Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Spanning The Ages

 

It's strange being a mom of kids spanning the ages!
Claire and Jane, in their 20's, with full-time jobs, big girl plans,
and independent lives are so different from Nicholas, who
at age 17, still needs rules and a curfew but puts himself to bed and 
gasses up the car with his own money (sometimes),
to Lottie, who at age 11 still wants to be read to,
 has her own IG page but goes to bed by 10 each night.
I tuck her in, and we have a kiss routine that includes about 20 kisses
complete with sound effects.
Somedays, I feel so overwhelmed trying to be an influential mom to
all my Nies who are in such different places in their lives, 
but we all live together under one roof.
10 years ago, when the girls were Lottie's age, I was a much different mom.
This blog entry posed in 2016 about when the girls and I were Lottie's
age makes me laugh and smile, thinking about how different
we all are.

This just proves at any age of motherhood, 
you never actually know what you're doing,
and just praying you're doing it right.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

I Spy

Lottie's desk overlooks the most breathtaking spring blossoms.
It almost looks like it's snow.

Let's play "I Spy"

1. A Snoot
2. Oliver
3. A gold goose
4. Jesus
5. Pink butterfly

 

Monday, March 11, 2024

Just A Minute

 

This afternoon, after grocery shopping, 
I dropped the bags inside the house, leaving the car doors open.
When I went outside to close them, I discovered Cindy inside the trunk
looking down at the other chickens below 
like she had accepted a dare to get there.
As soon as I walked over to the car, the chickens scrambled 
in every direction, except Cindy, 
She was perfectly content and not in any hurry to get out.

I thought about how, just 15 minutes before, when I pulled up 
to the house and turned off the car; I sat inside the car without moving. 
I wasn't on my phone, listening to music, or doing 
anything else -- just sitting there in the hot sun in complete silence.
I wasn't in a hurry to get out, either.

I just needed a minute.
Sometimes, we all just need a minute.







Saturday, March 09, 2024

He Always Falls Asleep


 Saturday 9:34 PM:


Friday, March 08, 2024

Weekend Vibes

 Weekend Vibes:
Dinner out together for (veggie) burgers, fries, and shakes.  
I look forward to this Nielson weekend tradition all week!
(We missed Claire, who was working!)
Speaking of Claire,
she's posted several times on my IG about her 
medical mission trip to Africa next month.
She is selling her closet to save money.
If you want to help, take a peek into her CLOSET,
or you can donate @Claire-Nielsonto  on Venmo.

Thursday, March 07, 2024

Numb

 Why do I have bad teeth?  
(I type, wondering while chewing on a huge piece of black licorice?).
Today, I visited my dentist, Dr. Jones, for my scheduled root canal on tooth #5.
I was feeling cozy in the dentist's chair, with my sunglasses on,
 and listening to good music.
I had also asked for the X-ray apron 
to be placed over me as a blanket and comfort weight.
The best trick if you don't particularly love the dentist- like me!

After I was sufficiently numb, Dr. Jones began drilling.
After 15 minutes, he stopped and told me the news that
I'd need to see a specialist because my tooth was too calcified, 
and an Endodontist could use his super tools to fix it.
So, my half-numb face and I left the office a little annoyed
at my teeth and regretting all the delicious gummy treats I've
indulged in for my whole life.
I called the Endodontist, who was super cool to let me come in right away,
and through his super-magnified microscope, 
he was able to finish the job successfully.
Afterward, I left the office and went into the waiting room 
where Christian was on the phone.
He stared at me with concern and worry, 
frowning between words in his conversation.
He was extra gentle and caring, and after he hung up the phone,
he gave me a big hug and then told me
 I looked like I had had a stroke.
I told him I hoped he hadn't seen a vision of our future!
Nope, just had six shots of local anesthetic back to back.



