Musettes Sugar Plum Fairy!

For those of you that were unable to be at the Musettes Christmas concert, I thought you might like a little taste. Here is a video of one of our numbers. It is acapella and was a lot of fun. It took a lot of work to teach us all to do the right "choreography". I hope you enjoy. Merry Christmas!




You can check us out on You Tube too. We have really hit the big time.

HAPPY DECEMBER

So, people seem to be sick of my happiness. There have been complaints coming from all over the globe. Here's proof that happiness runs in the family. I hope you enjoy.

Click on the little question mark icons for a fun holiday suprise.

I am happy!

You Are Very Happy

Your life is totally together, and you enjoy every day. And you don't need a quiz to tell you that! You know how to find pleasure in the little things... And even when life isn't so great, you have a good sense of perspective.

How Happy Are You, Really?

Culinary Master

Yesterday at church the missionaries came up and reminded me that they would be eating at our house that night.

I had been gone ALL day Saturday doing band stuff. I got home late Saturday night, frozen and so sore that I feel asleep sitting up in bed with a blanket wrapped completely around my body and head. Needless to say, I hadn't gone grocery shopping.

My plan for Sunday dinner --- fend for yourself. I had meetings. Brent had meetings. It's not like the kids are two and would starve.

That plan changed quickly as I looked into the eyes of the elders and saw my own son miles and miles away depending on someone else for Sunday dinner. When I arrived home from church meetings I stood in the pantry waiting for inspiration. I then went to the computer and found a recipe on the food network site for parmesan chicken strips that sounded tasty and I happened to have the ingredients for, so that was the main course plan.

Here's the real reason for this post. I had a spaghetti squash that I had purchased a few weeks ago that I decided to cook up for our meal. I asked Daniel to cut it in half, gut it, and put the squash strands in a bowl for serving. He did that and then asked,

"Hey, mom. Would it be okay if I were to melt some butter and add some honey and cinnamon and pour it over the squash?"

It was fabulous! Looks like he has been inspired by his uncles and is on his way to becoming a culinary master.

MasterCard Weekend

Bus ride to Pasco, Washington with 120 teenagers -- Free
New Aerobed for stay in Kamiaken High School Gym -- Not Free
Six hours sleep in 60 hours -- Free

Seeing Trombone section kneeling in prayer -- PRICELESS

It's Great To Be A Mom!

Heck, I'd Go Anywhere!

You Belong in Rome

You're a big city soul with a small town heart Which is why you're attracted to the romance of Rome Strolling down picture perfect streets, cappuccino in hand And gorgeous Italian people - could life get any better?

What City Do You Belong In?

Remodeling?

We hadn't really intended to make an attic room with access over the circular stairway in the front entry. We may consider it now.

The cats woke Brent up at about 5:30 this morning and were acting weird. He went into the entry and discovered that the roof over our heads was no longer doing its job.

We had some problems with the roof leaking this spring and had some guys come repair it. They said they couldn't guarantee the repair would do the job. Guess they were wise in using the disclaimer. It looks like we need someone that can guarantee something this time.

Thanks Guys!

I am once again the band booster president at the high school. The other day, I was at the school fitting marching uniforms on more kids. Both Ben and Daniel came into the music suite for class. I called out to them to say "hi". Daniel called back and came to see what I was up to.

Ben just kept walking. Being the curious mom that I am, I went to him to find out how his day was going. No eye contact. Evasive answers.

"Daniel, could you see if you can talk to Ben and figure out what's up?" "He seems to be avoiding me."

"Okay, mom." "I will see what I can do."

A bit later I had to go to the administrative offices and walked through the commons area where there was a sea of kids sitting not so quietly eating lunch. Over the din of enthusiastic chatter I heard Daniel call out.

"I love you, Mom." "I love you too, Daniel."

"I love you, Mom." "Thanks Ben!" "I love you too."

Thanks guys! I guess we're okay.

Celebrate 9/11 With Service

I found this website today. This sounded like the perfect way to honor those that gave so much on this day. Along with the vast horror and tragedy of 9/11 there were hundreds of acts of service and courage. Let's honor those acts by following their example.

mygooddeed.org[image tag]

Sorry, I can't seem to get their nice logo to appear here.

