18 Dec 2016 - Can you believe that Christmas is only a week away? Crazy! For some reason the holidays snuck up on us faster this year than before.
The last three weeks have been fairly normal as far as working and remodeling. We are getting close on the house but haven't had quite a much time recently to work on it with holiday parties and things.
Yesterday we went down to Mesa to help Nathan and his family move which was an adventure! There is always more stuff than you think there will be and it was their first time moving so they were learning the ropes! It is a cute little place that they have purchased and they seem to like it. We ended the day with a surprise birthday party for Papa who turned 85! It was fun to see some of the family for an hour or so.
We are trying to wrap things up here so we can get up to Utah for a couple of days. It won't be very many days but we are hoping for some quality time, even if the quantity isn't an option!
Love you all!!!
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Nilsson News
Well, there isn't much to post here. Henry has been sick since the start of the week with a super runny nose, cough, etc. Thankfully he has been fairly pleasant about it. Since he likes to hang around on his mother so much, he decided to give his germs to me. I've had a sore throat, cough and no voice since about Wednesday. I was pretty bummed to miss out on all the partying, as was Eliza. We made a few Christmas presents for the siblings that were at Grandma's and that was pretty enjoyable. I hope we get to see some footage of the amazing cousins concert! Garrett was able to get a few more walls built in the basement and we are pretty much to the point of needing an electrician (calling Scott! Where are you Scott?!). We are still trying to adjust to this crazy winter weather. One day it's 10 degrees outside with a bitter wind blowing and the next day it's warm and raining. I hope our animals will survive alright.
We hope all of you are enjoying this delightful time of year and are trying to keep it from slipping by too quickly! I always wish it could last a little bit longer! Love you all!
P.S. Congrats to Emma on making callbacks for the performing missionaries!!!! I wish I was as awesome as you!
We hope all of you are enjoying this delightful time of year and are trying to keep it from slipping by too quickly! I always wish it could last a little bit longer! Love you all!
P.S. Congrats to Emma on making callbacks for the performing missionaries!!!! I wish I was as awesome as you!
Hart Happenings
So, I guess technology is great as long as it works, but when it stops working I have to face the embarrassing reality that said technology has made me lazy. Case in point: I'm so used to using my phone to post on the blog and upload pictures that since the Blogger app on my phone has started malfunctioning I have just not been able to muster up the energy to pick up the computer to blog instead. LAZY ME! I'm now turning over a new not lazy leaf and am posting today via our trusty laptop.
We have enjoyed a quieter week than normal which has been so nice and we've been able to make some nice progress on a few of our projects. I feel like we have had company every weekend since we moved here and our weeks have been spent cleaning up after the visits and preparing for the next one. One of the things we looked forward to the most about this house is the ability to have space for people to come and visit, so we have enjoyed those visits but they will be even better when we feel a little more settled.
The 2nd annual Christmas party was a blast! We had so much fun and were so glad to hang out with all those who were able to come. We were sorry that Ruth was sick, and that Victoria had to work, and then we were sorry that Joe got sick and that Nick got peed on, but it was great to rub shoulders in spite of all those things! We have the very best family! The cousins are so talented and all get along so well. I was delighted to just watch them enjoy each other.
We got our Christmas tree and decorations up, to the joy of the boys. It's such a great time of year and it's nice to have some snow to go along with the cold temperatures and the winter songs on the radio.
I don't have a lot more to write here. I think I'm really tired and my brain is feeling slightly sluggish. But we up here are huge fans of our Belliston side and are glad that we stay in touch and have a good time when we do get together.
Warm winter wishes!!!
Hope everyone is feeling better!
We have enjoyed a quieter week than normal which has been so nice and we've been able to make some nice progress on a few of our projects. I feel like we have had company every weekend since we moved here and our weeks have been spent cleaning up after the visits and preparing for the next one. One of the things we looked forward to the most about this house is the ability to have space for people to come and visit, so we have enjoyed those visits but they will be even better when we feel a little more settled.
