The Grinch

Ok- just had to post this little tid-bit:

We got the good old Dr Seuss cartoon of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and Eli has watched it probably 10 times. He enjoyed it immensely, but now he found out that you can change the languages and has been cracking up listening to it in French! Everything anyone says is just hilarious to him! Try it sometime, you may find a joy you never could have imagined!

He has taken quite a liking to other languages lately- Kaija came home from school the other day with some Chinese phrases which he repeats at very random moments. On another occasion last week when my van was in the shop and Joe was out of town (alas more repairs; both vans are good now, but the pocket book is still a little sore), we had to use Joe's van to run errands. Eli was just delighted that he had been listening to his Norwegian Book of Mormon tapes, so that is what we listened to all through town- he sat very still and just listened. Perhaps this one will be a linguist; one can only hope!

Celebrating 15 Years

It is hard to believe that it has been 15 years since Joseph and I were married! I have been looking through photo albums today and thinking just how quickly time passes by (and how I miss my hair looking like that)!

I was thinking that my biggest regret was not having a professional photographer at my wedding, there just wasn't the kind of digital amazing-ness then that there is now- C'est la vie! (These technological advances make me feel old)!

Who could have known then that we would have so many fun adventures together, some tough times to help us grow closer, and lots of happiness all along the way. It is amazing how you can love someone so deeply, and to love him more now than I ever thought was possible!

It is a good thing that he is willing to put up with all my quirks and the fact that I tease him incessantly (I can't help it- it's just so much fun)!

Though I would love to look like that again, I certainly have no desire to return to that time; I so much prefer the maturity that comes with the added years. Well it is just too bad that Joe is in St Louis today- here is hoping he will get home before the day is over!

We once gave Joe's parents a very funny anniversary card with a humorous list of each year's meaningful anniversary gifts. We think of it each year wishing we had a copy of it!

We are thinking this one is Velcro for sure... perhaps duct tape!

It's a Jolly Holiday

Well it takes me time to catch up on all the fun things that we have going on here in the Burg.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, Amy and Dave came up and we had a great time baking, doing some good old home improvements, and playing games- the kids were glad to have more people to play The Great Dalmuti with, and the ever entertaining Curses, Blink and Set, etc.

We had a great Thanksgiving meal with friends from church, and I dare say that we were very thankful for such wonderful people to spend it with, and for delicious food! We are truly blessed and feel such gratitude for all the good things in our lives, and mostly for the amazing relationships that we have with family and friends!

I am feeling a little sad that I didn't actually take any pictures- at least I have the memories right!

Amy and I were able to take Zach and Brooke to the St Louis Temple on Saturday, while Joe and Dave slaved away on the electrical wiring in the basement; obviously I got the better end of the deal!

I did take the kids on a fun outing last Saturday (while Joe was doing some more electrical work on the house), I had been dying to go to a little place in Bonner Springs Kansas called The Moon Marble Company. It was a great little place with much more than just marbles. We loved the marble making demonstration; the kids are ready to go back any moment now, they have asked many times since then when we can go back!

So now each day just races by and I hate to think that I will blink and the holidays will be over. For now we love getting cozy by the fireplace and Christmas lights and warm cocoa. We are trying to incorporate some Norwegian festivities into our Christmas plans again this year- we had such a fun time last year! Alas, a new tradition is born in the Nielsen household!

D.I.Y.

Well, Joe had to leave for St. Paul yesterday and I had to get the fireplace tiled.

We have the new insert coming in the morning- yea, and yikes!

So as all remodeling projects go, we ran into some challenges. The biggest one being Joe's departure and the immediate need to get it done! Getting the backer board onto the brick was a crazy ordeal since it had been painted with about 12 buckets of paint and the bricks were soooo brittle, but alas nothing a few new tools, help from a friend, and a lot of hammer wielding wouldn't cure. (I truly think that we are keeping Lowe's in business right now!)

