Nielson Family Memories

 I have so much to catch up on, but I had to get on and write how incredibly thankful I am for my husband and my beautiful children. Life has been so busy the last few years, but full of so many beautiful moments. I’m so grateful I’ve had the opportunity to be to all of my kids, activities, and that I can be present in their lives. I hope they will always know that they are the most important thing to their dad and I. We love sitting in the stands, watching them, cheering them on and being part of their lives.  Our family is everything to us.

It has been such a weird feeling having Lexi go off to college, and have someone missing in our home. The years have just gone by so fast, but I couldn’t be more blessed. At BYU. I hope that her relationship with the savior will grow closer, and that she will meet some incredible people there.

We have had the opportunity to travel some amazing places together as a family the past couple of years. I am so grateful for these memories. This year we went to Kauai together, and to Virginia and Washington DC. It was so much fun spending time as a family and seeing some of the beautiful sites. I’m grateful that we have had the chance to do this, and I hope it will be something that always keeps us close as a family. I have so much to catch up on from the past year. Berkley‘s last year in middle school, Lexi‘s senior Europe, high school Trey and Korver‘s activities, just some fun memories along the way.

I want to do better about keeping a journal, so that my kids can look back and see all the memories we had together. I want them to know about their lives.

Korver had such a special and unique baptism. We were given permission to have it with our family while in Bear Lake. We had it at one of the original churches in Randolph Utah. It is the most unique, beautiful building. It was so neat to be able to choose the program, have cute decorations, a beautiful song sang by all the cousins, and most importantly he got to have all of his grandparents, great grandparents, cousins, and aunts and uncles there. The spirit was so strong that day, I will never forget it. Korver looked so handsome, and he was so happy and excited to be getting baptized. Bear Lake holds a special place in all of our hearts, so this was such a neat memory to be baptized while being there. 

I hope Korver will always remember the promises he made that day, and remember what a special blessing it is to have the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful Cody is worthy to baptize him, and both my father and Cody's dad stood in as the witnesses. 

I love the colors Korver chose for his special day. Since it was around the 4th of July he chose blue, red and white. 

 This year I want to do a better job keeping up with my blog, so do a better job of journaling for my children. I love my blog, and I love all the good memories I have from it. I want to remember every year, and all the good, hard, and challenging, and amazing moments that happened with my family.  My family means everything to me, and I am so thankful for each of my children, and my sweetheart Cody. He is my everything, and I'm so thankful we are raising our children together, and all the fun we have. 

2020 was a very eventful year, and full of a lot of hardships, growth, blessings, and many unexpected happenings in the world. Covid 19 hit in March, and since then everything has been different all over the world, and in the United States. Our practice shut down for two months, so we had to run it with just Cody, Kip, Kajsa and I. It was very challenging, and we worried how long we might be shut down, if business would get busy again, and how this would affect us. We stuck together, worked really really hard, and we saw many blessings by the lord. I have a testimony that the lord does and will bless you if you continue to serve faithfully in church callings, have Faith in him, pray, and pay your tithing. I know he is aware and knows us, and he wants to help us if he can, and we allow him to. I've been more grateful for the gospel each year I live, and this past year was no different.  We experienced home church for the first time, and I really enjoyed it.  Our prophet is so inspired, and I'm grateful for the knowledge and peace I have when I read a conference talk, or a church book. It really is evident in my life when I am doing these things, and when I incorporate them in my life. I have really leaned on my husband this past year, as we have had to work as a team, and get through these hard things together. I really enjoyed more time with my children, and even with virtual school I enjoy having Lexi home more. I know I only have a few short years left at home with her, so this little extra time when she does virtual school is so nice. 

My children are changing so much, and I admire them and love them.  I want them to be successful, happy, at peace, and find good friends and companions. Lexi is such a good girl, and always wants to strive to choose the right, and do the right thing. She works so hard at school, gets good grades, attends seminary, works hard at dance, and helps me so much at home. I just love her, and there will be a huge hole in our family when she goes off to college! 

Trey has been working extremely hard in basketball, and his sports. I admire his work ethic, his ability to never give up, and his drive in life. I've always said that I know he will go places in life, and it's my job as a mom to keep him moving in the right direction. I love him, and I know sometimes he thinks I might be hard on him or strict, but I just want the best for him in life!