The 2nd annual Christmas party was a blast! We had so much fun and were so glad to hang out with all those who were able to come. We were sorry that Ruth was sick, and that Victoria had to work, and then we were sorry that Joe got sick and that Nick got peed on, but it was great to rub shoulders in spite of all those things! We have the very best family! The cousins are so talented and all get along so well. I was delighted to just watch them enjoy each other.
We got our Christmas tree and decorations up, to the joy of the boys. It's such a great time of year and it's nice to have some snow to go along with the cold temperatures and the winter songs on the radio.
I don't have a lot more to write here. I think I'm really tired and my brain is feeling slightly sluggish. But we up here are huge fans of our Belliston side and are glad that we stay in touch and have a good time when we do get together.
Warm winter wishes!!!
Hope everyone is feeling better!
Monday, December 5, 2016
P. S.
Here is the photo I forgot to send with my post... Dad's favorite companion, his trainer, Elder Thacker is the newly retired seminary and institute teacher - in the beard and long hair :) He is really great, a sound and well-grounded gospel teacher. I hope you all get to meet him someday. The couple in the middle met in the Adelaide mission. The one with the tie is Elder Hammond (who Emma thinks is "a whole man" is Dad's executive secretary right now. Great group of dedicated missionaries of yesteryear....
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Hyde Park Homefront
You would have loved seeing Dad yesterday at the mini mission reunion we hosted at Dad's church. When a sister missionary who was in Adelaide with Dad called and asked if he knew what had happened exactly 40 years ago, he was stumped. She then reminded him that they were in the Mission Home in Salt Lake exactly 40 years ago. They talked and decided to try and get the local missionaries together. There were only 7, besides Dad, who were able to attend, but they sure had a great time reminiscing! They brought photo albums and other pictures to share and discuss. It was so fun and fueled the missionary fire in those old guys!
I had lunch with my high school friends, Ilene and Lora this week also. Sounds like we are dwelling on the past around here.... It was nice to visit and catch up on what's going on with those who were so important in helping me come into the church and acquire a testimony. They are great gals and still an inspiration to me.
We were delighted to visit Idaho this week. We took up some beef to the Harts and Nilssons, then got to stay and learn about the Eiffel Tower, paper airplanes, beet boxing, Beethoven and fossils at their great brain activity. It was thoroughly delightful!
This morning I attended a birth and missed church in our ward. I did return home in time to get to a different ward Sacrament meeting. There was a very rich spirit in that ward. They were all fasting for a member of their ward, former bishopric member, who learned just after Thanksgiving that he has pancreatic cancer. There is no treatment and he will likely be gone in a few weeks. It's amazing what unity does for a ward, or a family, or a group of friends who are focused on a common purpose. Their hearts were truly one and there was a tangible outpouring of love and peace. I was glad to be there.
I am sending an invitation tomorrow for the family Christmas party. Please feel invited, but not pressured to come. I will also email it so you'll have a few more days to plan. Love you all!
I had lunch with my high school friends, Ilene and Lora this week also. Sounds like we are dwelling on the past around here.... It was nice to visit and catch up on what's going on with those who were so important in helping me come into the church and acquire a testimony. They are great gals and still an inspiration to me.
We were delighted to visit Idaho this week. We took up some beef to the Harts and Nilssons, then got to stay and learn about the Eiffel Tower, paper airplanes, beet boxing, Beethoven and fossils at their great brain activity. It was thoroughly delightful!
This morning I attended a birth and missed church in our ward. I did return home in time to get to a different ward Sacrament meeting. There was a very rich spirit in that ward. They were all fasting for a member of their ward, former bishopric member, who learned just after Thanksgiving that he has pancreatic cancer. There is no treatment and he will likely be gone in a few weeks. It's amazing what unity does for a ward, or a family, or a group of friends who are focused on a common purpose. Their hearts were truly one and there was a tangible outpouring of love and peace. I was glad to be there.
I am sending an invitation tomorrow for the family Christmas party. Please feel invited, but not pressured to come. I will also email it so you'll have a few more days to plan. Love you all!
Nilsson News
Whoa! This week has ended up being crazy! I was in charge of Eliza's playgroup and that is always a little stressful. There are five little girls and they are full of energy. Henry decided to show off one of his new found tantrums and the girls were quite taken back. I then realized that every one of the girls except Eliza is the youngest child in their families and they had never witnessed something as exciting as that!
