Welcome to our new blog! If you would like to read our previous blogs, click on this link.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

One Thing - 12/31/13

The blog has been quiet over the past week as we were spending time in Minnesota with our family. We are back home now. Home sweet home. While it was wonderful to be with family and have a break from the daily routines of work and caring for our home, it is so good to be back. Hopefully some pictures from our time away will find their way onto the blog soon. But not tonight. On this New Years Eve, the suitcases are unpacked, boxes are still full of gifts, the kids are asleep, and I am thrilled to be back in our comfortable bed. 

For the past few years, Mike and I have gone on an after-Christmas date to review our goals for the previous year and set new goals for the new year. We did that yesterday. Many of our goals went unmet in 2013, mostly due to me spending 3 months feeling nauseous and lacking energy and motivation. One goal I did meet was a personal goal to read 3 complete books in the year. Prior to having kids, really after having 2 kids, my normal rate of reading was probably 3x this goal. Now leisure reading is at the bottom of my to do list. But, in 2013 I read 3 books! All of them are worthy of the time I gave to them.

"Give Them Grace" by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson - this book is subtitled "Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus." I fail daily at doing this, but God's Grace is so good as I strive to show our kids how amazing God and His grace are to us. This book is one of the most encouraging parenting books that I have ever read.

"Discipline: The Glad Surrender" by Elisabeth Elliot - I stumbled upon this book while looking for something else. I can't even remember what. One thing that takes getting used to with Elliot's writing, but that I really like is how straight-forward and plain she is. There isn't much fluff to her writing. It isn't descriptive and literarily pleasing, but it is so filled with Truth and practicality. The book focused on how self-discipline isn't an option of a believer but it is what we are called to when we respond to God's call on our lives. She looked at discipline in the areas of body, mind, place, time, possessions, work, and feelings.

"One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp - Mike gave me this book for Christmas just over a week ago. I finished it yesterday. I can't remember the last time I read a book that quickly. This is one of those books that completely changes your perspective on life. There is so much that I could say about it. She wrote about how every thing, every little thing - the most difficult things in life, the smallest blessings, the little annoyances, the inconveniences, the pleasures, the ability I have in this moment to write these words - they are all gifts, God's grace over and over again. And, the Giver deserves thanksgiving and praise for every one of them. Not just simple words of thanks, but a life lived, marked by thanks to God.

For 2014, I reset my goal to read 3 books. I am hoping for 3 more that were as worthy of my time as these 3 were. Happy New Year!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

One Thing - 12/22/13

I took a break from folding laundry to work on this 500 piece puzzle. The boys were busy watching a movie and Lydia was just playing. After the movie was over, Jonah decided to help me with the puzzle. He did an amazing job! He did most of the work with the trees and helped with the sky and the snow. Our time of doing the puzzle together made me reminiscent of our old Nelson family holiday gatherings at my grandparents house. After the meal, someone would pull out a large puzzle and a handful of people at a time would work on it. I don't remember how old I was when I started participating, but I'm sure I was older than Jonah is now. This afternoon, I really enjoyed the little conversations Jonah was initiating. And, I look forward to many more puzzles and conversations about life over little puzzle pieces!

Saturday, December 21, 2013

One Thing - 12/21/13

We celebrated our little family Christmas today. Since we are usually in the cities with our extended family on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, we find a day that we can take the day to be together and do our own Christmas. We had a great day! Here are lots of pics:
We started our day with cinnamon rolls, eggs and bacon. Yum!



Everyone wanted to help Lydia open her gifts

The boys with Silas' gifts

Sy got a Monsters University book for his LeapReader

Jonah got some new legos and spent all day building with them

Silas loves his new imaginext airplane

Lydia got a shopping cart and some pretend groceries. 
She has had blast pushing her doll around and putting things in and taking them out of her cart.

In the middle of the afternoon, Jonah and Mike went bell ringing for another hour.

In the late afternoon, we opened our stockings

This little girl being a ham with her new hair bow

I made this super yummy supper tonight. It was so easy and so wonderfully good!

And, we finished our night with a family favorite - jello poke cake.

We are a tired but very blessed family tonight! 

Friday, December 20, 2013

One Thing - 12/20/13

Jonah and Mike spent an hour ringing bells this afternoon outside of the Wahoo Super. 
It was a bit cold out, but I think they had fun anyway. 

