Christmas Letter 2012

Its Christmas again, this year it snuck up on me. We have had so many surprises, and with family in and out the last few months we have been blessed to distraction.

We have all learned over the past year, drawing from our experiences, and becoming closer to our Father in Heaven. Christmas always makes me think of what I have to offer him, he who has given me so much. I am amazed all the time by the love he offers me and my family, his tender mercies, and the life lessons he gives, always at the times we need them most. I am so very thankful.

I am starting with Calvin, 9, he has made such changes, and great strides in school and in his day to day challenges. He is a great kid, determined and unafraid to meet each challenge head on, mastering each thing one at a time, and moving on to the next. He has a great sense of humor, works hard in school, and I am pretty sure he is better at surfing the web than I am. We rejoice in all that he has accomplished in school, scouting, and swimming. A gentler soul I haven't met, Calvin is a real joy in our home.

Jonah, 12, receiving the priesthood, and beginning the teen years with bright eyes and excitement. He played football this year, loved it, he is his fathers son, loving hunting, sports, and everything, knife, gun, or arrow. He played center on his team, was nick named 'The Butcher' for his ability to tackle kids twice his size. I worried for him at first, but it was for nothing, he is one tough kid. Jonah is helpful, active, smart, and we are thankful to have him!

Sicily, 14, is dancing her way through each day, going to seminary, choir, mutual, and just finishing the cultural celebration for the Boise Temple, she has been on the go for months. She has terrific friends, loves to read, sing, and plays the piano. We are always amazed by her, she is great to laugh and cry with, a good cook, a help to her sister, and attracting boys.... Tender of heart, her smile sparkles from her eyes, she is always ready to hug, she's a keeper.

Jaden,17, and her power chair have been into everything. She is making up for lost time, keeping us on our toes. She has had a few health scares this year, but over all is doing well. She loves to swim,  work on her school (through and online charter). She still has a healthy love for babies, helping anyone with a bay every chance she can get. She loves to paint, sing songs, and dance. She plays her own songs on the piano, and loves church. She is eager to see the antics of the chickens or cuddle a baby bunny, and not above stealing choice food items off your lunch plate. We simply cannot a imagine a life without her in it.

Rannon, 18, has been busy, working, helping out the family and his grandparents. He has traveled a bit, and reading long books about C++ and just about anything to do with math and science. He is prepping for classes and his mission. He is quiet until you get to know him, reserved, and ever thoughtful. His place in our family is full of purpose and compassion, he is funny, wonderful, and an asset to our family.

James, 22, is home at long last. It felt like forever he was gone, and now that he is home it is as if he never left. He is already gearing up for school, and we enjoy having him home. Quick to laugh, to help, to pray, James has always a welcome source of laughter, confidence, encouragement, and Jaden has finally stopped asking when he will come home, so that is terrific too. He is Calvin's helper/buddy, my to his younger brothers delight. It is good for both of them, I am thankful everyday for James in my life.

Quint Has been a sweetheart, building shelves, rabbit hutches, chicken coupes, garden boxes, and compost bins. He is a proud worm farmer, and looking forward to free fishing all summer. For now he is content planning his hunting a fishing trips with the boys.

I have been crazy busy, crocheting, sewing, drawing, writing, and driving all over the place, and possibly, getting shorter. I can't put into words the peace that has entered my heart, having my children close this Christmas. I have secretly watched each of them, knowing how soon they will begin to leave home. The idea is so real to me now, as it never was before, when I was elbow deep in laundry and dirty diapers.

I am pleased with each of them, and while I am happy for them to go out into the world, part of me longs for the days when they were all small; when their hurts were healed with a kiss, and their greatest dreams were no bigger than our back yard.

I am thankful to all the help my Father in Heaven has given me, thankful my children have the courage to dream, and hope that we all will continue to reach for our dreams; for hope to swell in our hearts, and an eye single the future that our Father in Heaven has in store for us.