Another exciting event was getting our donkey's hooves trimmed. Our wonderful neighbor came over who is a farrier and the first two donkeys went fine. The last three were the youngest ones and they put on quite the rodeo! I'm sure it was quite the sight to behold this very pregnant lady trying to manage these bucking and kicking burros. They might be mini but they are mighty! We have some training to work on, obviously.
We spent some time with the Harts and that is always delightful. We were going to go on a field trip to the glass blower but it ended up being cancelled. Luckily the kids were okay with just playing with each other. I tried to help Elise with some projects but I really did not feel very helpful. My mind still has a ton of will power and energy but I soon realize that there is a large lump in my middle that limits my abilities. We were able to attend Ian's choir concert and it was very delightful.
Emma, as for ideas for the 12 days I am really lacking in the creativity department. You could somehow find a scripture that refers to each of the numbers for each day. Bookmarks, keychains, candles, pictures, and goodies like you already mentioned, are a few ideas.
We are looking forward to seeing you all at some point during this season! I think you should all vote as to whether or not you think the Flakes should extend their vacation time to at least a full week. Our family is in the affirmative. If the vote is unanimous, Flakes, you have no choice.
Another exciting event was getting our donkey's hooves trimmed. Our wonderful neighbor came over who is a farrier and the first two donkeys went fine. The last three were the youngest ones and they put on quite the rodeo! I'm sure it was quite the sight to behold this very pregnant lady trying to manage these bucking and kicking burros. They might be mini but they are mighty! We have some training to work on, obviously.
We spent some time with the Harts and that is always delightful. We were going to go on a field trip to the glass blower but it ended up being cancelled. Luckily the kids were okay with just playing with each other. I tried to help Elise with some projects but I really did not feel very helpful. My mind still has a ton of will power and energy but I soon realize that there is a large lump in my middle that limits my abilities. We were able to attend Ian's choir concert and it was very delightful.
Emma, as for ideas for the 12 days I am really lacking in the creativity department. You could somehow find a scripture that refers to each of the numbers for each day. Bookmarks, keychains, candles, pictures, and goodies like you already mentioned, are a few ideas.
We are looking forward to seeing you all at some point during this season! I think you should all vote as to whether or not you think the Flakes should extend their vacation time to at least a full week. Our family is in the affirmative. If the vote is unanimous, Flakes, you have no choice.
...And Loving It
Happy December y'all! Hope your days are filled with holiday things!
So I'm enlisting your help. I want to do the 12 days of Christmas for the seminary teachers at sky view and I have no ideas... and I have to start tomorrow if I do the 12 days of Christmas school days.... I thought of ornaments and cookies and cupcakes and junk... But that's literally all I've got... So if you think of anything I can do let me know pronto!
I really don't have a lot to post today. Life be all good mostly. AP Gov is the bestest class ever and you missed out if you didn't take it. Ruth remembers Mr. Rigby, and he sure remembers her.
#whyI'mcalledminiBelliston. Good times. Well, I'm sure holiday cheer is more abundant with little kids running around... Don't tell the parental unit but it's a bit boring around here. Mostly that's on me with work and homework and friends etc. I'm way excited to see you all soon at the party or at the real deal. It'll be good times! Love ya!
So I'm enlisting your help. I want to do the 12 days of Christmas for the seminary teachers at sky view and I have no ideas... and I have to start tomorrow if I do the 12 days of Christmas school days.... I thought of ornaments and cookies and cupcakes and junk... But that's literally all I've got... So if you think of anything I can do let me know pronto!
I really don't have a lot to post today. Life be all good mostly. AP Gov is the bestest class ever and you missed out if you didn't take it. Ruth remembers Mr. Rigby, and he sure remembers her.
#whyI'mcalledminiBelliston. Good times. Well, I'm sure holiday cheer is more abundant with little kids running around... Don't tell the parental unit but it's a bit boring around here. Mostly that's on me with work and homework and friends etc. I'm way excited to see you all soon at the party or at the real deal. It'll be good times! Love ya!
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