Wednesday, March 06, 2024

Trial Run

 This afternoon, Gigs pulled up to the house and carried two baby goats
 from the car—goats he has been obsessing over since they were born weeks ago.
When I came outside to greet him with the baby goats in his arms,
 he assured me that this was just a trial run—just to see if the goats 
would be happy here, and for me to
 "soften up" on the idea of "maybe keeping them."
I don't care if we have goats, we already have everything else, 
but I don't want to look out my window
 and see a goat who looks lonely, sad, or bored.  
I can't do that.  I will go mad from extreme guilt.
Gigs assured me I wouldn't feel this way, especially
 since he hopes to bring home and keep both goats.
At first, we planned to get only one goat, 
but it turned out that one goat wasn't enough. 
So, MAYBE we'll be keeping
Gump (named for his odd behavior) 
and Ricky (named after Gigs's favorite movie "Hunt for the Wilderpeople").
They're not ready to be away from the clan yet, but soon.
They frolicked around Stillestead and were absolutely adorable.
I even (and I can't believe I did this!!) 
let them INSIDE the house for a minute.
But my favorite part is seeing Gigs light up when he's playing and caring 
for them.  They genuinely make him deeply happy.

And!  
We planted our grapes!  I am so excited for Stillestead to have a little
vineyard!  Making grape juice was a favorite pastime when we lived

Tuesday, March 05, 2024

I Love My Girls!

There was no school for us today!  
Something about early voting...we were very grateful for the break!
Claire was off work, too, so it was such a laid-back, easy day for all!
In the morning, Jane and Christian preg-checked the cows, 
and only TWO out of the FIVE
are pregnant.  It's a little disappointing.
We made arrangements for a bull to roam the sweet green fields
with our ladies so we can produce calves this year!
They won't all come in the summer as we planned, but at least
they will all deliver a baby sometime this year.
Later, Jane made macaroons.  
They were beautiful and delicious.
As you may know, macaroons are super hard to make.
They require skill, patience, and time.
All things Jane possesses!
And it was just us gals at dinner tonight as the boys were out.
We made tacos and took all kinds of tests on Claire's phone
to determine everything from the Harry Potter Hogwarts house we belong to 
and what animal we resemble, what Lord of The Rings character we are most like,
and what our personalities tell about us.
My girls live for these things.
We laugh more than anything.

I love my girls!

Monday, March 04, 2024

Sub

 I came upstairs where my little "cove" is to do some work 
and found Jane and Angus snuggled up asleep on the floor.
Jane just finished her training to become a substitute teacher 
in our school district.  
She's not, like, super excited or
anything, but it will be a good job with convenient hours
until she heads off to school in August.
But Lottie is THRILLED at the thought that Jane 
could sub for one of her classes.

Sunday, March 03, 2024

Mission Possible

 

This evening, our church stake congregation organized a 
Missionary prep fireside, where they interviewed full-time and service missionaries. 
They also invited Jane to represent the returned missionaries,
 and let me tell you, she was absolutely amazing!
She has such pose and grace, and anytime she opens her mouth
goodness, truth, and love come out.  
During her 18-month mission in Portugal, she attributed her success
 to being obedient to the mission rules and God's commandments. 
She emphasized that it was not "her" mission but the Lord's mission 
and that she was fortunate enough to serve for Him and His children. 
This perspective was refreshing and so well said!

Gigs was in the audience with us, and I hope it inspired him.
He's got one more year until it's his turn.
Missions are hard, and it's not like you wake up 
and decide to serve one day because you are bored or need an adventure.
  It's a lifetime of preparation, dedication, and hard work.
It's full-time service for the Lord.
Gigs will be such a good missionary.
He's already very compassionate and loving to people.
Unlike the other Nies, who are homebodies and get homesick easily,
 he will thrive living away from home.
He'll miss us but will love being away for a season.
He's always been that way.





Saturday, March 02, 2024

No Boys Allowed

Early this morning, Christian, Claire, 
and I went on a little hike together before Claire's 11:00 shift in the ER.
 There are some cool trails to hike near the hospital.
We discussed her plans, like PA school, work, 
moving to Utah with Jane in August, her glorious future, and boys.
She's ready to seriously date.
But only men.
No more baby boys who aren't serious about life,
marriage, and family.
Arizona dealt her a few tough cards, and she dated some real doozies,
and she's so over that and always was.
Claire has always been 30-something.
Seriously, on her 5th birthday, she actually turned 33.
She's so mature in every aspect of her life.
She'd be the first to tell you that Arizona was hard,
but at the same time, it was also so therapeutic and healing.
Working at the Arizona Burn Center helped her discover
emotions that inspired her to grow and do hard things.
She experienced feelings she didn't even know she was harboring 
specifically about the accident and the aftermath 
of that abrupt change almost 15 years ago!
There is a man somewhere out there who is aspiring to be the best partner 
for his future wife and family. 
Claire will find him, and they will be perfect for each other because
throughout their lives, they have both diligently prepared 
for this most important decision.
I'm grateful for the boy I married who turned into a man
and never looked back.