Korver is just easy going, and loves school. He looks forward to going each day, being with his friends, learning, and just being a good boy! He loves to give me big hugs, and I love that so much! He's funny, smart, loving, and really interested in the gospel. 

Berkley is loving school. She did not like virtual school, so since she's been back at school she is thriving. She is happy, full of life, spunky, driven, and loving. Her sweet pictures and notes just make my day. I love that she enjoys being around me, and loves her momma. I love her too!

If I could describe 2020 in one word it would be grateful! I'm grateful my family is healthy, our business is doing good, we have a home, we have food, good friends, and we were able to make some pretty incredible memories even though Covid has changed so much. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for the peace and comfort he has brought to my life this year. 

It's been a long time since I wrote.  I want to do a better job of journaling for myself and my children. I want them to know my feelings from year to year, know the highs and lows of life, and I want them to remember good memories of their childhood, so they have stories to tell their own children.

The past few weeks have been pretty interesting.  Our world has been hit with the Covid-19 virus, and it has shut down everything. We started home church for the first time, all schools are closed for the rest of the year possibly, Cody had to shut down his dental practice, and I have been working for Akin elementary, helping Cody run his dental practice with only Kip and Kajsa,  and teaching the kids school from home. It is a lot of things I never thought I'd see in my lifetime. Even the temples are closed down right now! I have loved having home centered church. It has been the neatest experience, and it gives us the chance to talk with the kids, and really teach them the things we feel like they need to know right now, while following along with the Come Follow Me curriculum. It has been neat to see my own husband and son passing the sacrament. I have really enjoyed it.

With all this going on I have definitely had my days of feeling overwhelmed, but more than anything I have had peace, comfort, and enjoyed this time with my family.  All activities are done indefinitely right now, and it has been peaceful spending this time with my family at home. Since we are unable to go anywhere we take a lot of walks, play games, watch movies, do house cleaning projects, and just spend time as a family.
This week since we have had more time we decided to really teach the kids about the last week of Jesus Christs life! We have read scriptures, had lots of discussions, listened to beautiful music, and watched amazing church videos on the last week of Christ's life.  It has been so amazing for my spirit! I have loved learning, and taking the time to really remember what this time of year is all about. I have felt the spirit many times,  confirming to me that my Savior is aware of me, loves me, and wants everything to work out for our family.  I know through him we will be ok. He takes care of me always, and I will be forever grateful for my knowledge, testimony, and the love I have for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It means everything to me, and everyday, I try to center my life on trying to be better. I wish I was a better daughter, more patient, always kind, loving, thoughtful, full of hope, and courageous. But through my Savior I can be, if I remember him, follow him, and pray daily for his guidance and spirit in my life.

I LOVE Easter! I love what it represents. I love how everything is coming back to life, blooming, growing, and becoming so beautiful and green.  I love it! I love Easter egg hunts, filling my kids Easter baskets with goodies, and just spending time having a nice dinner.  I'm so incredibly grateful for a loving, kind, hardworking, patient, and supportive husband.  He is my EVERYTHING, and with him by my side I feel comfort, peace, and love.  So much love. I wish I could convey the love I have for him.  I'm grateful for this time with him, even though financially it is hard with our business being closed down.

Its been awhile since I got on my blog and posted anything. I'm not sure why? I guess just life,  everyday business, and  being a mom of 4 little kids.  We decided the beginning of the year to make a big change..MOVE! Yes, I said we were going to move again, and I'm still surprised we made the decision to do it. It still doesn't seem real some days that we have decided to build another home, but Cody and I feel good about it, and it's somewhere we want to be forever.  I have faith that our home will sell when it's supposed to, and that things will work out with the new home.  I find myself getting used to the idea of being in Austin forever even more every year.  I know my first year was an adjustment, but I do love the people here, and I am grateful to have Cody around more.  Sometimes it is an adjustment with running a business with others, and things that come up along the way. I try and stay positive, and look on the bright side of things.  I am just trying to have more faith, more faith, be positive, and be the best wife and mother I can possibly be.  Some days are easier said then done, but I feel like I have great kids, an amazing husband, and a good life.  I know that Heavenly Father is trying to teach me lessons along the way with things, and I'm trying to handle the challenges that come my way better with each year.  I do want to be better writing on my blog! I want my children to know my feelings, my love for them, and the thoughts I had during my time while raising them.

