General Relief Society

I had the great opportunity to go to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints conference building to listen to the General Relief Society messages with 3 of my friends from my new ward. Whenever I go to these meetings, I always leave wanting to be a better person. I love how the leaders of our church are able to address things that I need to hear and be reminded of. It was a needed uplift. The main talks were based upon the wonderful program of Relief Society and Visiting Teaching and the importance that they are in our lives. Some things that hit me were the following:

"To reach or fullest potential is the goal of R.S."

"Every righteous woman is in Gods plan - R. S needs you and you need R.S"

"True wisdom- non essential things clutter our lives, get rid of it."

"Mind the GAP- in order to be safe( from what we know and actually do)."

*1. "Believing and Knowing you are a daughter of God." - (Nothing can separate you from the love of God, accept Gods love and love everyone.)

*2. "Becoming a fully engaged member in R.S."- (Your goals and expectations may not always end up as planned, find happiness and joy on the path you are on.)

*3. "Believing in Jesus Christ and being valiant."- (We must have faith, repent and endure to the end. Share your testimony, be converted. Share the gospel with those we love.)

"Reach out to those in need! Serve!!"

"No salvation will be given without compassionate service."

"Be an example of good."

Our Cute Little BYU Cougar

There is no doubt that James will like the BYU cougars. His daddy is one of the biggest fans and I have already been told over and over again that James will be going to all the games. We went to the first BYU home game with all the Nielson clan. We decked out all the little guys and mom and I went with all the boys to cheer on the Cougars. James, Cadeo and Beckam were champs about letting us paint their faces. We got lots of looks and comments. It was great. I love the big hype of the big event and we had the best seats. We were sitting front row at the fifty yard line, right behind the opposing team. We got the best seats in the house, besides the R.C Willy recliners that are a right in front of us to the right. Thus, we are usually on T.V when they zoom in on the special guests who sit in those seats. So look for us next time. I love how excited Josh and his twin, Jarod get into the game. They are so alike in some ways, yet so different in others. It was the cutest watching just how proud they were with their little guys. They are the greatest daddy's to their boys. "GO COUGARS!!!!"

Our little cougar jabs in cougar spirit baby talk. (At least that's what Josh hopes.) James was a total champ for his first game. He loved all the entertainment, the field, the people and especially his cousins. He is such a little social bud. He makes friends with everyone around him. It was so much fun having us join us. He sure spices things up, especially for me. We love the cougars and our family who always makes it even more fun for us. So this is just the beginning of a long future of BYU football games with the fam.....

Hand in Hand for 3 Years

How do I begin to tell you how lucky I am to have you in my life? I'll start by saying what an honor it is for me to be your wife. You're my best friend in the good times and my rock in times of sorrow. You're the reason for sweet yesterdays and my promise for tomorrow. I never thought I could feel this loved until I became your wife. You made this year and the last 3 years the best ones of my life. We will be hand in hand today, tomorrow and have been for the last 3 years. Happy Anniversary Joshy! Always and Forever No Matter What. I love the 3 of us. It has been so much fun raising James together. I am so excited to be the mother and you the father of our perfect child.

Real Proof of the Hulk

Here is complete proof of our little hulk baby. He tells us exactly how he feels. Nothing is held back from him. Just watch his face and his little fists, it's priceless.

James at 10 months

Our Mover and Shaker is 10 months old today. Two months until he hits the one year mark. Ahhhh, he is pretty much a toddler now. It amazes me how I just can't get enough of him. Everyday when I wake up I get so excited to see him, or if I am away from him for an amount of time, I just grind my teeth and want to eat him up. I am addicted to him and just enjoy everything about him. There is nothing better than being his mommy and watching everything he does and how he progresses and learns everyday. He is an extremely fast learner for his age. He watched his older cousins all the time and when we show him how to do something he is so brave just to try it. James is weighing in at 19 lbs 6 oz. He's becoming so heavy to carry in his baby seat. I mean his mommy is sure getting an arm workout with or without the baby seat. He's a heavy little one. He has had 2 big bottom chomper since he was almost 8 months. They are still the only ones in his mouth. Yet he seems to do quite well, considering he loves to put absolutely anything in his mouth that has taste. He doesn't care if it's tough or hard, he'll find away to chomp it down. One of Jameserman's new favorite food are grapefruit. Who would have guessed. I let him taste one thinking he would cringe a bit at how sour it is, yet he just plopped it further into his mouth and hinted he wanted more. With lemons he does the same thing, just eats it like it's no big deal. James loves bananas and loves to eat out of a normal glass just like his mommy, even though the majority of the time it ends up all over him- He thinks he's a big boy already.