We will just say that it was an excessively long day. I love that my husband has such great confidence in my abilities- he was just sure I could do it, and do you know what I did- though I am as slow as mud! I really don't mind the actual projects, it is just we always underestimate just how long each project will take and we are always working on them during times with other stresses weighing down on us; but truly that is what life is, isn't it?

Thanks to David for helping me get the backer board started and Shelly for the late night chat and help with keeping me sane- and my kids who all took a turn at helping with the process. And Joe for all the tips, good advice and support over the phone!

Back for some more NYC

So I can't believe it has almost been a week since I got back from my trip to NYC. I went with my good friend Carrie O. and her friend (and now mine) Heather D.

Carrie's sweet husband gave me a call 6 or 7 weeks ago asking if I would be willing to join his wife on a trip to the Big Apple- who could say no to that!! (Thanks John for inviting me to go!) It was a great secret for Carrie up until the day before we left, which was last Thursday (Nov. 5-8). I was just delighted for the chance to catch up and have some much needed girl time!

So as far as keeping things a secret- it was wonderful fun, but planning out all the details was a little more challenging! So I will sum up this wonderful girls weekend- at least a little bit!

First I had to meet up with Carrie and Heather at the Hotel in New Jersey, which was located right by the Giants Stadium. Then we headed to the big city, and went into Times Square for the evening's activities. We had to have a quick dinner at a semi-lame deli, too bad the wait at Carmine's was too long.

This was for all of us, our first time actually going to a Broadway show in NYC. (I know, it's crazy that Joe and I didn't do that while we lived there). Anyhow, we weren't sure what Carrie would want to see, but she had mentioned wanting to see Mary Poppins in passing to Heather- so that is where we ended up. Weird huh! Well the New Amsterdam Theatre is lovely, and the scenery was cool. We had great seats, but overall we all agreed that it was just OK- not remarkable. Oh well, hind sight is 20/20!

Day 2 we thought we would take in the sights of lower Manhattan. Bummer, another bad choice- who would have thought that the New York Yankee's celebration parade would be held down there! Just goes to show what a sports fan I am! Well, I guess at least Carrie and Heather got first had experience of the crowded subway and insane amounts of people being thrilled with the outcome of the World Series.

We snuck in a view of the Brooklyn Bridge from South St. Seaport, walked in and amongst the buildings of Wall St. saw a portion of the parade at Bowling Green, with everyone shoving paper out of their windows. Caught a glimpse of Lady Liberty from Battery Park, walked past Ground Zero and saw the progress there, and got stuck in the crowds leaving the parade- yuck!

Some more NYC

After our mishap with the parade route, we made our way to the highly entertaining China town and all of the tradespeople shoving laminated papers of knock off purses, jewelry, DVD's and every other thing, into your face. I was glad that Heather was an adventurous sort, because we got to see some of the back rooms of the shops there. Oh, I mean those don't actually exist... but I did learn who Jimmy Choo is!

We had lunch at Novella's in Little Italy- we had the most amazing pumpkin soup and gnocchi ever! We followed up lunch with some more walking. We walked our little feet off, experienced 5th Ave, FAO and Heather's amazing piano playing, saw lots of window displays and paused at Rockefeller Center to watch some ice skating.

We ended our crazy shopping day eating yummy stuff at Serendipity! The lemon ice box pie with raspberry sauce, whipped cream and fruit was astounding- you should try it!

Day 3 was great, beginning at the temple- no better place for peace in the big city.

Shopping near Penn Station, a walk by the Empire State building, a quick jaunt through Central Park, and a nice visit to the Metropolitian Museum. It was cool to see the art from the American wing housed in visible storage while they are finishing the space. I can't believe I didn't take a picture. Then to finish out the day, a very long wait for the M72 bus, taking us to Patsy's Pizzeria (on the upper west side) and finishing it off at Crumbs bakery.

