Nielson Christmas Nativity and Santa pictures

I love this family tradition of dressing up and acting out the nativity. Yes Kevin and I are the sheep and Maycee is a cow. Brandon and Isaac are the sheperds.


Yes, I know my hair is a different color. Well I am turning 30 in a couple days and I am feeling kindof old and frumpy and so I went to visit my wonderful sister in law and she spiced me up a bit!

Just had to post this picture to prove that we made Kevin sit on Santa's lap!

I have to blog this story so I actually have it written down somewhere and I can remember to tell Isaac this when he is older. So we decided that Isaac is old enough to pay tithing for the money he earnes doing jobs around the house. We proceeded to have the tithing talk. He was not excited to give the church HIS money. We tried to explain what it is for and why we do it. We told him something about giving it to Jesus. Well he paid his tithing but was not happy about it. The next day he said to Kevin, "Daddy, I wish that Jesus would give me my money back!" Kev and I laughed our heads off. I guess we failed teaching him about tithing...we will have to try again later.

This past week was a busy one for us. For starters my sister and her family visited us from Las Vegas. Monday night we did the annual "Nielson Family Nativity." I will post pictures later. Tuesday I had a dentist appointment :) and then we took the kids to see Santa vs. the snowman at the clark planetarium. My boys loved it and then we spent some time looking around the planetarium. If you need something to do over Christmas to keep the kiddos busy this is a fun activity. Wednesday I did some cooking and cleaning and then I had an activity day Christmas party. Thursday we spent the evening with Kevin's boss and his wife. Friday Kevin and I had a hot date...no kids...what! Yes, it is true we still do date once in a while. Thanks to aunt Marsha the kids had a blast and did not want to come back home with us. We got to go to dinner with all the adults in my family. With 2 sisters living out of town, we don't really get to do that very often and so it was a great evening. Did I mention that we had a preschool program and last day of school in there somewhere. Saturday started with Kevin's family party, a progressive breakfast in the morning. The afternoon consisted of family pictures and a fist fight between my two boys that ended up with a bloody nose (I will post those picture later). After that we jumped in the car to head up to Tremonton to my grandma's family party and we got caught in all the traffic because they had to close the freeway because of a huge accident so our 45 minutes drive took 2+ hours...are we still having fun. We finally made it to the party, had pizza, saw Santa, went bowling and then ran to my other Grandpa's family party (just 5 mintues away) and by this time we are so high on sugar and Christmas spirit that we are bouncing off the walls. So our crazy day was over and we headed home and went to bed. Here we are Sunday, December 21, 2008. The kids got dressed for church in their Christmas clothes and I snapped a picture on our way out the door. Aren't they adorable. Besides all the crazy running here and there we have really enjoyed being together as a family.

Kevin came home from work with the funniest christmas present from his boss. Yes, isn't it amazing a "Homer Simpson Nut Cracker". I never knew such a thing existed but leave it to Kev's boss and his amazing wife to find something so Kevinish! We love it...thanks guys!

Reese Family Temple Square

Last night we enjoyed the lights of temple square with Kevin's family. We had everyone there...except Michael (theres always next year). We found a cute sister missionary and asked her to take a group picture for us. Aren't we a cute bunch!

Christmas trains

We made our annual Christmas Trains. This is a fun tradition that we do with Kevin's family. All the cousins build trains out of candy bars and then we decorate them with tonz and tonz of christmas candy. Everyone gets really creative. This year Brandon even made Santa's workshop off the side of his train tracks. The boys worked hard to make them and they turned out great.

Worst Day Ever!

So life has been a little crazy at my house. To start things off I have had sick kids, first Maycee, then Isaac, then Brandon and Maycee again. We have had both the runny nose, cough, cold and the throw up, diahrria! Brandon and Isaac both missed school on Friday, Monday and Tuesday. Needless to say we have been spending a lot of time together...picture this...sick kids home all day, tired mom...not a good combination. So on Tuesday I decided I was going crazy and I also needed some grocery store items (like food) and so we went to Wal-mart. I knew that Brandon was not feeling very good but he said he would be okay as long as he could look at the toys! Off we go to wal-mart, we got 90% of our shopping done and then Brandon started to say that he was going to throw-up. I immediately grabbed a blanket and caught Brandon's throw-up. He threw up a couple of times and I just stood there in the cracker isle with Maycee crying, Isaac running up and down the isle and Brandon throwing up in a blanket. When he was done, I wrapped the blanket up and headed to checkout. I had a cart full of items and I didn't feel like I could just leave it there. So, I checked out and walked out to get in the car (I am still carying a blanket drenched in barf!) and as I walk to my car I see that it had been hit in the parking lot...I wanted to scream. I took a big breath and got the kids in their carseat, turned on a movie, gave Brandon a bucket in case he felt the urg again and proceeded to talk to the old lady who hit me and the police officer. Turns out the lady was just trying to pull into park and got to close to my car. We filed a police report and I got her insurance info. and all that good stuff. Considering the fact that she was in a HUGE 4x4 Heavy Duty truck with hips...I guess the damage could have been worse. It will cost $1,300.00 to repair but I guess I am grateful that her insurance will pay and not me.
After that I decided that I should just go home and take some medicine, I now have a headache, and not go anywhere for the rest of the day.
Isn't life wonderful!