Thursday, December 19, 2013

One Thing - 12/19/13

When this crazy hair girl woke up this morning, she got really excited to see Gloria sitting on the rug by our kitchen sink. So, Lydia walked over to the rug, turned around backward, took a few small steps backward toward the rug, and sat down next to Gloria. This sweet moment didn't last much past the quick opportunity to snap this photo. Gloria isn't quite as fond of Lydia yet as Lydia is of her. Lydia sure loves this cat and often squeals when she sees her!

Tonight after supper, we drove around town looking at Christmas lights. The boys have been excited to do this. For about the first half of our drive, Silas would exclaim "I see Christmas lights!" Every time we would pass a lit house. At the end of our night, we shared a few Christmas cookies and picked our favorite houses. Jonah liked one that was completely decked out...Santa on a train, a Santa rock band, penguins, snowmen, even a nativity scene - this house had it all. Silas has LOVED the Grinch this year. So, his two favorite houses were the ones that had inflatable Grinches. In fact, one of them is just up a small hill from our house and we drive past it regularly. Silas is always asking to drive up "Grinch hill" to see if the Grinch is up.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

One Thing - 12/18/13

What a day! It was a full day from start to finish, but it was a good day. We started by heading to Omaha as a family. Lydia had her 15-month well visit. And, Jonah needed a couple of booster shots that we weren't able to do at his last well visit. Lydia's check up went well. She is 25lbs, 4 oz, which places her in the 91%ile for weight. And, she is 31 3/4 inches tall, which is the 87%ile. She has been fighting a cold for about a month. One of her ears is infected, but since she hasn't had any symptoms for it we will wait it out and hope it clears up with her cold. She needed 2 shots today as well. Initially Jonah was going to have Lydia go first. But, the nurse talked Jonah into being the brave big brother who would show her how it was done. He thought that was a pretty good idea. Jonah took the shots without a tear or really even a grimace. Then, he held Lydia's hand while she got her shots. She got super mad like she usually does, but it was so sweet to see Jonah trying to comfort his sister!

After the appointment, we headed to the Olive Garden for lunch. For the past few years, we have gone to Olive Garden as a family just before Christmas. Mike and I get the soup, salad, breadstick lunch. The boys both did amazingly well today. They ordered what they wanted, ate salad and breadsticks, and managed to eat most of their meals. Toward the end of the meal, I commented to Mike how nice but how strange it was that we didn't really need to help them or direct them during the meal. It feels like we are moving into another stage of life with them. 

Everyone napped for at least a short while this afternoon. This evening, Jonah's awana program held a spaghetti supper for the families. Silas and Lydia were excited about going to awana with Jonah! Mike had to lead youth group at our church so we had to leave and weren't able to stick around for parent night. 

While reading our town newspaper this evening, this is what I found:
The picture Jonah drew as an entry to the newspapers drawing contest was printed in the paper. He wasn't one of the winners but had his picture published anyway. He was so thrilled! When Jonah was drawing this picture, I asked him if he was going to draw faces on the children. He said "no, Mommy, they don't have faces on them because they are running toward the tree to hand out the gifts." Makes sense, huh?!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

One Thing 12/17/13

Jonah lost his first tooth today. He is SO excited about it! I hope he can fall asleep in a decent time tonight. He can't wait for the tooth fairy to visit!

Sunday, December 15, 2013

One Thing - 12/15/13

This little girl is so girly, and I love it! She absolutely loves to wear hats and shoes and necklaces and purses. She spent a few hours yesterday wearing her new snow boots around the house and didn't want us to take them off of her. This hat has been a favorite, too. And, I just have to brag on her a little bit...this afternoon was our town's community cantata. A handful of people from our church as well as some other friends were involved. So, we took the kids. Mike and I expected to take turns walking the halls with her. Instead, she sat in my lap the whole time (with her pacifier), watched most of the performance, and even clapped at the right times. What a blessing!

Saturday, December 14, 2013

One Thing - 12/14/13

Today was our Christmas gathering at our house for our church family. It is a blessed time that we look forward to every year. This was our 3rd year opening our home for this event. Each year I have created an ornament for each family that is somehow related to a sermon or sermon series that Mike preached. Over the past few months, Mike has preached through 1 Peter. So, I used chapter 1 verses 3&4 for the ornament. We had a great afternoon/evening!