Minus 1 fish

It has been a long time, and really most of you aren't surprised anymore, but i feel more organized than this, so really, it comes as a shock to me.

The past year has been a busy one, the summer taking the lions share of my life, and energy. I have been feeling better, and getting things done, through swimming I have increased my strength and ability to function. It is great.

I have started urban farming, I felt this spring that I had waited long enough, and purchased  and or rescued 11 chickens, 2 ducks, and 5 rabbits and their kin. Through nature or my husband that number has dropped, but according to my sister I am still farming if I have straw in my back yard so... guilty.

My garden was over flowing and now my pantry is. Quint is convinced that raised beds is the way to go, and I am delighted to report he plans to build more. LOL. We have a green house, that he killed most everything in, but that is another story, and maybe for later.

I have enjoyed pulling weed dates with a good friend, Michelle, we have had a great time trying to keep up with our front flower beds, they are not perfect, but far from weed beds. To our delight we can make out the flowers just fine.

I have hosted many parties, birthday, holiday, vacations, and girls nights IN. We have enjoyed watching romance movies, talking, and eating junk food.

We have started an online business, and I am thrilled to report that i buy most everything from my desk, in my PJ's and I love it. I still go to the grocery store, my I have shifted most of my shopping to online and find my pantry in fuller, and my exhaustion is lower. A good trade.

James will be home next month, I can't believe that he has been gone two years already. Two years, long, and  worth it. We are all pleased he is home. So during that time I had tried and failed to raise fish. Guppies and Mollies, two fish I was assured had long lives, and would give us offspring to enjoy. Ya, some how I killed them all but one. I did everything they (three books) said, watched the water, changed the filter, fed them careful rationed food, and yep they died, all but one. 1 fish, left unnamed, lived all this time in a tank that hadn't been cleaned, with tap water pored in without heed to temperature or chlorine  This fish hung on even when i switched him from a sinking to tank (now re-purposed outside) to a bowl on my counter, every morning when I went outside to feed my animals he was there waiting to be fed too. I knew he was happy to see me on account that he always waved his fin  (I know what you are thinking, that fish have to move their fins to float, and i say not true.I should know...) We changed out his water, and fed it all to our plants, whole loved it, he was given tap water. He lived for three years. He was a good fish, and this morning he didn't greet me at the door.

While I am happy to have my counter back, I have to say that I looked forward to seeing him, as much as my ducks every morning, they were adorable, messy, noisy little birds, full of personality and a penchant for eating  my garden...

So as eggs fill both my refrigerators  and rabbit steadily grows to a size to fill my freezer I feel satisfied that I have done all I can to provide for my family in this small space given to me. My pantry is filled with home canned foods,and products from my couponing. The plans I have made to provide for my family coming together and creating resources for us to draw upon.

I have to say that we don't have to have a farm to be a farmer, to grow our own food, animals, or live frugally  All the tools we need are around us, we simply have to work toward it.

I will say that the past years hasn't been easy in everything, my brand new KITCHEN AID dishwasher has been broken more than it has worked  I do feel a slight sense of satisfaction knowing that when it is done breaking it will have all knew parts and at no cost to me. but without my beloved friend things have been rather upsetting around here, for one there is no one who loves washing dishes, except maybe Jaden. If only she could get to the sink, but then there is the worry of sanitation, and so we are back to the drawing board.

Speaking of Jaden, she has had her run in with infection the past year, and medication, the last two being the greatest and most upsetting since she was forced to stays at the hospital, accompanied by IV meds, and all the fun that comes with having your body working against you. She is home and settled, took it all as trooper but the last stay is the direct result as to why the plants in my green house died.

Apparently, according to a reliable source, plants like to be baked and un-watered for three days, especially after a cold snap. So my lovely tomatoes are no more. Green beans, lettuce, melons  you get the idea. I managed to rescue the ripe ones, and was delighted to see onions that managed to hold out.

