Slump

I've been in a slump. I admit it. Just ask my co-workers who witnessed my weirdness last week when a funny joke turned into a laughing-crying-teary-what-in-the-world-is-that-noise-coming-out-of-Michelle's- mouth mess! Hahahaha!!! oh dear! (Finally, people on the "outside" witnessing what my dear husband has so sweetly handled for almost 14 years!) There is nothing better than a good laugh and a good cry to get you through another day sometimes! Anywhoo, FINALLY last night I was able to get my haircut and colored. I feel like I've been reborn!!!! I'm out of my slump!!! (if only I could get over this darn cough/cold/swollen glands issue I'm fighting) Chopping 5 - 6 inches off can be soooo uplifting! The sun is brighter, the grass is greener and there's a bounce back in my step! Thank you Betsy for the fun new cut and the great conversation - you are awesome! I love ya!!! And what better way to start the day than having your 2 year old checking out Mommy's new cut and announcing "You look GREAT mommy! You're so pretty!!!"

Squirt

Seriously, how many guys get away with calling their mother-in-law squirt? Well, somehow John does - and has done so for years! I find it quite funny and my mom (i think) secretly loves it! Ü It's very fun a such a cute term of endearment. So, in primary we have been talking about temples and temple work. Last Sunday during sharing time Joseph's class was learning about genealogy. So, they were each filling out their own family tree. So, Joseph is so excited after church and tells me he needs my help finishing his family tree. Great! We get home and I check it out.... Joseph Gabriel Aznar then above that I see John Gabriel Aznar and Michelle Nielsen! GREAT!!! Impressive! Above my name it says Grandpa Nielsen and "Squirt". I burst out laughing!!! I asked him, "do you know Grandma Nielsen's name?" Joseph says, "yeah, it's right there - squirt!" HILARIOUS!!! I was waiting to do this post until I had a chance to scan it in - but I haven't done it yet. But, this was too funny not to post! What a goof!

What a Man!

Today John is heading off on his second wasatch back relay race from Logan to Park City. This year their team - Notso Macho Libre's - is running for a young girl from Orem who is battling leukemia. You can read a write up from the Daily Herald here. I'm so honored to be with wife of such an incredible guy. And it's not just the cool stuff like this that he does - but it's his heart and his soul. He is an amazing guy - even when all of my Father's Day plans fall through and I end up having nothing more than a couple new recipes to try out and some handmade cards from the kids - he still says it was a perfect Father's Day. (whut? I'd be whining and throwing a pity party for myself!) Anyway, I just have to give a huge shout out to the love of my life. He is a man of great character, faith, honesty, integrity and intellect. I appreciate his love for people, his love for the Gospel and his love for his family. I appreciate how much he loves his work and his patients and truly cares about always doing the right thing. Thank you for being such a dedicated father and husband. Thank you for making your family the #1 priority in your life. Thank you for being the man that you are. You are the love of my life. I love you!!!

love my munchkin's

I just can't let another second go by with out expressing how much i love my kids. I feel so blessed to have healthy, happy, growing kids. They bring so much joy, love, happiness and fulfillment to my life. I feel extremely blessed. Besides the fact that i think they are beautiful and the funniest kids ever!!! I've been reading posts for baby mason - see his blog on my blog list - and it just makes me cry. What a trooper he is!!! Let us all count our blessings tonight and pray for those in need of extra blessings - whatever they might be.

(pictures above are from Great - Grandpa and Grandma Jackson's backyard - the kids spent the afternoon searching for 4 leaf clovers - finally, when everyone started getting a little too frusterated at not finding one, we switched to see who could find the biggest and the littlest ones!) Ü