Day 4- Sunday, final day. Plan was... check out of the hotel, go to church and spend time with NYC friends, go to St. John and depart- myself a few hours earlier than the others. What actually happened was: check out of hotel, take bus to Port Authority, get downstairs and realize I left a bag on the bus- run back upstairs and just miss the bus heading down the ramp back into New Jersey. Sad face comes upon me- have to wait for another bus to bring it back to the terminal an hour and 15 min. later; wait around- go and look at Times Square during daylight, walk by Bryant Park, go back to wait for the bus. Some communication issues- bus driver went to a different place, then left. Another hour and half wait. Hop on subway to take Carrie and Heather to church, hug friends quickly, head back to Port Authority. Wait an extra 30 min beyond meeting time, finally get bag. Race back to the church in time to change clothes and catch the subway north and get to the bus taking me to the airport. Mental note- never leave anything on the bus!!

So the comedy of errors comes to a close, well not until after Carrie and Heather get back to the airport to find her car battery dead in the parking lot........

Closing up October

Well, I haven't posted much lately, but I have been keeping busy. I had the opportunity to go to Time Out for Women in Kansas City with my sisters Anne and Barbara, and technically, Amy (sis-in-law). We met up with friends from Springfield and Warrensburg and I even got the chance to see some friends from the Lawrence days! It was great to spend the weekend being filled with inspirational messages and music. The line up was fantastic, though I have to admit my favorite was Kris Belcher, who is blind, talking about her challenges and experiences in a down-to-earth manor, and not just that but down right hilarious! Her sense of humor nearly made me keel over with fits of laughter- she is someone I would like to know!

I couldn't have enjoyed myself any more- unless you could have made Kenneth Cope disappear, and a whole village of workers make our lunch at the hotel restaurant more quickly- at least the food was really good! Such a great time- I can't believe I have never been before now!

So next, we have just passed that sugar laden holiday called Halloween. I made the kids fend for themselves this year as far as costumes go, for school Zach was an old man with glasses and suspenders and the whole nine yards- but as the day went on he had a desire to go to the dark side and opted to be the Emperor instead of a nice old man. Last year was great since we were in NYC all we did was get some funny masks from the Met. Museum Store and went to a fun party with some friends from church. The next day (actually Halloween) we just went for a walk and saw all the crazies dressed up riding their bikes through Manhattan.

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I totally lucked out this year too, on Friday I only had to help out in Bella's class with some games and snacks, then that evening we had our awesome ward party with potluck soups and fresh scones, where everyone got to dress up, and the kids got to play some games and have a few treats, then we came home. No one really mentioned going trick-or-treating the next day- hooray for me! We just worked on some projects at home that have been postponed for a little while, then as evening came upon us the kids wanted to play Dance Dance Revolution, which we had found earlier on that day. So, we have found another home to live in where no one comes trick-or-treating!!!! (Bah humbug, right!!) The kids were just as happy as clams to get candy after they had their turn on the D.D.R.- it was sheer bliss- they didn't even fight about taking turns! Try it, you might like it!

Now I am just getting ready for my next fun adventure......... more to come later!

Another Eli-ism

Well yesterday Eli commented that he didn't want to get the "Slime Flu"! I have to agree with him there- it sounds just terrible!

Anyone have opinions on the vaccine?

Columbus Day

Ok, for some reason I could not get it through my head that this was a holiday. My kids were in school and Joe was at work and I had a thousand things that I have put off that I needed to get done today, but alas I was reminded again and again.

After dropping the kids off, I had to run some errands, first thing on the list: mail a package at the post office- there were cars there and people coming in and out, so it didn't dawn on me that they would be closed- ah yes post office box people, nice! Right after that I loaded up Eli and buckled him in the van and turned right around for my next errand- right over to the bank. Oh brother! But from there I went to Wal-mart which is always open.