I digress.

Rannon was away, helping my folks get their house ready for the fall. Sicily was at Seminary, and Choir each day, and so Teri saved me and kept an eye on the boys while Jaden was confined to quarters.

Jonah has been in football. I am so happy with him, he worked hard to earn the money himself, and when the sponsors found out they paid for him. They were impressed that he'd worked so hard. Jonah was ecstatic and plunked his hard earned dough on cleats, and junk food. All in all a great experience. Quint loves having a kid interested in football, so after 20 years of silence we are now regaled with shouts and screams during football games. I had no idea. Really.

Sicily has jumped into music with both feet this year, playing the piano, and singing at church and in the school choir. She is still home schooling, and loves it, but this year she started seminary  and well I don't offer choir. LOL. Next year she may take an art class as well, we'll see. She is happy, beautiful and loving. She has made terrific friends, and helps me A LOT with Jaden. I am not sure i could do it without her.

Rannon has been studying, and planning out his strategies for life while eating. I can't believe that kids ability to eat, and still not gain a pound, or an ounce for that matter. He is funny, smart, and a great source when in need. Generous, is one thought for him.

Calvin is growing and learning, he loves playing in the water now, life jacket finally gone. he looks forward to having James assist him in his learning, and hanging out with his brother.

Jaden is getting better, sores, and strange illnesses leaving her alone, thanks to amazing pharmacology. She will be 17 this year, and I plan for 15 more years. :)

Quint and I are great, maybe better than ever. I am so thankful for him in my life. I am not certain I could have gotten through some spots without him, and his love for me, imperfect as I am.

Right now, this moment I notice the loss of my one fish, and think that somehow it must be how God is with all of us. That somewhere in the world he notices a fish, or a bird that we pay no attention to. A blade of grass, a flower, and strawberries all crinkling from the cold nights, but he knows because we are his. Just as this home, this family, this little patch of a farm are mine. In some odd way I feel closer to him right now, and I know no matter what troubles, excuse me, EXPERIENCES, come my way, our way, that through him all things are possible. That with God's help everything will work our just as it was intended all along.

Love you all, Stacey

Another long over due post...

So for all those who haven't given up on me, I will post a new update. This year has been tough on me, we've been busy, and well, life just gets in the way of all my plans... First of all James is doing great, we still receive at least one email from him each week, it is great, and can't wait to see him on skype. So great, of course he usually looks like he is in outer space, but its all good. He loves his mission and his mission president loves him.

Astronaut James...

sadly my pictures are out of order... This is our chicken coop. Minus the aluminum roof and red paint... Jonah is working hard inside, lol, he was happy to have something he was perfect for. We thank Arron, and Skye for their help.

Building the coop. love the dogs watching it all.

Sicily and Jonah letting Shelly and Yoka stretch their legs.

Jaden petting Shelly. It has taken 4 weeks but she will touch them now, such a trooper.

RenesmEgg or Princess LEggah, the votes are still out, either way it was funny to see her poking her head out.

Button has taken to sleeping in odd ways, this is the funniest documented, legs and tail poking out from under the couch. Still makes me snicker.

This was the day Calvin and I went to buy our chicks. 7 of them. They are funny, and growing so fast. No one was more excited than Calvin to get these birds. The first time one pooped on him the game was up. They are fine at a distance, and cute to watch, and feed, but holding, well it is better to "Fly, be free..." if you ask him. Their names are SHELLy, YOKa, PECKa, Princes LEGGah, EGGberta, RenesmEGG (after the twilight name), CLUCKy. I will have to have the kids take some pictures to post who is who another time, maybe when we add the rabbits. :)

So as you can see we have been busy, and this was just the last month or two. Christmas was great, we have been getting together with family, and just keeping ourselves healthy.

Kids are doing well in school, Rannon is working and studying, Quint is loving his job, and picking up ideas for new things too.