Things Learned in New York

* Taxi strikes change the color of the streets from yellow to black.
* A park, regardless how small, is a cherished contrast to the concrete.
* Everyone expects to be paid regardless of what they may or may not do for you.
* You get what you pay for.
* The contrast between "have" and "have not" seems even larger in New York.
* You could spend your entire life in the city and still not see it all.
* If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere. (Thanks Bridget)

60%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Mingle² - Dating Site

Culture Clash?

We decided that it would be great fun to take the Rawlins' from Pennsylvania to the Western Idaho State Fair. They had a chance to sample fair food; feed the small animals right from their hands; and look at the exhibits of quilts, cookies, flowers, fine art, and photography. We capped off the trip to the fair with a taste of Idaho, the ice cream baked potato (a potato-shaped vanilla ice cream scoop, rolled in cocoa powder, sitting in chocolate sauce and a few Oreo crumbs, split down the middle, filled with whipped cream and sprinkled with a few nuts). But most importantly, we all had the chance to make some lasting memories. Thanks for visiting Idaho!

Alumni Report vs. Real Life

This is a game if you want to play along. First write a summary of your post high school life that you would send as an alumni report. You know, the super sugary sweet, not even close to real life list of bragging rights. This would be something you might read in a Christmas card. Then, write your next summary dark and much more, shall we say, 'down-to-earth'.

After leaving the friendly confines of "Old IF High" I fed my hunger for knowledge by spending 3 stimulating years at Ricks College followed by 2 invigorating years at BYU. The reward was a bachelors degree in nursing. After successfully passing the national board exams and becoming an RN, I launched into many years of providing care and nurture for those finding themselves under my watchful eye in intensive care. I married Brent, a childhood friend, nearly 23 years ago on a crisp, beautiful day in December. Brent finished his medical degree and we settled in Nampa, Idaho with our 4 wonderful kids that keep our home full of fun and excitement. I spend my free time doing whatever my heart desires.

After completing the drama-filled years of high school, I left for college where after the first day of classes, I realized we had reviewed everything I had learned in four years previously. My college career was filled with non-stop studying and not much else. The only break from studying came on the weekends when I worked night shifts to help make ends meet. Four days after getting married and moving into a moldy, musty, mushroom-growing apartment in Seattle, I started back to work on night shifts where I found myself trapped because I was "indispensable". My hospital "nightlife" and the grey sunshine that graces Seattle lent itself to my feeling like a troll. Brent finished his 14 post high school years of medical education and we left the big city to move to the back country of Idaho where the roads are littered with squished sugar beets and dead skunks. I am unemployed by choice so that I have time to be at my family's beck and call.

Grandma Rawlins

We traveled home this past week to, among other things, celebrate Grandma's 99th birthday with her. I have never before attended a party for someone that old. The remarkable thing is that Grandma doesn't really seem any older than she ever has. Except for using a walker to make her feel more secure in moving about, she keeps busy doing some of the same things that she has for so many years. The celebration included a picnic lunch in Mom and Dad's backyard, per her request. There were balloons, cake, and ice cream. Each of us had written her a letter and we informally gave those to her. She, on the other hand, had taken the time to hand write a personal note accompanied by a drawing for each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild. What a thoughtful and treasured gesture. Happy 99th Birthday Grandma.

Check out my Slide Show!

Black Power

Summertime brings family reunions and many of the momentous parts of a family gathering include water. I went swimsuit shopping the other day - bad idea to leave until the middle of July. The racks were sadly picked over and my sturdy body structure limited the possibilities to one suit. I am sure that it would have been the suit I would have chosen months ago from the vast selection. It's black, all black. Perfect! Black hides all the flaws and slims even the largest. I plan to wear my navy blue shorts, just to add a splash of color.

Bathing Beauty

Becca doesn't really like having her photo taken and it took many attempts to get the camera to flash before Becca had once again turned her head. We went over to a friends house to get some time out of the oppressive summer sun and enjoy the cool of the pool. I wore some shorts hoping to get some color to my pasty, white legs while they dangled in the pool. Becca on the other hand wanted to see me get wet. For some reason I wasn't prepared when Becca used her "noodle" (commonly used for floating with in a pool) as a squirt gun. Good thing I'm not wool. On second thought, not a bad weight loss plan.