Later in the day after a nice lunch with Joseph and Eli I came home and gathered the library books that needed to be returned, we picked up Zach and Kaija from school and headed to the library. The parking lot was full and I got the last good parking place right in front of the entrance, then we saw the note on the door, CLOSED! Now you would think that it would sink in by this time, but after a short visit to the park and a stop to pick up Bella we drove up by the house and I stopped like I do everyday, for Kaija to get the mail! Yes I am obviously not giving Columbus the attention that he deserves! It is almost too embarrassing to admit, but I will get over it soon enough!

Well to close this fine day of forgetfulness, we had the opportunity to go and see Kim Peek, the savant who the movie Rain Man was based off of. And yes he remembers everything- how I wish I could have some of that rub off on me! It was a great thing for our whole family to see, people asked him their questions about any number of things and he answered in his very unique way, sometimes breaking into song or sharing a joke. He has a great sense of humor! I really admire his father for dedicating his life to caring for his son so lovingly.

Check out this clip of him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2T45r5G3kA

My Buddy

This is my buddy Eli- I took a few pictures of him last week when he started Preschool. We opted not to send him to the University Preschool, instead I am taking turns teaching with a couple of friends who also have kiddos the same age as Eli. He loves it, and so do I!

Joe suggests that Eli and I just have way too much fun together!

The Plaza Arts Festival

The Plaza Arts Festival

The moth/butterfly that wanted to come home with each of us!

Kaija's interpretation of the events:

Before we told her not to take pictures of the artwork

My favorite for sure!

(Not the one of my hind quarters, the one of Joe and the street!)

Wings and Things

So last weekend we went to the Kansas City Art Festival (on the Plaza), it has been a few years since we have been able to go and I was very glad for the diversion- I just love creative people and their wares!

As we were driving down the road we came across an establishment called "Wings and Things"; now I don't know what that conjures up in your mind, but we were all completely grossed out. What is... "and Things"? I would like a bucket of wings and throw in 2 cups of beaks and some feet.... or a hammer. We are just not sure about it- has anyone ever been and what are these Things they speak of?

We are getting ready for our semi-annual trip down to Ozark to watch General Conference with Joseph's sister and her family; it has been a long time tradition for us and we look forward to it every six months- the kids have been counting down, so tomorrow evening we will bid Warrensburg adieu for the weekend- I love Conference. So for all of you who have a hankering to go and get some "Wings and Things" Kansas City is the place for you, but as for me and my family- we will be having Andy's Frozen Custard in Springfield!

St Louis

We had the greatest day in St. Louis on Saturday. We started out with a stop over at the temple- I love that Joe and I get to go together now; it is a great perk to having kids that are a little older. Plugging a movie in the car can be a very helpful child-sitter (I don't exactly have babies anymore)!

One movie and we are good to go!

After the temple we decided to check out somewhere we haven't been before- we opted for the City Museum and we have all concluded that it is the new favorite, oh how I love creative people!

It was designed by a group of 20 or so artists and it is a blast!

Now, if we could just get back there to go again!

I've had a birthday

So there it is- today I turned 35, I think. I always have to check with my kids to see how old I am, honestly I have been known to add or subtract a year or two without meaning to- some people do it on purpose, I just don't really seem to care how old I am, so I don't keep track as well as I might otherwise; it's weird, I know.

On this fine day I spent my time cleaning and rearranging my bedroom, taking and picking kids up from school, all done with a birthday flare of course! Eli was humming or singing the Happy Birthday song to me all day, my dear friend Julie made me a beautiful cheesecake to aid in the celebration.

I have decided to celebrate all week, why celebrate only one day? Joe should be home at the end of the week so we will celebrate again when he gets back.

Tonight I skipped out on Cub Scouts at the church so I could be with my girls at their back-to-school family Activity Day party at the Michaelsen's. We had a really great time-the kids always love to go on the zip-line and play in the paddle boats on the pond and feed the fish; we miss living close to Chris and Larry!

