Funny...

This cracked me up! Please check it out!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1593391921

Merry Christmas from the Family

Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family! This has been a very special Christmas for us, as we celebrated this year at home. Although we greatly missed my family in Redstone, we thoroughly enjoyed not having to pack and unpack gifts!

We visited the Denver Zoo for "Zoo Lights"...Molly is really into the lights this year, she actually lost her voice one night on our drive home from work because she yelled "Ooooh...pretty!" too many times!

We spent time on Christmas Eve and Christmas day with Erik's family. It was so nice! The girl's were so excited to wake up on Christmas morning and see our living room full of gifts!

Most mornings our living room is full of gifts for me...my family... I was blessed this year to have it full once again of my dearest friends at the Ornament Exchange party...every evening when I come home from work my charming husband can be found in there.

I often complain about our house being too small because we have filled it to the limit...but when I see what our house is full of, I find comfort in knowing NO house will be big enough for all of our riches! This Christmas I was reminded once again of the greatest gift I have been given...that we have all been given...Jesus Christ. Without Him, my house would be seem too big...like something was always missing...I thank Him for filling my heart and my home

.

Lovely Weather for a Sleigh Ride Together

I was cleaning house today and Ava asked for the millionth time this week if she could please go outside and play in the snow. Molly was napping, and I let down my guard a little and told her she could play in the front yard where I could see her out the window. She wasn't out there long before the neighborhood kids where all out playing with her! Luckily, we have some of those neighbors that have ALL the cool toys, so he came over to give all the kids a ride on this giant inflatable sofa-thing! I could hear all the kids laughing all the way around the block! Thank you for such a fun day!!!!

Lookin' Out for Mom

Tonight, while eating dinner, Ava leaned over to Molly who was in her highchair, "Molly, I know that you can be nice...I have seen you be nice before. So, when Mommy comes over here you need to say 'Sorry', Okay?"
Moo grinned at her and said "Saw-wee" very loud.
"No, you silly goose, say it to MOMMY!"
This made me smile because Molly had not done anything offensive at that moment, but I know Ava can tell that Molly's recent behavior has been waring on me! She is very concerned that my heart may be broken!

Here We Go Again!

We are once again approaching the "Terrible Two's" and I will admit that I am terrified already! I know that parents of multiple kids suffer from a unique type of amnesia, where we just don't remember things being very difficult with the first child...and I am no exception...I don't think Ava was nearly as naughty as Molly has been lately! People try to remind me that Ava was kicked out of several daycare situations, but I am convinced now that it wasn't because she was bad, I honestly believe she was suffering from a broken heart! Every time she was asked not to return it was because she would just scream and cry all day long, no one could comfort her! But now there's Molly...although she has never been kicked out of anywhere, she has been really testing her limits with me and her care givers at the daycare.

I guess the moment when I really started to worry that this might be the terrible twos sneaking up on us was yesterday at the store. We were Christmas shoping at one of those places that EVERYONE goes to, so they had a path chained off so all of us shoppers could see where we were supposed to stand in line. The line was long, so we were probably waiting for five minutes before we even got to the beginning of the chain. Molly was glad for something new to mess with, but when I politely asked her to stop swinging the chain, she glared at me and pushed the chain SO hard that one by one the plastic poles that were holding it up toppled over! I could have died! In fact, I must have had an "out of body experience" because I don't know how I got from seeing that menacing glare to seeing Molly sprawled out on the floor yelling like a mad woman. As I struggled to pick her up without dropping the gifts, I could feel all of the sympathetic looks from others in the line. I was grateful that there was a kind gentleman there to pick up all of the chain/posts! Please pray for Molly that she would learn how to express her feelings in a more appropriate and constructive manner!

Glam Girls

It is amazing....the therapy we girls find in makeup and feather boas!

An Afternoon at the Zoo

Thank you, Linda and Katrina, for a wonderful afternoon at the Zoo! We has a blast! And it is my pleasure to say that the Nilsen family has adopted a new Grandma!!!! Linda, Ava talks about you everyday...you ladies are such a special part of our family, thanks again for a wonderful day.

So Much to be Thankful for

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in beautiful Cedaredge, CO. The girl's LOVE to stay at the bunkhouse!

Ava had fun with some spare parasols during Thanksgiving dinner...

The day after we hurried back to Redstone to catch Santa

To start off the Christmas season there was a huge bonfire, said to warm our hearts for the coming season!

Our family has SO much to be thankful for!

Holiday Pictures

Last weekend I took the girls to get their Christmas pictures taken. In past years, I have tried to take this special photo...but every year I am disappointed! I think it is less stressful for all of us to just leave it to the pro's!

Molly was a trooper, but I was really surprised that she looks like she was having a good time in any of the pictures!Ava was a good girl, but the photographer kept calling her "Avery"Later when we were reviewing the photos at home, I beamed at one of her photos and asked, "Who is that sweet little girl?!?" Ava smugly replied, "Avery." and walked away!I am SO happy with the pictures, I can't wait to send out Christmas cards!

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

Another quote from Ava...Hallmark card writers be VERY afraid....

I like to joke with Ava by saying, "Why do I love you so much? You're nothin' but trouble...I should send you to the (zoo...circus...she thinks its funny when I change it up)!" So the other day she simply asked, "Mommy, why DO you love me so much?" with a big smile on her face.

I replied, "Because God gave you to me so I can love you as much as I want while I have you. Why do YOU love me?" I asked her back, thinking she would laugh and say something silly like we usually do.

"Because you are positive...and encouraging." She stated very matter-of-fact-ly!