If you have ever read the children's book, The Hungry Caterpillar, than you know what this picture resembles. He loves this book and he even has pj's to match. Just like the caterpillar, James takes bites through anything and everything. Sometimes I wonder what he has ate after I change his diaper. Sad to say he has even eaten dog food on more than one occasion (and seems to like it, cause he hates when I sweep his mouth with my finger and remove it). Well, I guess I can't complain that he's a picky eater.

Our Mover and Shaker is constantly on the go and he barely ever stops, unless he wants a fast 5-10 second snuggle. Then he's ready to go again. He's got great rhythm to music. He totally puts his hands in the air and shakes his whole body to the beat of a catchy song. He is so entertaining to watch and get rallied up. He had his first major dance party with all his cousins a few days ago and loves it. It's great to see just how much he loves music and that he can carry on a beat with a huge smile.

The best way to get this little sweety to bed is to cradle him in my arms, with his silky blanket on his face, a bottle in his mouth and a story book right in front of him, while I read. He just loves books so much these days. One of his favorite books he seems to really enjoy is called I Love You Through and Through. The little boy in the book, looks just like him. This rocking chair seems to be soothing to him too. Usually after a story and prayer he is drowsy and ready to lay down. He's so cute as he tries to stay awake, yet sleep takes over. He's a wonderful sleeper. He usually goes to sleep between 7:30 or 8:30 PM and wakes up around 6:00 or 7:00 AM(and on some days 4:30 AM for a fast drink of milk)Than he has his first nap at 10:00 AM for an hour to 2hours. His second nap takes place around 4:00 PM and sleeps about the same length depending on the day. Then he's out again for the evening. All I can say, is sleep and food affects him dramatically. If fed and rested, he is a happy and joyful little guy who is into everything. He's our mover and shaker.

James now loves anything on wheels. He loves to push them as he crawls across the room. They usually end up in his mouth too. He's becoming a better sharer and gets along extremely well with other kids around his age. He totally enjoys little kids. Anytime he hears his cousins upstairs, he bolts up the stairs with a huge smile on his face, excited to see Eliza and McKay.He is a pro at climbing the stairs and he can climb them in a matter of seconds. Just today he did his first step backwards. He will have to learn how to go the opposite way without tumbling backwards. He loves crawling up the stairs, I can just tell in his facial expression how proud he is of himself and the big boy things he can do. It doesn't seem to matter to him how big the stairs are, he just goes. Yet, it's scary for his mommy and daddy just knowing that he is a little dare devil too.

About 3 months after James was born, I realized that there was nothing similar in appearance between James and his momma. Yet, the only things that are really like me are his ears, which are kind of pointed and flattened (aka elf ears) at the top, his flat bum and last but not least, his Mamma's MARK. This is on his left arm and the coloring of his birthmark is the exact same color as my skin. Well, at least he has a mark visible enough that I can claim him as mine. This snake was found by his cousin, Bryson, in the backyard. At first I was iffy about letting James be near it, than I thought it would be a lot of fun for him. He loved the snake. James has a little rubber snake that is one of his favorite toys, so seeing one that actually moves was pure entertainment for him. He was so funny as he didn't know what to do, all he would do is wave his hands back and forth and try to follow it. I already know that James is going to show much interest is an any kind of animal, be tame or wild. I guess this is where his curiosity takes over.