Friday, December 13, 2013

One Thing 12/13/13

After spilling the beans this morning, Silas said to me, "I need to take some of your beans, Mommy. I'm almost out." Can you guess which side belongs to each of us?! The toes give a bit of a clue...

Thursday, December 12, 2013

One Thing - 12/12/13

While Mike cleared our driveway and the boys played in the snow, Lydia and I got some one-on-one play time. She was so excited about the tower of blocks she built!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

One Thing - 12/11/13

While Jonah was at preschool today, Silas worked hard at building this Lego car. He didn't use directions and mostly built it from memory. He did an awesome job!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

One Thing - 12/10/13

I am SO thankful for our sitter who comes to our house 2 days a week while I work. She is fantastic and our kids just love having her here. It is such a blessing to know that they are so well cared for while I am away. It makes working much easier! One of the things the kids enjoy is the fun holiday crafts she has done with them. Today I came home to these wreaths hanging on our hutch. The handprint wreath is Lydia's. The bottom left is Silas' and the right is Jonah's.

Monday, December 9, 2013

One Thing - 12/9/13

It was Jonah's day to bring treats for preschool. So, we came up with a Grinch theme and made Grinch Kabobs (green grape, banana, strawberry, marshmallow) and Whoville Wreaths (Rice Crispy treats made with Corn Flakes, green food coloring, and craisins). Yummy!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

One Thing - 12/7/13

It has been a busy day of Christmas baking at our house. 

The boys worked hard at taking kisses out of their wrappers for kiss cookies

 They enjoyed frosting cut out cookies

And eating them, too!


Friday, December 6, 2013

One Thing - 12/6/13

A few pictures from our day...
The boys made an afternoon snack out of the gingerbread house that Jonah made at preschool this morning. Jonah ate the graham crackers and frosting. Silas ate gumdrops and frosting.

Mike put all of our Christmas decoration boxes back into our crawl space this afternoon. Lydia tried SO hard to lift the boxes for Daddy.

Since we watched The Sound of Music last night, Jonah's been singing The Lonely Goatherd. This afternoon he made his own puppet for a puppet show from behind the recliner.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

One Thing - 12/4/13


Found this picture taken on Thanksgiving Day of my littlest sweetie and me while getting pictures off the camera yesterday. 

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

One Thing - 12/3/13

Tonight was our town's visit with Santa and tree lighting ceremony. We enjoyed a chilly night out!





Monday, December 2, 2013

One Thing - 12/2/13

The other night I made a new chili recipe. It was SO good! During supper, I was telling the boys about how the tomatoes in the chili were from our garden and that the beef in the chili came from a cow raised on a farm a few miles from us. Silas said to me,  "Is the cow sad now?" I said, "well..." And tried to think of a tactful way to respond to the question. As I am thinking, Jonah said, "The cow is dead. They killed it to get the beef." Well said, Jonah. So much for a gentle response!

Sunday, December 1, 2013

One Thing - 12/1/13

Since it is December 1st, we started our advent calendar today. The boys have been talking about it for a few days since it has been hanging on the wall and have been so excited to start! In my early Christmas shopping this year, I picked out Christmas pajamas and a Christmas book for each of the little ones. I didn't know when we would give them to the kids. But, yesterday I decided they would be a start of advent gift. So, today after the kids woke up from their naps they saw three gifts under our tree. The boys put their jammies on right away. Then, Jonah read all of the books. Tonight, we are sitting down to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas. We love this time of year!

Saturday, November 30, 2013

One Thing - 11/30/13

Our house is decorated for Christmas. It's taken me a bit longer than usual this year. I figured it would so we started last weekend. Five trees later we are done! And, Christmas shopping is done except for a few little stocking stuffers. The kids are excited for the Christmas season this year. They can't wait to start our advent calendar tomorrow. We've already read a few of Christmas books. And, we are all sitting down now to watch one of our favorite Christmas movies - Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. There is much to look forward to this year as we celebrate the birth of Christ!

Monday, November 25, 2013

One Thing - 11/25/13

Little boy building Legos by the light of the Christmas tree while big brother and little sister sleep. So sweet and peaceful!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

One Thing - 11/21/13

We had our first winter weather today! Nothing much in Wahoo, but I had to scrape a layer of ice off my car after work in Lincoln this afternoon. I think it is supposed to snow off and on this evening. It won't add up, but it still put us in the mood for Christmas. We listened to Christmas music during supper. Then, we put on a Word World Christmas DVD while Mike pulled all of our Christmas boxes out of storage. Lydia was SUPER excited to see all of the boxes and the tree come out!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

One Thing - 11/19/13

Two things tonight -

One of Silas' favorite jokes recently has been "why does Cinderella's team always lose? Because her coach is a pumpkin." Last night, Silas said to me, "why does Minnesota's team always lose? (Referring to the Vikings) Because their coach is a pumpkin, too!"