That was a great way to spend my birthday- thanks to everyone for making it such a wonderful day! I had a nice surprise when Zach caught up to us after scouts- he handed me a bouquet of flowers from one of my Cub Scouts. What a sweet gesture from one of my favorite young people- Thanks Nolan, I very nearly cried- (OK, I did have a little tear when I told Joe about it- I can't help it I was so touched)!

And I have to pay special homage to my parents who brought me into this great world so I could even have birthdays to celebrate, I sure love you. One more year and I will be the age my mother was when she had me. Wow- I still have to apologize to my mom every birthday, because I was such a huge baby- bless her for bringing a 10 lb. 13 oz. kiddo into this world- yep that's me born at 22:53, I know because I just had to order a copy of my birth certificate so I could get my license renewed- now that I think of it, I should have put that weight on my license!! (When cops pull people over do they look at what people put as their weight and just laugh?? I wonder, do we all deserve a ticket for lying about it?)

Mr Rogers moments

Growing up during the 70-80's you inevitably were subjected to daily doses, or at the very least portions of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. There, in the little land of make believe, are some rather interesting characters, among them is the all important King Friday, "I presume" and my all time favorite ridiculousness, Henrietta Pussy Cat, "Meow Meow, I like you, Meow Meow".

I had, for what ever reason, slipped some of these voices, and oh so quotable quotes, into random family conversations. My kids finally asked where in the world I came up with that, and I had to tell them that I was not the master mind behind this silly speech- so in this the great day of You-Tube I let them in on my little secret and showed them some vintage Mr. Rogers.

Now they are all talking like that, "Can I, meow meow, have some breakfast, meow meow?", "I presume"! It nearly slays me when Eli says "I presume"- he sounds very much like our good old friend King Friday! Today I think that I shall introduce them to Mr Ed!

Winding Down and Starting Again

Blackberries and Bikes

We have had some lovely times picking blackberries over the last couple of weeks and have ended up with a plethora of blackberries- 34 lbs to date; this could be an expensive hobby- but worth it; I could probably eat a whole flat of berries myself, and wouldn't mind spending a lot of time in their lovely gardens- three cheers for Buckeye Acres!

We also harvested our grapes- sadly it wasn't a large quantity, but enough to get a couple of batches of jelly. I think we have just had too much rain this year and too much cool weather, though you will never hear me complain about that point!

Bella and Kaija were very helpful making the grape jelly.

Zachary completed their 100 mile ride on the 14-15th. He enjoyed every second of it and we are indebted to all the wonderful leaders that took their time to make it such a great trip!

He is already planning a time for me to take him and ride through his favorite areas!

He was a little sore, but he did great.

We are officially on day 2 of school and the kids are very happy with the new schedules. They came home smiling yesterday, and that is always a good sign!

Joe has been out of town for a week or so and has about that much to go- we are never really sure. He is working on installing an instrument in Grand Rapids MI. We always look forward to his return- Eli most especially. But following this instillation they will be in town for quite a while. I like this plan!

Crown Center

Well this is by far the worst slide show we have ever created, so please ignore the quality of the photos- the lighting just didn't do anything for my cell phone, and Eli chose the annoying spiral design. Disclaimer: I am not responsible for anyone getting sick from viewing this particular slide show!!

I took the kids up to Crown Center in Kansas City to see the free Lego display (I think it is there until Labor Day). It was very cool and we are decidedly glad that we went. While you are there you can hardly pass up the opportunity to go to the Hallmark Visitor's Center, and we also ventured to go to the ever famous Fritz's train restaurant. The food is hardly worth the effort and very expensive for the minuscule amounts that you get. This was only our second time there, but we were sure to only get a couple of shakes and some fries so the train could deliver the fries to the table. However lacking it was, I felt like it was the perfect time to indulge Eli, it is the perfect place for 4 year old boys- truly, who knows when we will make it up their again!