Just a few days ago he has started to communicate to me that he loves being in the presence of his mommy. He has been getting sad if I leave the room or put him down when he wants to be held by me. I will admit that I kind of like it. He totally loves me and I just love seeing the expression on his face that shows me that all he wants to do is be with his momma. These are the precious moments that I soak up and just treasure. I mean, who knows how long this will last. We can also be in a room with a lot of people and he can find me across the room as he crawls to my legs and kind of makes it known that he is there and then puts his hands up for me to pick him up. He is such a mover and a shaker and he's got me wrapped around his little finger. I would do anything for him.

My Super Hero's

I never knew I belonged to a family of super hero's until the year 2009. It is true, I was one lucky girl who found my dream man, Superman. My days are not just ordinary and normal, everyday I am astonished as he takes us on rides in the sky, across mountains, in swamps and up to high buildings. We are constantly experiencing easy and hard things together. Yet, at the end of the day he is my hero and the super man that I always wanted right next to me. All in all, we have such a fun little family, and it is Superman who makes us laugh, creates chaos and excitement with the littlest things in life.

My SUPERMAN

At Liberty Academy, he is know as Superman by all the elementary kids. Whenever he enters my class they all get so excited and yell "Superman!" He is known as a celebrity in the halls of the school. There is no doubt in my mind that he lightens up so many faces when he is around kids. He has a way of making them feel so special. He truly deserves that name, since he is one of the coolest men with such a caring and giving heart to people of all ages. Together, with Superman we created The Incredible Hulk. He is definitly incredible and is not shy to show us how he feels. He is so strong and is always trying to do big guy things. Whenever he has crackers, paper or anything that can crunch, break or crack he grabs it in his hands, makes huge tight fists and makes the tough guy look, just like the Hulk. Our hulk baby is into everything and never stops. He is definitely curious and interested in anything new. Little Hulk still has a lot of growing to do, but he is sprouting like a weed (without the green ). He is definitely a sweetie at the same time too, along with the tough side; shines a happy, full of life and fun personality that makes anyone that knows him- Love the Incredible Hulk!

My INCREDIBLE HULK

Last but not least, I have received the name of Wonder Woman by my husband, friends and from people at work. Just so I don't feel left out, I guess we are a Super Hero family after all, with a lot to work on a whole lot to do in making the world around us a better place.

I hope to be Wonder Woman some day.Consequently, I don't feel like Wonder Woman on most days, yet it is something good to hope to be some day. When life become hard, busy, frustrating or even confusing- all I have to do is think about being in a cartoon magazine and play it out in my mind as I wish it would have gone and learn from it for next time. Wonder Woman must have been pretty wonderful, and all I can seek to become is wonderful in the eyes of Superman and the Incredible Hulk. Life is to short and love is so long. Thus, I have decided to make my life an adventure and to become the super hero's we all want to become, with a few exceptions of course. Seeking to become better is how we become a better person.

Living and learning from everything and everyone around us how we get there. LIVE and LEARN.....

Marvel at the chance to live your life without regrets. We all make mistakes everyday.

Have fun in life and be a kid at heart.

The greatest joys come from imagination and creating a life that is fun, eventful and exciting. Do crazy things- no matter who is watching. Be a super hero even though we are told that is for children. Enjoy life to the fullest and make every minute count.

We are all super, incredible and wonderful in a few things. ..........WHICH SUPER HERO ARE YOU?

Just because.....

I could never ask for such a great mom! She drove 12 hours, which ended up being 15 hours, with a 85 year old lady ,just because.... She came for no reason, just because..... She sacrificed a whole weekend for my family and I, just because..... She didn't get very much sleep, just because...... She came and helped me in my 3rd grade classroom, just because..... She took me out to Cafe Rio and Los Harmones just because..... She cuddled me and baby James just because.... She went swimming with us at Seven Peaks, just because.... She did it all with a smile, just because....... .................SHE LOVES US!!! We love you mom/ grandma and thanks so much for making us a total priority in your life. You make us feel so special and loved. You are always in our thoughts! It is always hard seeing mom leave, especially when there are tears , making my eyes wet too. I just wish mom and dad lived closer to us. They are so important to us and they would do anything for us. We are so lucky to see them as often as we do, considering the long distance between us.