I love her for SO many reasons!

Later that day Molly said "I love you, Mommy!" for the first time! What a wonderful day!

Trick or Treat!

A bright-eyed "Dorothy" could hardly wait to go get some candy!
Hmmm....a very scary....ladybug?!?! She was really just trying to show off her "make up" on her nose!
All dressed up and ready to go!
Just sit together for ONE picture! Molly, Ava, and Odin
The girlz in the 'hood: Monika, Molly, Ava, Alyssa, and Zoe

Our Fall

I love this time of year! It really makes me feel like creating a home full of memories with my family...sure the summer is great for vacations and creating memories away from home, but when it starts to cool down I get excited to create traditions and turn our focus inward.

We have a wonderful family, and I am excited for us all to grow closer together, the girls are both big enough now to enjoy fun family time...Molly can finally get through a good portion of the day without needing a nap...Ava is learning to be patient with her little sister. I was hoping that Erik's work schedule would lighten up, but it looks like he will continue to work his second job until the end of the year. We sure miss having him around, but I know that this is only for a season in our lives, much like our Fall.

Ahh...Ava-isms

Even when I am sick and grumpy, Ava can make me laugh like a little school girl! She was telling me that she only likes girls, and I told her that is not true. "You like Daddy, and Andrew, and Ty, and Jason, and Cole..."

"Yeah. But Ty really loves me." (There are rumors that Ava and Ty got married in the sandbox at school).

"Well, you see...you can like boys, too. As long as they are nice"

"But I don't know if I can be friends with Ty anymore..." Ava got a concerned look on her face..."His breath smells like....garbage!"

I laughed so hard! I have never said anything like that, but God knows I have thought it!

Its Gotta be the Flu!

Okay, no picture for this post...you will all thank me for that! Last weekend, Molly got sick. I was sure it was nothing...runny nose...crankiness...low-grade fever...the usual. Two days later I got it. I couldn't even get out of bed Wednesday-Sunday (today). I did get off the couch to make supper for the family today, but other than that I have been out of commission! Poor Molly is just getting back to her old self, but she has been through the ringer! It is times like these when I am thankful for our little house...I just close all the bedroom doors, turn on a Disney movie, and if I happen to doze off on the couch, I know the girls are close by!

Giddyup

What a fun weekend! Our church had a "Block Party" on Sunday morning...it was so great! The girl's got to go on their first pony rides, and they had a blast (you may not be able to tell from the photos!). Erik and I had the most fun just watching those two. After a day of pony rides, train rides, jumping castles, hot dogs, and Cheetos, we asked Ava what her favorite part of the

day was...."Sunday School" she replied. I hope she enjoys those simple pleasures for a long time to come!

Update on Ava...

Okay, she is so phony bologna! Yesterday she really made a big deal when I was dropping her off at daycare...tears, quivering chin...the works! So today while we were driving to "school" I asked her why she was so sad yesterday. "I want you to stay with me at school" she replied. "Oh. Well, I can't. I have to go to work Honey."
"Oh."
"Okay? So no fussing today..."
"Okay." I took her to her class, she started to ask for more hugs and kisses, and then she stopped herself and smiled, "Oh, I forgot. Sorry 'bout that!" and ran off to play!
Little Stinker!

Is This a Phase?

Ava...what am I going to do with you?!? She laughs every time I say that, but I am not always joking! I want to be the best mom that I can be, I want my girls to love to be with me and be confident without me, and sometimes I think we are close to that goal. And then the great back-slide....now Ava lingers a little closer when I drop her off at daycare. I walk her to her class, I kiss her head, then she grabs my leg, "Mommy I need a hug"..."...a kiss..." "...give me another hug..." This could go on forever if I don't sort of scoot her into her classroom! I originally thought this was just a production more for my benefit than hers, but one of her teachers told me that after I left yesterday, Ava cried for the first time in class! She has been at the same daycare for almost a year now...I don't really know what is going on.
It doesn't stop there, at church now she wants to come with me to "mommy's class" and not go to Sunday school. She doesn't even want to go to grandma's house if I am not going to stay with her! Ava...what am I going to do with you?!?

To My Children

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your faces and laugh when I feel like crying. Just for this morning, I will let you girls choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is. Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you two to the park to play. Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the back yard and blow bubbles...Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by. Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned. Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me make cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them. Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy all four of us a Happy Meal so you can each have two toys!

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you the stories of when you were each born and how much I love you both. Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry. Just for this evening, I will let you girls stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars. Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours and miss my favorite TV shows. Just for this evening when I run my fingers through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me such wonderful blessings.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer helplessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you two goodnight, I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day.....

I received this in a forwarded email, and thought I would put it in here because tomorrow is my dear friends birthday. He was killed in the Columbine shooting. I miss you John.

Spoiling them rotten

After the trauma of hearing that we had to put Molly under GA....Mommy got an insatiable urge to buy something wonderful for her girls! Meet the newest member of the Nilsen family:

His name is "Jack" and he really is the sweetest little bunny! We love him!

Success!

The "operation" was a success! I stayed with Molly as she was put under for the procedure...I have seen plenty of kids go under, so I knew what to expect...a struggle...panic...and then peace. Molly looked up at me from behind the mask, and let a few tears fall from her big blue eyes, no struggle, just the peace. I was happy with that. I had just barely found my way back to the waiting room when the doc came out to say they were done. Molly was such a drama queen in the recovery room, they told us to get out of there after just 10 minutes (originally we were told we would be there for at least a half an hour!). They even told us to just keep the gown, don't bother trying to change her clothes! But after a long nap, she seems to be recovering well!