Success is measured in the little things around here in these pregnant days of mine. I managed to make supper from scratch tonight. It's one of those things I deeply desire to do every day, but have done rarely in the past few months. Tonight, I made French toast, bacon, and my own sweet potato & apple side dish (basically sweet potatoes and apples sautéed with some cinnamon). Everyone gobbled it down and asked for seconds. Both boys ate more than I did. Success in more ways than one!

Sunday, November 17, 2013

One Thing - 11/17/13

   
The boys and I assembled our Operation Christmas Child shoe box this evening. We had such a great time looking at everything we were including and talking about how the little boy who receives our box would enjoy each of the items we put in it. Once we finished packing, we closed the box and took a moment to pray for the child somewhere in the world who will get our box for Christmas. I can't remember a time the boys have been so attentive to prayer. Hoping this becomes a yearly tradition in our family!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

One Thing - 11/16/13

Ten years ago today, Mike and I went on our first date. I had thought about writing about how it all came about since I have never written that story down. But, my 12-week pregnant, nauseous and exhausted body wanted to post something a bit quicker tonight. So...

Our first picture together taken at TCX (CRU Christmas conference) sometime in late December 2003 after we had been dating for about a month and a half.


10 years later - so much older and wiser, huh?


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

One Thing - 11/6/13

It's been a full few days since I have posted. Here's a bit about what's been going on...

Jonah - I got a text from our sitter on Tuesday while I was at work saying that he was complaining of an earache and a headache. This didn't surprise me as he has had a bad lingering cough from a cold awhile ago. I told her to see if he would take some Tylenol. Now, getting J to take tylenol is just about impossible. He hasn't taken it since before he turned 2 years old and even then we had to force it into him. Somehow, our sitter got J to take it but then texted again saying that he had thrown up. I figured it was just a one-time thing related to the Tylenol as he threw up ibuprofen the few times he took it around 18 months. Nope. Vomiting continued. J kept nothing down for the rest of the day yesterday. He slept terribly last night and woke up this morning feeling better but still not wanting to eat or drink much. He still complained of a headache and earache during the morning. I finally convinced him to take some Tylenol mixed in with applesauce. He got a piece of chocolate and a full length movie in return. After the movie, he took a 3 hour nap. And, since then, our typical Jonah has returned. From the time he woke up until he went to bed tonight I think he was trying to make up for everything he missed talking about in the last day and a half. Hopefully, he will wake up in the morning with his normal appetite and feeling better since it is his birthday!

Silas - He earned his BIG potty training prize yesterday! With both of the boys we have had them work toward a big reward by staying accident-free for a good period of time. For Silas, it was 2 weeks with no accidents to get his prize - a Leap Reader. He has been so motivated to earn his reward! And, finally on Tuesday he met his 2 week goal. We are so proud of him! 

Lydia - Little sister has been working on her molars lately making her a little more on edge. :( But, she is still her sweet self and I love each day seeing how she is growing into a beautiful little girl. Lydia has liked playing with my wedding ring since she was just an itty bitty baby. This morning, I put it on her finger and she just beamed! It was so precious! This afternoon, I had a huge laundry basket of socks to  match. When I stepped out of the room for a second, somehow Lydia managed to find the matching pair of her favorite socks...Halloween ones from Grandma. She brought them to me to put on her. Then, she sat in between me and the basket and handed me a few socks at a time as I paired them. Is this what little girls are like? Loving to wear Mommy's jewelry and help with household chores? It is SO different from our boys. It is amazing to me to see firsthand how wonderfully different God created boys and girls and has placed different thoughts and desires and motivations into their hearts!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Friday, November 1, 2013

One Thing - 11/1/13

Before I forget them, I wanted to share some of my favorite Silas quotes from this past week.

At Boo at the Zoo, people frequently said to Silas, "Hi Monkey!" Every time his reply was "I'm not a monkey. It's just my costume."

