Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The last day of summer break.


Today was the last day of freedom. 
 School begins tomorrow, and that means the house will again be alive at 6:30 am.
 (OoooOooOoohh) My goal is to be up with the children so I can 
make breakfast and pack lunches then smooch them off to
It's been hit or miss with me since mornings are hard for me.
The girls had two wishes:
Claire wants me to help her pick out her outfits and give her my stamp of approval.
Jane wants me to fix her hair every morning. 
My fingers are the worst, but I'll give it my best shot.
  I am not sure if my body feels a change in the air, but I am sure achy lately. 
 It's hard to wake up and move and when I do I lie in bed, 
look out my window and tell me that
"I can do it" and I repeat that over and over again. 
We took the kids bowling today for their last hurrah before school. 
Then we came home and I took a nap which lasted about four hours. 
That's a long nap. 
 Then, I made dinner which was garden tomato soup. We sat down. 
The children ate one bite then gave me the classic "yuck" face. 
Mr. Nielson took a bite and smiled out the side of his mouth.
 The dinner was awful. Even I didn't dare take a bite. 
It's not that I am that bad of a cook, it was just an off night,
and the vegetable choices were disgusting, and the broth was- so yuck.
But I told the children to pretend like we were really poor living in a Charles Dickens
book and the poor mom, me, had to use everything I had in the cupboards.
 Then I told them that should make it taste better. 
But it didn't.
 Before bed, I painted the girl's fingernails.  
Claire picked a ruby red color and Jane neon pink. 
I'm so glad they have each other.


Monday, August 23, 2010

True hearts


I love writing my thoughts down on my computer while I'm in bed 
with my windows wide open- especially on these hot summer nights in Provo.
 I love it even more when it is windy, and I can hear the chimes 
hanging under our front yard apple tree.
But tonight was the ultimate because it rained while the wind blew. 
 I remembered our recent family Back to School Feast
because it was wonderful.
I was so thankful for my dear friend, Justin Hackworth, for coming
to the Briar House to snap a few photos of the evening.
I will write about it tomorrow and reveal our newest Family Theme.
 I will also show you the gifts Mr. Nielson and I presented to the Nies
as we prepare to kick off this new school year. 
 My ankles are the size of softballs, and I need to rest my weary bones down. 
It's odd to think that three years ago, I was going strong  
making three square meals every day, packing lunches and snacks, changing diapers,
grocery shopping, driving, teaching yoga, working at a studio in downtown Mesa
teaching yoga and an art class,
and doing all the good homemaking things I enjoy doing.
And life was so enjoyable, and my body could accomplish just about anything I wanted.
Then I was in a hospital unresponsive two years ago and in a coma. 
I had no idea what I had ahead of me, and my family didn't think I'd pull through. 
One year ago, I was weak and tired and could barely get dressed. 
 Showers were difficult, sleeping was worse, and I was so depressed.
 I hardly had the energy to finish the day. Now I am two years out and stronger every day.
I should never underestimate the power of prayer; 
anything is possible with a true heart, faith, and the Savior. 

*I need to remember this when I am 
getting up early to get my babies off to school.
 
(Claire going to kindergarten August '07 Arizona)

Monday, August 16, 2010

Two years and counting

 
(Purple roses in my living room to mark the 2-year post-accident) 
  Guess what!!! 
It's been TWO years since my accident. 
Remember that? I am soooooooooo glad I have two years behind me.
 And it's good to know that I will have plenty more to go. 
More years to enjoy my husband, more years with my four little beauties, 
more Halloween's, more fall leaves to enjoy, 
more Christmases, more backyard summer dinners with chirping crickets, 
more hand-holding, baby-loving, and sister time.
More days to cook, receive guidance and inspiration from the Lord, and more
time to journal/blog about this incredible life of mine.
Those are just a few of the things I enjoy on this earth.
Today, Mr. Nielson is taking me to breakfast then we are going to 
visit other burn survivors who are staying in the U of U burn center in Salt Lake City 
I hope I can offer hope to those struggling with burns and emotional wounds.
 I have two years behind me, and I hope they see that life can be still so so good. 
I am so happy to be alive. Life is a treat, a marvelous gift.
 I will forever dedicate this day- August 16 as a day to celebrate life. 
Our families RE-BIRTHDAY!
(My guest room is packed with 
school supplies and clothes ready for the big day!)




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