We are getting into Rabbits, and Green houses, and maybe will dabble in growing our own fish too. Who knows? The sky is the limit, or maybe outer space is... either way we have plenty of play room in there.

While we have kept to ourselves, know that we love you all, think of you often, and look forward to the next time we can get together for laughs.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, warm Easter. It is our prayer that all will feel the love of our Lord and Savior in our lives. Best Wishes, and God Bless.

S

Long overdue

Me. You know I have come to the conclusion that I just don't like to look at pictures of me. I have no idea what everyone else must think of how I look but I am told I look like this all the time. To me I look like someone else entirely. Until I can figure out where she hides everytime I get my picture taken, I will post these other ones.
Friends with Sicily
Best bud's
Ok, what isn't to love about this shot? My girl on a horse, over joyed to be riding in the freezing Montana outdoors.


I have excuses for not updating, plenty of them, if you give me a few minutes I could probably tell you them all. If you really want to read them you will have to request them in writing. :)

I am happy to say that I hear from James every week. He is doing great despite a bout with the flu and asthma overload in the beginning. He is sending letters on occasion, but mostly he just replies in our emails. LOL. Seriously, it's only fair when we all write, it does take time to respond. On the rare occasion I get a real letter, he tells me how wonderful I am. Have I mentioned that he is terrific? Well, he is.

Rannon has been filling out. He works out everyday, and swims. I can't believe how much he has grown. I know they will all out grow me, but I thought it would take longer for some reason. He has been a great help for me since we moved, and since we are still unpacking. He is doing great with his classes online and is saving up his funds for ITT this fall. Busy kid.

Jaden is doing great in school, starting to pick up on simple two letter words. That is AMAZING! Long time coming, and years of work are slowly paying off. She loves her Aunt Teri helping her out during the day and Susan three days a week helps her with school. Jaden is really good at painting, she painted tulips for an art project for school, and I think I will have to fight the teacher for the original. The school wants to frame it, I am thinking that they need to paint their own, and let me have it... She's my kid, right?

Sicily is looking forward to being 13. It must have some sort of magic, she is already planning her big day. I am going to have to call in some groupies so we can splurge on Olive Garden and shopping. She has been planing on having a huge party... I might have to explain that just because we have a large house, requires us in no way to fill it with people. We'll see how things go. She and I have enjoyed long talks about life, Hallowed Moon, and horses. Not always in that order.

Jonah has been growing, he loves shooting his bow and arrow. Hits the bulls eye most the time at about twenty feet. He is swimming everyday, and sleeping hard every night. He is doing terrific in school, and taking good care of his dog. He is a good cook, and budding writer. He has decided that he wants to be an actor, talks about it daily. Actors are a mess. Maybe Jonah wouldn't be...

Calvin is learning to read, and loving his buddy Zach. Three days a week he and his buddy go out on the town. I have to say that it is funny to involve another person in our family. Calvin makes his faces, and tells jokes like him. HILARIOUS. Zach has filled in a spot Calvin was missing since James left, substitute big bro is in effect. Calvin goes swimming too, he will put his face in the water, and actually take off his life jacket. (This is big considering he wore it while playing in the sprinkler previously)

Quint has been working, and helping around the house. He will have a little travel this summer, but nothing like it was last summer. He is getting excited to goof off on the fourth of July. It has become a bigger deal every year since we moved to Idaho. He has lost 50 pounds, working out and swimming. He is almost half the man he used to be, and I couldn't be happier. We went to Montana to visit friends. That was a great experience.

As for me, I have been doing all the usual mom stuff, driving, cooking, cleaning, driving, cleaning, cooking, and somewhere in there I get the laundry done, writing worked on, and a bit of sorting of the SHIZZZZ. Yes we have far to much shiz. Something I plan to remedy, yet even now, I can feel the entire clan in revolt over the notion. I will not be deterred, operation shiz reduction is underway. I have painted several walls, and am delighted with the results. I can only add that there are more that are calling my name. Sigh.

