Our claim to fame!

This is JD. He was our renter and he was drafted to play for the Miami Dolphins! I know the draft was in May or maybe it was April but my gosh, he still got drafted and he lived in our basement! This pic was taken just after he spent a few days in Miami. He brought Ben this hat. Ben still asks if JD and Micah (his wife) can come back and live in our basement. They were awesome renters and our kids loved them! Go Dolphins!

Joshua's blessing day

We were able to bless Josh on Sunday and believe it or not, it was super nice. (the reason I say that is because it was raining everywhere and all we got were a few sprinkles and a nice breeze)
We have such wonderful supportive family! It is always nice to have everyone over- even if I stress. Maybe one of these days I won't do that!
I'm not the best at remembering to take pictures. Here are a few we took.

Zach did a nice job on his blessing. Those are always sweet moments for me. He honors his Priesthood and uses it. I am blessed to have him as part of my life!

Now as far as Joshua goes...I don't know what I ever did without that sweet, adoreable boy! He can bright up my day no matter how bad! Oh, he melts my heart with his sweet smile!

Some moments

We went to the splash pad in south ogden and LOVED it! I love watching them have fun! In this pic, Ben is saying "my mom's the best!" Yeah, I also recorded that to play back when he's 15 or so! Smart eh?

This is Sarah and her little friend Avery who lives around the corner.

Sarah is a monkey, she lifts up her feet and hangs on anything! Give her a bucket and a little water flow and she's happy! Not to mention Ben and a water gun!

Josh is such a good sport! Just slept while the kids played!

Oh to be a kid!

The joy of motherhood....

Many of you have heard the quote by Elder Ballard..."The joy of motherhood comes in moments".
There we are in the backyard.
Ben is kicking the soccer ball running around the yard.
Sarah is swinging
Josh is sleeping on the couch we have outside.
I think the above quote in my mind.
I go in and get some popsicles to further enjoy the moment.
I come out, Sarah is crying, Ben is sitting close by.
"What happened?"
Ben-"I tackled her".
Josh is crying, Sarah is crying and Ben seems to think he's inocent.
Nice moment.

News just in...!!!

Elder James Matthew Moyes called to serve in the ALBANIA TIRANA MISSION!!!! He leaves October 21st and we are super excited for him! Congratulations Matt!!!!

Here's a blog Zach found with some cool stories and some info for those who are interested.

http://mormonmission.blogspot.com/2008/09/albania-tirana-mission.html

here's a glimpse

Might I suggest....

Alright neighbors, here’s the deal,
This is better than a happy meal!
Gramercy Gab’s 3rd Summer in a row,
Come & watch your friendships grow!
Mon. June 1st @ 8:00 o’ clock
It will go until the fun stops!
Throughout the Summer, follow the sign,
It will be @ the Nielson’s this time.


See ya then, woo hoo!

All I do is copy a bunch of these, tape em' on my neighbors doors, make a treat, set out blankets and chairs on my front lawn and everyone just comes and chills. Sometimes we play a game but mostly we just chat and the kids run up and down the street and play. We do it every Monday and really it is nice cause we do FHE and then go out and have our treat with the neighbors. It is a great summer activity!

After about an hour we ask who will do it next week and they take the sign. Monday, they put it in their yard and everyone knows where to go. It has been a great way for us to get to know our neighbors!

I just wanted to share the idea.

gutsy me

Can you believe I did this myself? Isn't she cute?!