We Bought a Zoo

You never know when you'll be confronted with having a serious, deep conversation with your children. Tonight was one of those times. We were watching this adorable movie and the subject about life and death came up when the boys were wondering why the children in the movie were so sad. I explained to them that their mommy in the movie went to Heaven. Noah wanted to know if I would be going to Heaven some day and, if so, would I come right back? He said this will quivering lips and tears in his eyes. I told him when I go to Heaven, I will not come back but I will be with them in spirit at all times. Of course, this answer was not good enough. How could it be? I then explained that at some point later on, they would join me in Heaven along with their daddy, his brother, his grandparents, his cat! and all the other people and things he loves and that we'd be together forever!  That made him instantly happier and a celebration ensued. Do I know all of this for a fact? Not with cold, hard facts but in my heart I know for sure we will be back together some day, up in Heaven, never to be apart, living in bliss!

Now his other question, well....I had to stick to reality. No, we could not go to the zoo and ask for some animals so that we could not set up our own backyard zoo. Sorry, that's just not going to happen. Not as long as we're in Palm Coast anyway. Ha ha ha!

Oh, Happy Napper!

I've heard about these things regularly since the boys saw them on a television commercial. And, once you hear the song, it's in your head like all bad yet catchy songs are!  But, one day, thanks to A Few Short Cuts, we saw that they were on a mega special through BestBuy.com. So, I ordered about 6! Noah has been in love with his doggie ever since it arrived. Ethan chose the Dragon and we gave his best friend a Dragon as well so that it would remind them of each other over summer vacation break. Of course, they will still be getting together but it's fun to share something with your best friend!

The day after I gave Haven his Dragon, he had this for me!

What a sweetheart!!!!

A Week with Brennan!

Out of the blue, Mindy and Joe contacted me to see if I or anyone I knew  could watch Brennan for the week. Noah and I said we'd be happy to do it! We figured it would be fun and Noah would love the company! It was during the time Ethan was in school, so it worked out perfectly. Noah and Brennan got along so well! We are both going to miss him next week!

Here are some pictures of our fun!

Brennan was determined to learn to dribble this week!

 I don't think a Tsunami wave could have taken him down....

Brennan loved the pool so much it was hard to get him out!

 T-Ball lessons from the pro!

 Brennan showed up with his butterfly net so butterfly hunting we did!

 We found one! And, we almost got it!

Those elusive butterflies!

I Learn to Sew?

Yes, I know I ended that with a question mark! At this point it's still questionable, that's why!

My friend, Kayla, told me about a sewing class being offered through Palm Coast Adult Ed and decided there was no time like the present! I have been wanting to learn for quite awhile now. Especially with all the cute things I see people making on Facebook and Pinterest. I love getting my crafty on and this will just be another extention of that. I have no desire to have anymore children but I gravitate towards all the cute baby items I can make. I also want to learn to make totes, blankets and ....anything else my heart desires. I am determined that I will be good at this. Now it's time to practice, practice, practice!

Here are some cute things I want to make that I found on Pinterest:

 

This is a great reminder for all of us moms!

Harrison's 4th birthday playdate!

May 15, 2012

Harrison, Christine and Brooksie came down from Jax to celebrate Harrison turning 4! Kayla, Brayden and Bransen came over too and it was just like old times for a little bit! Noah picked out for Harrison a Superman, Superdog, destructible brick wall combo and also a Color Wonder set. He was very determined to get him this particular Superman gift so, despite my suggestions to something new and different (how many Superheroes does he need? ),  he stood firm and that's what Harrison got. A least the Color Wonder was something new! They had a great time swimming and playing! Noah sure misses his best friend!!

 

* Some pics are courtesy of Christine & Kayla. My wonderful phone only apparently captured two pics!

The Passing of My Grandpa Neilson...

Dale Reese Neilson Sr. (1931~2012)

In loving memory of Dale Reese Neilson, Sr.

On Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 0ur father, grandfather and loving husband passed away peacefully at the Veterans' Memorial Hospital in Salt Lake City.

Dale was born Dec. 18, 1931, and raised in Bridgeland until he joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the war Dale met his sweetheart of 60 years, Florence J. in El Sobrante, Calif. Soon after, they were married in Reno, Nev., Dec. 24, 1951. They lived in California for many years. In 1976, they moved back home to Bridgeland. Dale was a truck driver by trade but his passions were camping, hunting and fishing. After he retired he spent countless hours fishing every lake or river he could find.

Some of his favorite places to fish were: San Francisco/San Pablo Bay and the Klamath River of California. He also liked Flaming Gorge, Strawberry, Sandwash and Lake Borem. His favorite hat said: Sleep-Eat-Fish! Happy fishing, Dale! You will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife Florence J. of Bridgeland; sons David (Cristina) Neilson of Roosevelt and Dale, Jr., of California; daughters Charlotte Neilson (Bill Mitchell) of Duchesne; Jeannette (Larry) Odom of Oklahoma; Maryann Neilson, and Terri (Mike) McMurray of Bridgeland; sister Edna (John) Wills and brother Darwin Neilson, all of Roosevelt; 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Vere and Helen Neilson and his brother Sharon Neilson of Bridgeland.

Military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Sat., May 19 at the Roosevelt Cemetery. Open house to follow at Dale and Florence's home in Bridgeland.

In lieu of flowers we ask you to donate to the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City.

Published in Uintah Basin Standard from May 15 to May 21, 2012

 Ethan's Spring 2012 School Pictures

My little handsome man! He's has grown so much this year, physically and intellectually! It is amazing to see the transformation. I wasn't crazy about having Fall and Spring Pics but you can really tell the difference in what months make at this age! Also, Ethan is doing so well in school. In all the many, many tests that he has had this year, he has only missed 3 points. I always knew he was a smart kid but he never ceases to amaze me! He's getting to be so interested in reading. His current favorites are the Hero Factory and Transformers books. He is also reading Dr. Seuss. I love watching him learn and grow!

 Fall 2011  

   Spring  2012

Ethan's best friend since day 1, Haven,  is in the back row 3rd from the left.

Ethan's and Noah's Spring 2012 TBall Pictures!

Our little cuties!! They have really enjoyed playing T-ball this Spring!

Addison's 5th Birthday Party!

Wow, the 5th of May was a VERY busy day. First T-ball, then the Cinco de Mayo picnic and then Addison's party at Lesley's! And, it was hot, hot, hot on this day as well! But, the kids had a blast! They were definitely ready for bed by 7:30pm! Here are the pics from the birthday party :

 

The birthday girl!

Tom Savone's Annual Picnic:

Cinco de Mayo!

 

Our financial advisor and retirement funds manager, Tom Savone, had his annual picnic this year with a Mexican theme due to it being on Cinco de Mayo this year. The food was so good and the boys had a blast trying to knock down the pinata. Ethan ended up getting the head full of candy!