jorgan ran down to meet them for the last stretch, and escorted them in. I was amazed at how peppy everyone was as they came into the home stretch. I guess it was a sigh of relief and the thrill of an accomplishment. Months of training had paid off. They were able to reach their goal. Way to go Jorgan, Alison, Jake (Jorgan's dad), Laura and Taylor!! YOU DID IT!!!
Before (4:30 a.m.)

After

Run Taylor, Run!

Charlie's Angels (or OUR angels)

A kiss well deserved.

Picture perfect family.

Happy Birthday Ella!

2010-02-15T22:31:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Ella's birthday this weekend. She loves being a princess. Her favorite movie is Sleeping Beauty. She sings the words and dances around the house. So of course, her cake had to be Aurora. I just couldn't resist. What little girl doesn't want a pink tutu and fairy wings? The shoes were about three sizes too big, so she'll have to wait a little while to wear them.

Great Grandma gave her a card that plays the Sleeping Beauty theme. Ella LOVED it, and kept opening it to hear it again and again!

Laura is so creative. She found this doll house on Craig's list. She took all the old stickers off, found really cute clip art on line, and then ModPodged them onto the house. Ella's house has wallpaper, princess posters in the girl's room, rugs, temple pictures in the living room, her family picture, a bookcase, and lots more. Both she and Gordon had a great time playing with it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLA, WE LOVE YOU!!!

Up, Up, and Away!

2010-02-15T21:56:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, February 10, I did my first Jet Blue "stand by". Alison is working for Jet Blue and as her parents, we get to fly for free. Woohoo!!! I flew to the Long Beach airport which, by the way, is a piece of aviation history. I felt like I landed in 1923. If you ever long for the simpler days, just book a flight to Long Beach. It's a cute airport! Laura pulled up curbside and we were soon off to her home in Los Angeles. We got things ready and packed for our road trip. Eric's family came Saturday, and we had fun playing in the court, decorating valentine cookies, and eating Valentine food (pink alfredo and heart shaped pizza).

Happy Birthday Dad!

2010-01-31T20:19:00.000-08:00

Today my Dad would be 82. Words cannot express how grateful I am for all that he taught me and provided for me throughout my life. Below are pictures taken at his funeral in November. We love you and miss you Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa!

A little late . . . .

2010-01-28T07:56:00.000-08:00

We hosted the High Council Christmas dinner this year and Laura asked me to post pictures. It's a little late, but here they are. (Just the table settings, not the people.) Thanks for your help with the mantle Laura!

Zoom, Zoom

2010-01-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

The pinewood derby is tonight. As mentioned in the last post, I am now the second counselor in Primary. One of my responsibilities is to support Cub Scouts. We combine with two other wards and the refreshments are rotated among the Primary counselors. I just happened to get the pinewood derby pack meeting. Enter Martha Stewart. I remembered the car shaped cookie cutter I have from the grandkids playdough stuff, so I spent most of Monday baking and decorating cookies. Chris even got into the action. For FHE we frosted cookies and he added the racing stripes. Brownies separate the lanes and mint patties hold up the checkered flags. I emailed the cub master to let her know I would bring the table cloth for the refreshment table. She was a little surprised as they normally just put refreshements behind the kitchen roll-up window and keep it down until after the meeting. I guess food makes it hard for little boys to concentrate. After I explained that I got carried away with the theme, she consented to having a refreshment table in the cultural hall. What can I say, I'm NEW! Oh,did I mention that the blue cars turn your mouth blue, and. . . two of the Dads are dentists. They are going to love me!

Change is Inevitable

2010-01-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

After serving in the Young Women presidency for the past four years, I have been given a new calling. I will really miss these sweet young women. Some of them have graduated and moved on to college or a mission. Others I have watched come in as new Beehives and they are now Laurels, driving cars and getting ready to move on.

These pictures were taken during our temple trip in December. I don't love being in pictures, but I couldn't get them to be in a picture unless I joined them. Below is sweet Alyssa who was one of my Beehives and is now a gorgious Laurel.

My new calling is second counselor in the Primary. Even though I'm sad to leave the young women, I'm really excited about serving in Primary. I have never been in Ward Primary, so this will be new and fun.

A Promise Is A Promise

2010-01-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

I promised I would blog more, so here I go:

Chris and I with our newest grandchild, Grant. We welcomed three new grandchildren to our family this past year.
I love the name Grandma. There is nothing old about it. With each new addition, the title just gets better.

Ethan striking the "fire power" pose. The grandkids love to play in the court. This was their latest discovery - a dead tree stump.

Jorgan and Alison, "the real thing". We had fun going to China town with Alison and Jorgan on New Years Day. They found some great buys on Grant Avenue. We had our traditional holiday dinner at Far East Cafe in our own private booth and then we finished the day at Ghiradelli Square with hot fudge sundaes.

One Year Later

2010-01-21T10:05:00.000-08:00

Yes, it has been a long time since I posted. Here is a picture of me with my two adroable grandaughters, Ella and Lauren, on Thanksgiving day, 2009. Baby Eden is in the background. As you can see, my last post was with these same two cuties at Christmas 2008. A lot has happened in the past year. I'll keep you posted. No, really, I promise, I'll post.

A blogger, I am not.

2009-03-18T14:58:00.001-07:00

Here I am a 50 something grandma trying to learn something new. Laura called me today at 12:45 to give me a tutorial in blogging. It is now 3:05 and what you see below is all that I have accomplished. Either I'm really slow or my computer is. Sorry there are not a lot of captions with the pictures, but that was one of my challenges. I have a new found appreciation for all of you bloggers. It takes time!!!! Not to worry family, I will continue to blog.

March Madness in So. Cal.

2009-03-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

I flew to Los Angeles on Thursday, March 12 and spent Friday at California Adventure with Taylor and Laura's family, Eric and Anna-Lena's family, and Dave and Karly's family. Sorry, no pictures. Chris spent Friday working from home and then drove to Los Angeles arriving at 10:00 p.m. We had a fun time at the beach Saturday and then drove home that evening so we could be back for Sunday responsibilities.

Valentines

2009-03-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

Chris and I spent Valentines Day with Eric and Anna-Lena's family. We started out with Ethan's basketball game. He scored 3 points and played an outstanding game. Later the boys and I played with candy playdough made from candy melts.

Fun in the Snow

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My grandchildren are the cutest!!!!
Going from left to right: Ella & Gordon (Laura and Taylor's), Ethan, Lauren, & Clark (Eric and Anna-Lena's), Evan (Nathan and Gemma's)

Is that Santa and his reindeer I hear up on the roof top?

2009-03-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

They should be models, don't you think?

Alison and Jorgan in front of the Oakland Temple.

2009-03-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Clark spending time together on Thanksgiving day while the Turkey cooks.

I'm finally posting!!!

2009-03-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Chris is usually behind the camera, so it's nice to have a picture of him. This was after a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner. Notice the content look on everyone's face.

I am going to be a blogger...

2009-01-20T14:27:00.001-08:00

It has happened! Mom has gotten a blog. All done by force by her beautiful daughters. We have made a place where mom can post whatever her heart desires :)

WE LOVE YOU MOM!