Friday, March 01, 2024

Mentally And Physically

 Tonight, Gigs walked through the door from work at 9:56.
Lottie and Jane were already in bed, and Claire was still at work.
We had veggie burgers for dinner.
Since it's getting warmer, I cooked the burgers on the grill, and we ate
outside on the porch table but didn't stay long out there since
the evenings are still pretty chilly.
The Spring weather is showing off!  
Flowers are popping around Stillestead, and everything is greening up.
But, back to Gigs.
He wandered through the door after taking off his disgusting-smelling
goat pee-stained overalls and jacket, then he
plopped down at the table where the burger I saved him was waiting for him 
(with chocolate milk.  He loves chocolate milk).
He took three bites and then fell asleep.

He took the ACT today, too, poor kid.
It's been a busy day for him, mentally and physically,
and I think he just crashed.
I woke him up, and he looked at me, looked at his food
and with glazed-over blood-shot eyes, said to me,
"Mom, I stink."
I said, "Yes, son, you really do.  Go get in the shower."


Happy 111th birthday, Nana Aurora, in heaven!




Thursday, February 29, 2024

Leaping!

It's Leap Day! 
I wanted to do something special for today to commemorate
this every-four-years special day, but ALL the Nies were working
late, including Christian, who was at a church meeting.
So, Lottie and I had off-brand Lucky Charm cereal for dinner.
(Which, in my opinion, is better anyway).
We painted nails and watched "A Walk to Remember" in my bed.
I think we sufficiently celebrated Leap Day.
In four years, when the next Leap Day will occur, 
 Lottie will almost be SIXTEEN years old!  Could that be?
Talk about Leaping! 




Wednesday, February 28, 2024

All In Good Time

 This afternoon, Jane and I sat on the front porch in 
the glorious Spring weather
and waited for Lottie and Gigs to get home.
My Spring daffodils are popping up everywhere!
Minutes later, the car bumped along the dirt road and into the driveway.
Out of the car popped two happy-to-be-home-from-school kids.
Lottie immediately picked up hen, Muppet, and brought her on the porch,
dropping her backpack and sweater on the lawn.
Typical.
 Then she told us about all the 6th-grade "tea."
It was good.
One of her friends was dared to kiss (on the cheek) a boy.
Lottie was so animated as she told us how her friend actually did it!
She couldn't get over it!
"Mom, she actually kissed his cheek, like in front of all of us!
Can you believe it?"
"I didn't have my first kiss until I was 16," I told her. 
"Can you believe it? That's a lot older than you right now! 
There's no rush."  I said half-teasingly. 
She squealed back in response, 
All in good time!
Right now, she's still a baby, isn't she?

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Snoots And Books

 When Lottie came home from school today, 
she was holding a little fuzzy creature in her hand
and smiling ear to ear, and she couldn't wait to tell me all about it.
It's basically a fuzzy worm with two googly eyes glued on.
And she's obsessed.
One of her friends gave it to her, which changed her life.
Then she spent 15 dollars of her babysitting money to buy a 40-pack
on Amazon.
I couldn't stop her.  I tried.
They come in the mail on Saturday.
Tonight, around dinner, she pulled out some of her dollhouse furniture
for her little snoot (that's what she's calling them).
He, too, enjoyed the homemade ramen and tofu I made for dinner.
I love Lottie and the weird little things she loves so deeply.
Speaking of weird...
Earlier today, Jane and I went to our storage unit to retrieve boxes of her stuff
I discovered a book in a box called 'The Jupiter Game.'
It's an older book; I think it was written in 1991
I picked it out at the book fair in 1994 in 7th grade, and my world changed,
which is weird because it's about magical, mythical powers
and could possibly be borderline witchcraft, but as a 7th grader, I was enthralled.
I also think I was into it because it was the first book I ever bought with
my own money and in the library at the book fair.
I felt really grown-up.

Anyway, it had been a while since I had seen it, 
so I brought it home to read to Lottie.



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