After Trunk or Treat, a friend brought Silas and his empty hot dog bun on a plate to our van. She asked him if he was going to eat it. He said, "I ate my dog. Now I'm going to eat my hot."

Yesterday, as we were making our way through the hospital collecting treats from businesses in town, we came upon a very kind lady who was festively dressed up. I wasn't quite sure what she was supposed to be and apparently Silas didn't either because after she complimented his costume Silas said, "You look like....(really long pause)....something." Thankfully, the kind lady got a good laugh out of it!

Thursday, October 31, 2013

One Thing - 10/31/13

It was a busy afternoon/evening of Halloween festivities. We first went out to the hospital where we weaved through the building collecting treats from different businesses in town as well as from the residents of the long term care facility attached to the hospital. The kids came home with far more candy than we could ever need!! We ate a quick supper before the boys headed out for some trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. They just went around the block but came home with lots more treats. We are all wiped out tonight. Let's hope everyone sleeps in tomorrow!
For a few more pictures of our day visit:

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

One Thing - 10/29/13


This afternoon, we carved our pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. Then, we ate some yummy loaded potato soup. Perfect things for this cold, drizzly day!

Monday, October 28, 2013

One Thing - 10/28/13


Grandma and Grandpa Nelson were here over the weekend. We celebrated Jonah's 5th birthday. Grandma made Jonah this cool guitar cake. And, he got his own kid sized guitar as a gift! Jonah has loved his guitar so far. He has made up a few songs and has done a fairly good job of taking care of his instrument. He is excited to learn how to play! 


Sunday, October 27, 2013

One Thing - 10/27/13

I. Am. Exhausted. We have had a crazy week, and I am wiped out. That would be why there have been no posts for the past few days. Mike was out of town for four days last week. 1 mommy + 3 little ones + 4 days = exhaustion. I admire those single parents who live that way day in and day out. It is HARD. Then, Grandma and Grandpa Nelson came to visit for the weekend. They came to celebrate Jonah's upcoming 5th birthday. We spent Saturday evening at Boo at the Zoo at the Lincoln Children's Zoo. And, they were an amazing help to us! My mom cleaned the refrigerator and scrubbed the sink and helped me get ready for Trunk or Treat by cutting out and gluing paper pumpkins, making frosting, and gluing letters to posterboard. They left this afternoon. Then, tonight was Trunk or Treat at church. It was a Wonderful evening! The weather was perfect. Our church family was amazing. And, about 150 kids were loved on. Praise God for strength and energy to make it through a busy week. Praise God for rest. Praying for some more restful days ahead!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

One Thing - 10/23/13

One story about each of my little ones this afternoon-

J - At lunch today, Jonah was talking about a girl from preschool that he frequently mentions. He said, "Mommy, I fell in love with her the first time I saw her. She is so pretty. And, she is nice. She plays with me. And, I always sit by her at circle time." I think we have a boy with a little crush on a girl!

Sy - I avoid sharing things that could be embarrassing later on in life, so I hope Silas won't mind me sharing this one. We all got a pretty good laugh out of it! Yesterday, I went to get Sy up from his nap. He usually sleeps in underwear and had only had 1 nap time accident...until yesterday. I walked over to his bed and Sy said, "My pants are a little wet." Me, "They are, huh?" Sy: "Yeah, Mommy, Jonah spilled his milk all over my pants. He said it was an accident." Me: "I think you wet your pants." Sy: (getting upset) "No, Mommy. Jonah spilled his milk. He didn't mean to do it!" It took me a moment to calm him down and then figured out that Sy was dreaming when he had his accident - he dreamed Jonah was pouring his milk on him.

Lydia - our little girl is finally walking!! She still prefers crawling but is taking more an more steps each day. Saturday morning, after not taking steps for about 2 weeks, she started taking 4-6 steps at a time. This morning, I watched her take 11 before tumbling down. Walking at just over 13 months is one month later than Jonah and one month earlier than Silas. It's amazing to watch them grow!!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

One Thing - 10/22/13

     
 
The kids made pumpkins with our sitter today. I think I will enjoy seeing these pumpkins for the next week or so. :)

Sunday, October 20, 2013

10/20/13


                                  
Jonah got a marble run for Christmas last year. The boys still love building runs. They each take a couple of marbles, call them "their" teams, and send them down the marble run cheering on their team and judging who wins. It's a loud, action-packed time of excitement!