Multiple Nelsons

For those that might not be familiar with Danish Tradition... The bulk of Christmas celebrations are done on Christmas Eve. Lots of eating, decorating, exchanging of presents and etc... The Robison side (my mother's) is where this tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve came from. On my Grandpa Robison's side there are quite a few Danish ancestors. I have always loved opening presents on Christmas Eve and then seeing the "big" present from Santa in the morning. As my FIL commented this past weekend, "So it is like you are having two Christmases". Exactly!!! Christmas Eve - Reading and Activity out the story of Christ's Birth. Here we are acting out the story of Christ's birth, Crazy "A" was our sheep and Grandpa Dan was the shepherd. Miss "Jacolena" was our Angel... she had been wearing the costume all day. This girl is in love with dressing up. :) "Missa" was Mary, cousin Tyler was our designated donkey. ...

Merry Christmas!! "Jacolena" showing me her ornament she made at school. Cleaning up before we make homemade wrapping paper. "The Making of" and "end result of" our Homemade Wrapping paper . I got the idea from a friend who also has LOSM (lots of small children) and thought I would try it. It wasn't easy for me b/c I don't like to make more messes but the two kids that helped loved the idea of painting. We were able to wrap 3 presents with the homemade wrapping paper. I need to perfect the recipe for the paint by not adding so much dish soap and make it thicker. I also need to work on my carving skills. hehehehe. Last night we went with my two siblings and their families to see the lights at Temple Square. We met at Jason's Deli @ the Gateway, ate dinner and opened gifts. We had a good time at Jason's Deli eating, playing and talking. Then from there we headed over to Temple Square. It of course was cold, packed with a ton o...

For 10 years now I have had a very hard time giving "Friend Gifts". I don't know what it was... maybe there were too many people to chose from? or I was lazy? too much drama if I forgot a co-worker? who knows. Anyway, last year I gave a very few (3-4) friend gifts and that was it. This year I decided to be more "friendly" and thank all those that have helped me and who have befriended me. At first I didn't think there would be very many. Pleasantly surprised, I do have friends here in Utah! (It hasn't been easy making friends here... it has been 3.5 years and I finally can say I have friends). I would have like to have made about 4 more cookie mixes but I had to draw the line somewhere. But hopefully this will help me spark my frugal/crafty side and next year I can include more people. I am on a very low budget and found a great idea on Pinterest - Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix in a Jar. How much did I spend? 8 Jars - nothing... used from canning my p...

after 22 years elementary, middle and high school college marriage 4 children My basketball skills/energy have decreased a whole lot. It was not really that bad until after I had "crazy a". My balance, confidence and logical skills are just not as good. I am on a competitive basketball team with one of my friends from church. She has four kids too and is 1.5 years younger but she has so much more energy than the rest of the team. All of us on the team range from 30-43 years of age. Compared to the other teams which all of them are under 30 and most are not married. For the first game we got creamed, slowly but surely we have increased our points and played so much better as a team. I am hoping I can get my confidence back and not play so "tight". On a better note my volleyball skills have just about caught up to my basketball skills. I can spike, serve the ball over hand and understanding the game much better. I am hoping eventually my skills will come back...

We have completed one year of Family Scripture Study! Remember this post, November 16, 2010 . To keep myself on track we have accomplished 2 of those goals 100% and 1 of those goals 50%. Our 2010 Goals: Family Scripture Study .... We did it! We have read the Book of Mormon for an entire year, 2-8 verses a night. We haven't finished the Book of Mormon but we are still reading. Right now we are in 2 Nephi 24. It hasn't been easy and most of the time the kids don't know what is going on, but we did it. When there is a familiar story we get out pictures and show them, then they can understand. Most of the time it is "Missa", "Jacolena", Daddy and me reading, sometimes "Jare Bear" and "Crazy A" will contribute. Family Home Evening every week: We did that too! It sometimes falls on Sunday night but every week we have set aside time to spend time with our kids. Not every week there is a lesson but we do teach our kids valuable gos...

"....I have been TRYING so hard to be good this year. Here is what I would like for Christmas: Barbie, Bike, Polly Pockets, little tv and Dollhouse. Have a Merry Christmas, Missa Nelson" Since Thanksgiving two of our kids have been not easy children. Basically the beginnings of being Sarcastic. Whom do they get that from? hehehehe: For those of you that know me... hopefully you can answer that. :) Anyway to help Troy and I out, I started with Missa writing a letter to Santa to emphasize that we must be good to get presents. We have had to instill a strict policy of timeouts and "threats" from Santa's helpers so that these two children (Missa and Jacolena) can receive presents from Santa Claus. I think next year we are going to start the Elf on the Shelf, you know, the one that watches them. The twins have the "Monthly Nelson Sickness" this week. It is the usual cough/cold and congestion. They aren't at school today and we shall see abou...

Thank you Brittney (my SIL) for taking our pictures again. They turned out great and I can't wait to order them. It was FREEZING outside but we endured and had fun. With a little bribery and warming up in the car it worked!