Update....don't expect me to stay ontop of this

So I know it has been forever since I blogged.  I think once you get behind the idea of catching up is just so overwhelming that you keep putting it off, longer and longer.  Fortunately now I have another think  I want to put off more than blogging, homework.  Yes, I have gone back to school to get my masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis with Arizona State.  I’m super excited about being back in school, but very overwhelmed and even more stressed about managing my family, and vacations during this year and a half I’ll be back in school. 

Since we all know that there is no way I’m going to post for everything we have done over the last 6 months or so, I’ll just give you a quick rundown.

In September Shawn and I went to Bogota.  While he worked I hung out at the pool and checked out the city.  On the weekend we hit a couple of museums and hired a taxi to take us out to the Salt Cathedral.  It was beautiful and we are super glad we went. 

Isaac started Kung-Fu and after 6 months earned his yellow belt.  He loved it, but decided this semester to participate in the elementary school play.  He has been cast as the Mayor in Seussical the Musical. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rapunzel

Emma participated in the play this fall and was cast at Rapunzel in Into the Woods.  She made a beautiful Rapunzel, and I must say although she did not share the same feelings I was relieved that she did not have a huge part like last year.  I’m sure next year she will be very specific as to what she wants to play. 

Through a ton of hard work, Emma has been on the Principal’s honor all year long.  She was also one of only three students recognized for having outstanding conduct in the whole middle school.

We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years, partaking in some of the local traditions.  One of which is celebrating with fireworks at midnight.  We did NOT set off any of the fireworks (mostly for fear of setting off fireworks made in Paraguay).  

Emma is the Angel in the Ward Christmas Party



Eli at the Embassy Christmas Party

In January we took a trip to Puerto Madryn, Argentina.  We did so because Isaac had stated when moving to Paraguay that he would like to go to the Amazon and see the Penguins. 

The Amazon didn’t seem possible this year, so we hit the penguins.  It was awesome, we say a penguin colony of over half a million penguins, and went swimming with sea lions in the wild.  On our way home we stopped at a zoo near Buenos Aires and got to pet lions, tigers, and many other animals. 

Since returning home Shawn headed to D.C. for high treat training before taking off to Afghanistan while the kids and I were stuck at home for 5 weeks without him.  We are grateful he has returned home to the heat for family time before leaving for Afghanistan. 

Eli started preschool in February, it is a little early for him, but I decided the extra Spanish and kid time will do him some good before we take off next year. 

 

 

Home for the Holidays

We began our trip home in secret.  For weeks we had been planning to surprise my mother by just showing up on her doorstep.  It took some effort on every one's part.  I called my sister and let her know when we were coming and asked her if she could find away to keep mom home when we were arriving.  I called and let my dad know, because he had to make sure the house was grandchild ready (i.e.  no Christmas presents visible).   And then I left the planning up the the kids.  They talked for weeks about what they would say and how surprised my mother would be.  It was a blast!  I don't love the surprise thing, but my kids got such a kick out of it. 

Two days after we arrived we celebrated Isaac's birthday.  Yes it was a bit late, but he really wanted to have a celebration with the family.  So he asked my mom and sister to hold off on sending his birthday gifts to him and we celebrated there. 

On the 23rd we got visit from the fat man in red.  This has become tradition at my mother's house.  Every year we are home (and now probably every year because my sister has two little ones) Mr. and Mrs. Clause come to the Nielsen house.  This is such a wonderful tradition and something my kids will remember for always.  This guy is the real deal.  He talks to them about the good things they have accomplished in the year, and things they still need to work on.  He brings a message about our Savior and poses for as many pictures as we want. 

Christmas 2011

 We were so pleased that Trisha's In-laws could join us for the Cash and Dacen's first meet and greet with Santa. 

Emma as beautiful as ever, sucking up for good gifts.

Isaac doing the smile only he can do.

Ummm, yep that is pretty much what Eli thought of the big guy.

 We spent Christmas Eve with the Stewart/Gentrys eating a wonderful dinner my mother-in-law cooked, enjoying the company of family we only get to see once in a while and watching the kids play games with their grandparents.  It was a wonderful time to build memories with them.  We learned that night that my in-laws are putting in mission papers this summer so it will likely be 3 years before we get to see them again.  It was bitter sweet news.  But we know they are going to make the most wonderful missionaries.  There is nothing more important to them than building the Kingdom of God.  I so wish I had pictures of this day, but we were so busy catching up the camera never made it out of the bag.

Christmas morning traditional crepe breakfast.

Okay I know it is cheesy, but I thought I was so funny giving my brother in law a calf hoof bottle opener for Christmas.  Yes, we do use EVERY part of the cow here in Paraguay. Looks like he didn't think it was nearly as funny as I did. 

The most exciting gift was opened Christmas morning.  Everyone in the family received a bathtub toy boat.  It took about 5 minutes but Emma finally got that we were going on a cruise.  Yep, that is right.  Santa brought us a 7 night cruise to the Virgin Islands.  We had a blast. (Pictures to come.) 

 

On the 31^st Isaac was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It was a wonderful day.  We had family from all over come to share in the day with us.  Although it would have different for Isaac to be baptized in Paraguay, I was glad we waited so he could have that day with family. 

 Later that evening we all went to temple square to enjoy the beautiful lights.  My kids love doing this and it will be missed next year. 

Moursey and Lowell

The Hunsakers

The best family picture we could get.  Someday we will all smile at the same time.

The best parents a kid could ask for.

 



How Did My Life Get so Busy?

I feel like such a slacker not updating this blog; but in my defense I really do this mostly for the grandparents and since the kids (at least the big kids) have been in with their grandparents for the last month I felt less pressure to do so. 

Christmas has come and gone, and like the rest of the year was very different from years past.  We had to plan the entire Christmas morning experience around what would fit in our suitcases for the trip home and what would have to be packed away when we move in a couple of months it put things in a whole different view.  So Santa brought the kids Nintendo DSs for Christmas.  They were/are excited and I think it should make traveling especially to South America less hair pulling for me.

The best gift however came on Christmas Eve when my sister gave us a beautifully personalized frame announcing the coming arrival of their twins.  We are so excited!  Funny how it took me 10 years to deliver 3 grandchildren and in one swoop she will nearly double the count.  My kids are so excited about the additions to our family and let me assure you tears were shed (I won't say by who) when we realized we will be in Paraguay when they arrive.  Travel plans in the works, we will pray it works out.

The kids have loved their time with their grandparents.  I'm so glad they got this time before we leave.  Although both kids got the flu while I was away and then managed to pass it to my mother.  I'm sure this was a Christmas they will never forget. 

I would like to take a minute to share what I am grateful for:

I am grateful for a husband that takes care of me even when I whine.
I am grateful for parents who are willing to take care of my sick kids without complaint.
I am grateful for children who think of others and are honest.
I am grateful for a baby that makes me smile everyday.
I am grateful for a gospel that I can feel the spirit even in a language I don't understand.
I am thankful for the opportunity to learn Spanish even though it makes me want to scream.
I am grateful for a family that is selfless.
And last but not least, I am so very grateful for my Savior and Redeemer and the time given to us each year to remember his tender birth. 

I hope you all had a wounderful holiday.  I'll try to get Christmas pictures up soon.