Fourth of July

It was a great day off of work! We started the day with Brian making us his special Egg McMuffins.
We then ventured over to our friends house for brunch.. It was a couple hours later and I knew the boys would be hungry again. We had so much fun. We stuffed ourselves full with fried French toast! YUP! Fried French toast. Delish!; and so much more. The kids along with Amanda were pure entertainment while playing Dance on the Wii.
Brian and Amanda of course snuck in a nap while I cleaned the house and Vincent heading to USWIRL.
Brian's father, Chris Sr. and step mom Irma were in town for a couple days and we met up with them to have dinner.

After eating ALL day, cooling off with the water fountain in the middle of the plaza (way too much fun for the kids) we finally made it home for some fireworks!
While I lay in bed thinking that night with my disabled Vet next to me. I can't help but think how grateful I am to live in this Country and have the freedoms that I do.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

15 Months Old

Amanda is now 15 Months old!!! We can't believe how time flies. She is so very busy.
She luvs daycare, she is too fast and busy for dad now.
She is eating with utensils
Waves goodbye
Says hi, brother, doggy
Luvs the pool and splashing
And still luvs bed time at the end of the day ;)

16 Is Not All That Bad

Vincent is now to the point that he is never home and when he is it is to eat, sleep and hopefully get his chores done?
I have admit, I really do miss having him around. He has been working a lot this summer. He is still working for the local yogurt shop and working for his old boss Chase doing pool service. So when he IS home, he is usually tired and cranky. I keep reminding myself it could be worse. But then again, as I start my days around 4-5am there is part of me that really wants him out of bed too? Isn't that horrible as a mother to admit? We want our children to have it better and easier? But at what cost? Or is it a cost? Mind you, Vincent IS a great kid. He is respectful to others, is always on time for work, he is a hard worker, a great brother, is a worthy Priesthood Holder... The list could go on and on. I ask myself the question? Why does it bother me so much that he won't keep his room clean, cleanse his face twice a day and pick up the poop or take out the trash w/out being asked?
Yes!!! I know. People tell me; if that is all I have to complain about, let it go????? I guess we should. There is just part of us that feels like we need him to do the little things too?
And therefore I pray everyday he makes the decision to go on a mission. As long as we can just get him there. Then..... We will have made it!!!!!

Nelson Esthetics

I have finally done it!!!!! No, we all knew I was a little crazy so that is not new news!
We no longer have a guest room. We have a Guest/Esthetics Room! I am beyond excited.
YES!!!!! That means I can start taking clients at home.
There are still some final touches but the room is for the most part ready.. I have changed my schedule at Massage Envy and now only working 3-4 days a week.
If its hair removal, back treatments, facials, eyebrow/lash tint you are In need of? I am your girl!!!

Multiple Sclerosis Yard Sale

A couple weeks ago we had our second go around with the Garage Sale.....
We had been told its a great way to raise money for MS. Me being the tenacious person I am said why not? I mean really? How hard can this be? Mind you, the only garage/yard sale I remember having was when I was a young girl living in Price, Utah.
My parents (mom) decided that before we made the big move from Price to Santa Barbara, CA we would sale all the things that were extras? I guess that's a way to put it. I remember thinking really???? People will pay for our used things? It was such a foreign concept to me. Nonetheless, it's not like our items were exactly top of the line. I mean really, Price, Utah? I think the finest department store was JCPenney? But when the guy (just lived up the street) came and bought ALL of my dads hat collection (there was a hat hanging on every section of the wall through out the whole house) I thought WOW!!! This is cool.
So, I decided to send the word out that I would be doing a sale for charity if anyone would like to donate to my wonderful idea.... Little did I know people would be very generous.
We made our first attempt on Memorial Day Weekend. The boys helped me place signs, of course offered to get McDonalds and learn the art of garage selling. Brian was the expert! He could talk the talk and walk the walk of the under lining garage sale world. Something that for some reason made me feel a little awkward?
After starting at 5am we decided to unfortunately load the garage back up and close up at 1pm. I was so sad we only made $427.00. Surely people would spend more on another day. This time we started a little later, had competition up and down our street but still managed to bring in $367.00. I blame it on the heat.
Overall I am beyond thrilled to announce that we raised $794.00. Only $1,350.00 more to go! I am so excited!!!!
Remember I mentioned all of those donations? I would like to give a special THANK YOU WITH HUGS to:
Arleen & Jim Karch
Suzanne & Shane Davis Family
The Jordan Family
The Lees Family
The Wing Family
The Backus Family
The Newell Family
The Deer Valley 1St Ward RS Presidency
Peter and Michelle Dalton
Chase & Nicole Woods
our neighbor down the street who donated his couch that had been sitting in his garage for 6 months

A special Thank you to Will & Traci Wing whom let us use their portable swamp cooler all day! AND keeping me company ;)
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to keep us company and who purchased items.
Last but not least, a wonderful Thank you to Vincent and Brian! Whom both woke up on Saturday mornings at 5am to help make this possible!!!

Stay tuned for our next fundraiser: A CAR WASH!!!!