Korver just hit his one year mark of being seizure free! I am grateful, relieved, humbled, and happy he had made it to that mark.  I know he may not stay seizure free, but I'm thankful he has gone this long.  I love this little boy with all of my being. I have learned to have more faith, rely on my Heavenly Father more, and just be content with every day.  I don't know what tomorrow will bring, or 6 months from now, so today I choose to be happy, and just try not worry what the future will bring.  I never posted about the experience I had with Korver.  When he was given a father's blessing back in August, just before school started, he was given a very special blessing.  In his blessing I specifically remember, "please help Korvers mother to know that I am aware of Korver.  I knew what challenges he would face before he came here, and I pray that his mother will know this.  I pray for her to have peace.  Korver is a very special little boy. I know how worried she has been for him. " I think ever since that day, I felt peace that my loving Heavenly Father would take care of things with Korver, and I had to be ok with whatever his will was for Korver.  This experience with Korver has helped me to be more content in Texas, in life, love my children more, have more faith in the Lords timing, enjoy each day with my children, have more compassion for others going through hard things, and to love more!  I know every trial is for my own good, and the good of our family.  I know there is something to be learned.  I just want to be a better servant for my Heavenly Father.  I want to enjoy this life, love those around me, and love my husband, friends and my children more! Life is good, oh so good!

I wanted to write something to Trey on the day of his baptism! This is such a special day for him, and I can't believe my handsome, kind hearted, and hard working little boy is now 8.  I still remember so clearly the day that he was born and placed into my arms.  You were  the most perfect, handsome little baby.  I remember the room was quiet, and it was just your dad and I.  We enjoyed that quiet sacred time with you!  You have always been the most perfect birthday present I could ever ask for.  You help me remember my purpose each year on my birthday, and that is being a mother.  It is all I ever wanted to be, and each year it's a reminder of the bond you and I will always share! I love being a mother and I'm grateful every year we can blow out our candles together.  When you were born you had lots of dark hair, and the cutest little face.  I was so excited to get pregnant with you! As soon as I got a taste of motherhood with Lexi I knew I wanted another baby as soon as I could!  I wanted a large family for as long as I could remember, and whenever anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always a mom.  When we found out we were having a little boy we were so excited!!  Your dad and I have always felt that the birth of our 4 children were some of our most sacred and spiritual experiences.  Holding our new baby, just talking to each other about life, and the feeling in the room holding a new baby was so sacred and special every time.  I always say it was like getting a small glimpse of heaven.  With every pregnancy I prayed for special spirits that we could love, and teach the gospel to.  I knew from the time Trey was a baby that he was a big spirit in a small body.  I received such a spiritual prompting when Trey was a little baby.  When Trey was struggling with colic I remember feeling tired, and sad that I couldn't take away the pain.  I remember apologizing many times to him, and wishing I could make it all better.  I would strap him to me all day long so I could clean and take care of Lexi.  I always said he was my little buddy!  When he would look at me with his big brown eyes it was the cutest thing!  As I was praying one night when Trey was having a hard night with his colic, I received an answer so strongly and so clear that "he was born on your birthday for a reason, he is meant to be your son to raise, he is yours."  I knew then that even though I would have imperfect days as a mother, that I was meant to be Trey's mother, and it was our responsibility to raise him up and teach him to choose the right, and have a testimony of our Savior.   I knew from that time on that Trey had a special purpose on this earth, and it was my responsibility as his mother to help teach him, love him, and raise him up right.  I'm so thankful to have Trey in our family, and the older Trey gets the more I realize why he is the oldest brother.  He has always been very protective of his siblings, and he is a leader!  I have never seen Trey love more than when his little sister Berkley was born.  I loved seeing the bond between them, and I know that Trey will set a righteous example for his siblings to follow.
Anyone that knows Trey knows that when he does something he wants it done right,  to look its very best, and he takes pride in what he does.  Trey is wonderful artist, and if he gets a new Lego set big or small he will work on it until it's done!  He loves when his room, his schoolwork, and lego sets look good.  He was voted the best artist in his class last year.  When he decides to do something he is very determined.  When you listen to Trey pray it is so tender, sweet, and thoughtful.  He has one of the biggest hearts, and he has such a desire to do what is right, and doesn't like when other people are sad.  Trey lives life to the fullest!! He does everything running, jumping, kicking, and all boy!! He is a Wyoming boy at heart, and loves anything outdoors, camping, 4 wheelers, dirt, snow, and being outside.  His favorite person to be with is his dad!  He loves playing football with him, and a few weeks ago after him and his dad came in from playing football he said, "this was the best day!"  I want to tell Trey that there is no better example to follow than the example of his father Cody!  He was blessed with a kind, patient, loving, and amazing father.  We are all blessed to have Cody in our lives, and there is no better christlike example than him in our family.  I love how much Trey loves his dad.
I'm so proud of the choice Trey has made to be baptized.  Trey I want you to know that your mom loves the gospel, I believe in it with my whole heart, and it is the most important thing in my life besides my family. You will never regret the choice you've made to be baptized.  You are so blessed to have the gospel in your life. It will provide so many amazing spiritual opportunities in your life if you will allow it to.  You have been blessed with the gospel in your life, and I hope you will use it by being a good example, and missionary.  I want you to know that  I have a strong testimony of the gospel, and also for Joseph Smith.  I hope you will find and develop a strong testimony of your own. I know the gospel is true with my whole heart. I have felt the spirit many times, and had so many prayers answered.  I use the gospel every day of my life, and I depend on the spirit as a mother, friend and wife.  I hope as you begin to recognize the spirit you will use it in your life!  I know if you listen to the spirit and the promptings you receive from the Holy Ghost your life will be blessed.  The Savior is always there to help you in your life, and he will guide and love you if you allow him.   If you allow his spirit to be with you, you will have peace, love, and gratitude in your life.  You have amazing things in store for your life, but the gospel will be the tool that will make good things in your life great!!