Because tomorrow is Thanksgiving I should probably post this...
* I am thankful for my wonderful children
*I am thankful for blankets that are great at keeping children warm and catching barf in the store
* I am thankful for a beautiful new car to drive
* I am thankful that the lady who hit me has insurance
*I am thankful for a great husband who came home from work that night and made me pancakes...thanks honey...they tasted great!

Joyschool Thanksgiving feast

Today for joyschool we made indian and pilgrim hats and then enjoyed a thanksgiving feast. The kids had so much fun. Thanks for the fun time Mikelle!

Jazz Game

Last night Brandon and Kevin went to the Jazz game. It was Brandon's first time to go to a "real" Jazz game. Brandon has been counting the days down. He got to ride the train to the game. When they got there a Jazz dancer handed him a free Jazz bag. Brandon also wanted to buy the big Jazz finger. So with his Jazz jersey on, his Jazz bag, Jazz finger and oh ya...binoculars...(for the nose bleed seats) Brandon cheered his heart out, he even booed for the other team. He wanted to stay until the very end of the game. He called me on the way home and told me every detail about the game, he could not stop talking about it. He kept telling Kevin, "I love you dad, thanks for taking me to a "real" Jazz game!"

Our darling little girl is growing up so fast. She is starting to pull herself up to things and stand up. As a mom, I don't know if I am ready for that. Today I got her ready for church and then I went to check on the boys to see how they were coming along getting ready for church. I came back to find Maycee standing up and smiling like she was so proud of herself. I just had to grab my camera and take a pictures.

Pony tail???

This is my sorry attempt for a pony tail. Maycee barely....barely has enough hair but I managed to pull it up and put it in her very first pony tail. I don't know how long it will last but we had fun trying.

This last week has been full of emotions for me. My grandpa passed away. He was sick and we knew time was short. We had the blessing of being able to be with him and spend some time by his side before he left us. I will never forget how he wanted to be close to Maycee. He kept motioning for me to bring Maycee to his side and then he would smile and talk to her. When my boys would walk by grandpa he would wink at them. I have lots of memories of grandpa when I was younger. He was always hugging us and teasing us. My favorite/funniest memory is when Jenn and I were up with him on the farm and he told us to climb into the tracker scoup (I don't know if that is what it is called). He said he wanted to see us sit in it. Well, when we got in he hoisted the scoup up into the air as high as it would go. Jenn and I were having a good time screaming and giggling and then he stopped the tracker...got off...and walked inside. It wasn't so fun anymore, Jenn and I are sitting in the scoup, high in the air, screaming our heads off "Grandpa! Grandpa don't leave us!". He came out and let us down a few minutes later but I am sure that he and everyone else watching got a good laugh out of us. We love you and miss you Grandpa.
Brandon's last words to Grandpa, "Grandpa hope you feel better in Heaven and have a good time!"




Fielding-On a beautiful fall morning, Norman George Rudd, 71, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Fielding with his family by his side.
Norm was born December 16, 1936 to Electa and Clark Rudd at their family home in Fielding. He was the youngest of five children. In 1954, he graduated from BRHS. On September 19, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart DeeAnn Wood in the Logan LDS Temple. Together they had 6 daughters. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in which he enjoyed serving in many capacities. He was currently a High Priest in the Fielding Ward.

He loved farming and ranching, learning the trade along side his father and brothers. Later establishing himself as one of the hard working farmers and ranchers in the Bear River Valley. He loved sports; participating, coaching, and watching his children and grandchildren follow in his footsteps. He was a loving and supportive husband. Dad spent many years serving in the Scouting program, many of them with mom as District Cub Chairmen. He loved to see and do new things, and to travel; always taking the scenic route. But, he mostly loved to visit with his friends and family - anywhere and everywhere - he considered everyone his friend. In addition, to full time farming, he was one of the first employees at Thiokol. Starting at an entry level position and without any formal education, he worked his way up the ranks and enjoyed a successful career as a respected Manufacturing Engineer. He retired from Thiokol after 35 years.

