It Was a Happy Mother's Day

This is the Sunday group who came to celebrate Mother's Day. The Saturday group is at the end of this post because I don't know how to move the pictures around to make them in order. So Sorry. Anyway the Sunday group consisted of Christopher and Uyanga (his girlfriend) Sarah and Carlos (her boyfriend) Lindsay, Joseph, Melanie and Eddie (the dog) Me Judith, Samuel in front of me, Claudia, David, Brett, Matthew, Analisa and Katherine.

I was the center of attention, a place I usually hide from but it was Mother's Day after all. Many thoughtful gifts and cards came my way.

As tradition has it, we enjoy a neighborhood walk after dinner. We went through the "richie" neighborhood this time.

This is David with Eddie the dog who lives next door and we all love.

These are the cooks that provided a wonderful dinner. Lindsay, Christopher, Uanga and Melanie

David the Chef Supreme of the yummy steaks.

My lovely plate of delicious food.

Saturday morning we went to Abby's play which was adorable. I sat too far to get the close ups. She did a great job and all the kids were excellent.

The John Nielson family treated us to a fun lunch at the Blue Lemon then we went to Baskin Robbins for ice cream and ended the day at the skating rink where Abby was rehearsing for a skating show. Very fun.
I feel so blessed by my family and wish that the Atlanta group were with us for this fun weekend. Thanks to all of them for being the people who make me so proud to be the Mom/ Grammy!

Easter Birthday

 Happy Birthday to Lindsay

I very fun day celebrating Easter and Lindsay's birthday with family and friends. We had the Snider's from Georgia with us. They are serving a mission here. Melanie, our friend from downstairs, John R (Lindsay's boyfriend) and Chris' girlfriend Uki and the John and Brett families et al. Twenty two for dinner. It was a great day.

Quinceanera What a Party!

Oh, how great to be a 15 year old girl and have Mexican heritage. The coming of age, Quinceanera, is a big wonderful party to celebrate. Katherine and her cousin, Ariana are best friends and have celebrated many things together. Their parents put this party together for them.There was a dinner served for 300 guests plus entertainment and dancing. Each girl had seven couples in her court and they performed a waltz together. It was a very fun evening. Happy 15th birthday Kate.

Words of Wisdom

Sunday Family Gathering

Spencer is leaving us on Wednesday to go back to Atlanta so we had a family dinner to wish him well. They came from near and far and all Nielson's in Utah were able to come.  We had a wonderful dinner and lots of laughs and visiting around the table. John decided that we should all give Spencer some words of advice before he leaves for a mission. I wish we had them all as quotes because they were so good even from the little ones who were there.  Following is a list for Spencer compiled by Analisa our scribe. Some suggestions were for when he goes home to prepare and some were for when he is on the mission.These are in order as we went around the table. I was very touched by the messages and the elaboration of them by this wonderful family. It was a great day.

Tips for Elder Krogh

1. Read the Book of Mormon and get a testimony of it for yourself.
2. Be prepared by reading the scriiptures, saying prayers and attending the temple as much as you can before you go.
3. Find Joy Every day.
4. Don't allow yourself to follow the Elders who are not working hard or following the rules.
5. Try your best to get along with your companion. Be optimistic about your relationship with every companion.
6. Don't write to girls, just parents.
7. Don't let things get you down or depressed, even during the toughest times.
8. Keep trying even if they slam the doors in your face.
9. Don't punch anyone! (Joseph)
10. Turn your trials away and look for fun.
11. Put your own needs last; others first.
12. Find quiet times to feel the spirit. Listen to the spirit and let it fill you with His words.
13. Read your Patriarchal Blessing.
14. When someone wants to bash scriptures with you, just bear your testimony. They can't argue with that.
15. Always write your mother every week.
16. Write your family about positive things, don't burden them with your problems, Mom's have enough to worry about.
17. Blessings come from DOING not just hearing or reading.
18. Prepare by giving service to others so you won't be self absorbed.
19. When you go home don't let your mom do everything for you. Take care of all your own needs. Take action.
20. Keep the commandments to keep the spirit.

Good Luck, you shall rock!!

70 Really???

Turning 70 is a big deal. It's not what you always look forward to but hey, it's here so might as well celebrate it a big way. The kids wanted to make it all about Dad so for a week and a half we celebrated with family and friends. It was very fun. We are so thankful for all of our friends and family that wanted to celebrate this milestone.

Thursday night Carrie and I went to David's fitness class with him. Here they are dancing together before class started.

It was a bit of chaos on Friday night when we invited our grandchildren up for a swim and celebration in Park city. The room wasn't big enough to accomodate us all but we we did get this picture of the boys just before they served the birthday cake to David. Yes, the girls were there too but somehow we didn't get pictures of them. Ugh.

The first of the birthday cakes. As David would say, it was a "moker".

We spent part of Saturday watching Analisa in a tennis match in Liberty Park.

Saturday night we were in Park City again with the "big kids". We went to David's favorite restaurant there and had a great time around the table eating a delicious meal and remembering. So fun.

The second birthday "cake" at Zoom.

For those who could stay Sunday after we watched hours of old home movies, we had the traditional family dance. I must confess it was wild and great. Chris brought some boomin' music and we cranked it up. The house was rockin' I'm sure the quiet neighbors across the street could hear it!

Through the generosity of our children, David got an Ipad 2. How about that happy face at the Apple store?

After the family celebration we had to say goodby to Carrie and Randy as they hurried back to Georgia and their waiting daughters. Thanks so much for coming. XOXO

Monday was his actual birthday and when we arrived at the club where he teaches fitness classes, we were surprised to see the decorated room and the fuss they made over this birthday. (check out the basket of apples for the class) No one could believe that he was actually 70. Neither can I.

This is a class picture taken on this birthday day after he killed us all with the workout.

The following Friday we had a gathering at our house for friends from the ward and neighborhood. We had lots of belly laughs that night and enjoyed every minute of it. I made it easy on myself and had Cafe' Rio bring the food. So yummy. The final birthday "cake" was Key Lime Pie!

                                                 Here's the birthday boy opening a present.

Renon and Craig....Just showing the love.

Those Nielson Kids: Marlene and David

So there it is. The Big Birthday Party. Let's all stay happy and healthy for the next one. Thanks everyone for sharing these wonderful days.