I'm so proud to be your mother.  I'm so thankful I was given the responsbility to raise you.  Thank you for choosing me to be your mom.  You are an amazing little boy.  I hope you will always remember this day, and you know how much you are loved not only by your earthly parents, but also by your father in Heaven.

Tonight I'm just feeling very grateful, humble and blessed for all that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with.  As I look at my 2 year old pulling out everything in the cupboards, scooping her ice-cream with her hands, dumping her whole plate of food on the floor, laughing and smiling like it's the funnest thing, I want to get mad at her, but her sweet big smile, and hi, just melt my hear.  When I look outside at my 4 year old starting a food fight on the tramp with his brother, and looking at the mess that will take us a long time to clean up, I figure instead of getting mad, I just make them clean it up, then decide its time for a treat night since Cody's not home.  I still feel blessed, even when I look around at my little messes all over the house, the things that could be getting done instead of going out for a treat, but those things aren't important every day!  It is important to teach my kids, but not more important than talking with them, reading with them, and doing something fun together.  I'm thankful for the memories my family made together.  I'm thankful where my roots are, and I hope I can give my kids good memories like I have.
  I look around at my four beautiful children, my sweet, handsome, funny, and charismatic husband, and my heart just feels full.  I'm thankful to have all of them with me everyday, and when I hear them laugh, play, or tell me funny things, I think how amazing it is that these little people are who I created and gave birth to.  The years have gone by so fast. Each of them is a miracle, and I will always be grateful to have had the opportunity to give birth to them.  I know our family is not immune to hard things happening to us, as we have experienced scary, hard, and trying things the past few years. I wish I could always handle trials with dignity, grace, and never get upset, but I am learning, and I feel like with each year I get a little better, more reliant on the Lord, and more positive with my trials.  I see better why I need each trial, and the timing when it comes.  I see why the Lord puts us the places we have been, and the people in our lives that he does.  We are all instruments in his hands for each other here on the earth.  I never want to get too busy with my own life to help other people, or be a true friend.  I'm thankful for the spirit, and I'm thankful when I can feel peace, happiness and contentment as I go about my busy, sometimes very crazy weeks of being a mom to 4 children under 9.  I get asked so often how I manage having 4 kids.  I get lots of comments everywhere I go, and as busy, sometimes hard as it can be, it's the most rewarding, fulfilling, and important thing to me.  Being a good mom is important to me!! I know I need my good husband to balance me out, give me advice, and perspective. I'm grateful I have him, very glad!! So tonight as I look at all my kids, and Taz laying at the foot of my bed, I feel like the luckiest girl to have this life!  When I wake up in the morning to dishes, diapers, an un potty trained dog, school lunches, activities, sticky fingers, and lots of hugs, kisses, smiles, healthy children, a nice home, food on the table, a car to get my family where they need to be, and all of us together, I will remember that Heavenly Father loves me, and he has blessed me beyond what I will ever deserve or want.