Rockets Red Glare

Saving Lives One Way or the Other

Daniel decided to pursue a new line of employment this summer. He signed up and aced the lifeguard training course at the YMCA. They gave him a job on the last day of his class. He also has a job at the Boise Racquet and Swim Club at their pool. The YMCA uses about 9 lifeguards on duty all the time the pool is open. The Racquet Club uses only one lifeguard. Naturally there are more opportunities to work at the Y. He really enjoys it. He even had an opportunity to save a seven year old that had gone down the slide and couldn't swim to the side. He came home feeling great! The next day wasn't quite as glamorous when he discovered poop floating in one of the pools. He just as professionally saved everyone from that too.

Supermen and the 4th of July

We had a blast having Bridget and the kids at our house for the 4th of July. The fireworks show was spectacular but the best part of the visit was watching my kids interact with their younger, but oh so loved cousins. Ethan never left Ben's side and Becca played with Maren for hours, doing things she hasn't in years. Cole loved having his big strong super-hero, Daniel, to fly him around. We love that they come to visit us. Oh, and thanks for the blueberries. We love visits from Oregon.

Old Friends

It can be so hard to say goodbye. This old truck has been a fixture in our driveway for many years. I have watched for it in the school parking lot, around town, at job sites, and at accident scenes. We sold it to friends so we will see it every so often. You really never say goodbye to old friends.

Walk A Mile In My Shoes

Ben arrived back from Canada! The shoes really do the talking. If you ask him about his experiences on the ranch, his face just glows and adjectives such as "sweet", "gorgeous", "great", and "awesome" flow from his mouth. For a fourteen year old that says it all.
Thanks Parkers for taking Ben along.

Ranch Hand Ben

All day Monday, Ben was pacing around the house looking for something to do. He had his friend, Mitch, over for awhile. As Mitch started out to the car he had a "lightbulb" moment.

"Mom, could Ben go to Canada with us?"

"Well, that's okay if it's okay with Sister Nelson."

Heck yes!

Mitch's Grandparents own a ranch and Ben is the designated city-slicker. He helped brand, de-horn, neuter, tag, and herd. The final initiation was the sampling of "Rocky Mountain Oysters." Ben called last night and was excited and tired from his day on the ranch and said the oysters weren't to bad after you blocked the mental image.

Go get 'em cowboy!

Life Is Beautiful

It always amazes me to see the beauty in simple things.

Man of God

I received a call from a member of the bishopric last night at about 9:00 PM asking me to speak in church today. He asked me to speak on the influence my father had been in my life and how he honored his priesthood.

After I got off the phone Ben said, "Well that should be easy." Nothing could be truer. I could speak for hours about my dad.

Since my assignment was to say something of value to the entire congregation, I chose to focus on how the life my dad has led has made it possible for me to know and believe in a loving Heavenly Father. I know of no greater man of God than my dad. I only wish that every kid in the world could have him as a dad.

I love you. Happy Father's day.

Pine Top

I returned from Girl's Camp Friday afternoon just in time for a meeting. After the 2 1/2 hours sleep that I had the night before, I was of little use. I did my best to stay awake and hear all of the stories of the week that I had missed. Fatigue won out and I headed to bed for the night at about 7:30 PM Friday and didn't get up until 10:00 AM Saturday. It was just what I needed.

Camp was fantastic! I left with my testimony strengthened and was grateful for the opportunity to go. I had a great time being the camp nurse and was thankful that there were no major accidents or illnesses. I spent much of the week looking after a few girls that needed major medications in order to be at camp. I am grateful that they could attend camp and be involved in all that happened there.

It was a great week! I look forward to being there with Rebecca next year.

Elder Nelson

Sis. Harmsen, the mission president's wife, sent this picture and a note to me for Mother's Day. It arrived several days late but it was so fun to see a picture of Steven. We had a FANTASTIC five hour chat on Mother's Day that made it one of the best days of my life. It looks like he is doing great and that his companion isn't to keen on posing for photos.

They may fight but they still love each other.

This picture taken while in Seattle on Spring Break only tells part of the story. I know it's worth a thousand words but what it doesn't say is that they were coerced into taking a break from throwing pebbles at each other long enough to smile for the camera. They really do love each other.

WOW

This is a real stretch for me but I have loved reading Bridget's posts and seeing the pictures of the kids. My hope is to keep you all up to date on our lives here in Nampa. Love you.

Laurie