Norm is survived by his loving wife of 53 years DeeAnn; his pride and joy of his life his 6 daughters, JoLene (David) Nielson, Susan (Doug) Lish, Kelli (Mike) Rose, Patti (Gordon) Knudsen, Marsha (Ken) Turner, and Becky Hansen. 21 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren with one on the way, his sister LeOra Penhorwood, and brothers Oris, Evan, and Ross. Preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fielding Stake Center, 4375 West 15600 North in Fielding, with Bishop Dale Anderson officiating. Family and friends may call Wednesday, October 29, 2008 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Fielding Stake Center, and Thursday from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. at the Fielding Stake Center. Interment at Fielding Cemetery.

Bye Bye Mini Van

So we bid farewell to the mini-van. It has been a good companion for the past 3 years. This van has been from Florida to Utah, to Moscow Idaho, to Seattle Washington, to Grandma's and Grandpas, to the 1st day of kindergarten, to the hospital when Maycee was born, to the hospital with Brandon and Isaac's first set of stitches, to Wal-mart about one zillion times, to chucky cheese, fishing at silver lake and has witnessed much throwing of toys and yelling from the Reese family. This van knows most of our secrets. Kevin has been wanting a Honda Pilot since...oh forever...and I finally gave in. Brandon and Isaac did not want to sale the van. Everytime we test drove a car Brandon would say, "mom, we can't get this one...it makes me car sick!" We decided to put the van up for sale and our wonderful neighbors decided that they wanted this van that Kevin has so meticulously (is that spelled right?) cared for. Sometimes I feel like our cars get more attention from my husband then me...just kidding...kind of! Anyways the day Trent drove the van from our garage across the street to his garage we sat at the door and cried. Now we move onto a new car with new adventures. Kevin and I chose an 05 Honda Pilot. We orignially both wanted white but I fell in love with this sexy, salsa red! Kevin didn't love the red but we compromised...he gets the pilot he always wanted and I get the bold color. Anyways I am totally falling in love with this car and I am okay if my husband gives this car some attention

Reese Halloween Party

Last night we had the Reese Family Night Halloween Party. All the grandkids wore their costumes and played games. Brandon and Isaac are Jedi's and Maycee is a cute cat. She did not like the make up whiskers and so they are a little smeared but she still looks cute!







This last picture is Maycee and her twin cousin, Olivia and Isabelle. We thought they were all so cute in their kitty costumes. Olivia wasn't crazy about her cat Costume and so she is the one crying. Aren't they cute?

What???

This is what happens when you color on your hands with wet erase markers. The picture is taken AFTER trying to scrub their hands clean. It took some very long hours in the tub to turn their hands back to normal color.

This is Maycee's favorite thing to do. She crawls around underneath my bar and eats all the crumbs off the floor. Brandon and Isaac are the messiest eaters....they always leave lots of leftovers on the floor for Maycee. Sometime she gets stuck by a barstool and can't get around and she will sit there and scream until I come and move the stool out of her way and then she proceeds to eat more crumbs. I promise she is not starving, I really do feed her normal food.

Crazy hair kiddos

We are just getting in the spirit of Halloween and decided to try on some funny wigs. Just thought I would post a few pics.

Pumpkins!

Last night for family night we decided to paint pumpkins. The kids had a really fun time. Look at the finished products and guess whose pumpkin is whose. By the way...the pumpkins have names.

Green Goblin
Dark Ninja
Casper the Ghost
Mr. U of U

Brandon is growing up!

Wednesday after school Brandon came home and told me that he can tie his own shoes. I said "what!" I have tried a couple time to teach him and he has not got it so when he told me this I didn't really belive him. I asked him where he learned and he said, "Sophia taught me." Sophia is the cute girl that sits by him in 1st grade. Apparently Sophia is a better teacher then me so next I am going to ask Sophia to teach Brandon how to sit quietly in his seat when his teacher is talking. Brandon sat in bed that night and tied his shoes over and over and over just because he could. It was really cute and I am proud of him for learning such a hard thing.

Black Island Farms

Today we went to black island farms for a fieldtrip for joyschool. If you have never been here you have got to go. It has a hayride and fun games and activites for all ages. Even moms can participate in the activities. I didn't take pictures of all the fun things because I was too busy playing.


In case you are wondering...this is a carrot tree...or at least that is what the farmer told us!

What???

We woke up this morning (October 12, 2008) to this. All I can say is WHAT???

Spooky Halloween House

Today the boys and I decorated our "spooky Halloween house". I think there is at least six pounds of candy on it and we ate the other 6 while we were making it. We are very proud of our finished product...doesn't it look great? The boys are already fighting about it...Isaac wants to know when we can eat it and Brandon wants to keep it like this forever!