The book writing is coming along, still no word from the agent for book one, the fact that he hasn't said no can only be a good thing, yet the waiting is no easier as time goes on. Book two is underway, it is going along quickly, and making sense even. I find that to be necessary with any form of good reading. I have loyal fans proof reading as I type. Love my fans, if you are one, nothing but love for ya!

A lot coming up this spring and summer. We have family visiting, and trips to plan. Good times ahead! Hope everyone is well.

Journal entry from James...

(3/22/2011)

Well what a day :) to start off our day we had a lesson with a lady that we where really hoping would become a new investigator :) , and not only did she do that, but she also committed to being baptized on the 16 of April :) it was really cool and I'm excited for her.
Then we went and did service for a man in the sisters area ( he wanted some service done but didn't think the sisters should do it.)  all we really did was move around a ton of rocks, those little tiny landscaping rocks that you can move around with shovels and rakes.. :)
Then we went back and had lunch, and after that we got a phone call saying that our 4:00 lesson with the lady and her son needed to be canceled :( she had a really good reason.
Then we started out for our 2:00 lesson and the lady wasn't there :( it was really to bad because she is a really nice lady and I know that people get busy and things happen but at least they could call and let us know, especially since we have to get members to come with us, and it would just be really nice if we didn't have to get there and then wait there for the members to show up..
Then we said sorry to the members and went around and visited other members and talked to some people on the street all the up until dinner And then our last lesson for the day canceled :( it was a bummer so after dinner ( which was lots of fun) and then went to the church building and then we got ahold of some people and then we went and talked to one o our ward mission leaders and then we went to Wendy's :) and I'm telling you it must have been inspired because we had one lady ask if she could sit down and talk with us for a bit and that was an awesome talk :) we basically taught her a lesson and helped her understand better some things. (she is being taught by the sister missionaries just in the next area right beneath ours.. :)
And then this old man came up and talked with us ( more like to us for a while ) I think he saw that we didn't mind strangers just coming up to us and talking, so he decided that he would do so too. :) he pretty much told us his whole life story.. :) I think he is a little lonely.. :( he has friends that are members and he likes us but doesn't want to join.. :(
Then we came back to go to bed.. :)

I have other video I have to find, but I thought this one to be the greatest so far. I will add another one where the men played the same trick on us girls, but it will be another time. Enjoy. I know I do! S

This and That

We just recieved these from Elder Nelson. These are all of the MTC, we have yet to recieve pictures from Arizona, but they will come soon. James is doing well and enjoying his area and his compainion.

He askes for letters and addresses. He is thankful to everyone who has written and sent him goodies, said those were good. :)

We get the keys to our house on the 22nd. VERY EXCITED is how I would describe the family. We can't wait.

More pictures of the house and Christmas to come :)

A Missionary Mother's Poem

A Missionary Christmas (author unknown)

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving, The thrill just wasn't there. No pictures taken with Santa Claus, My decorating has no flair, His presents are shoes, shirts and ties, two suits and socks...no fun. I've bought him all white clothes because...This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple, my testimony stirred. I've reread November's Ensign, felt strength come from His words. Our family prays more frequently. My tears are quick to run. Abraham seems closer because, This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers gave their sons to war, Or how the pioneers chose Zion, their sacrifice was so much more. My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton. For two years we will pray for him,I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking. I memorize his eyes - their shine. He's always hungered for the part of Him that makes his soul divine. The stories and lessons he always heard, his choice and mine are one. I'll put my faith in God's hand this year,I'm giving Christ my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter. I think I finally understand - Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving Him a hand. It's because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing's done. My gift has taken years to make, This year...I'm giving Christ my son.

I know there's One who understands the sacrifice I'm making. Who knows the gift I willingly give, the toll it will be taking. For He has done it all before - greater love, there could be none. For years ago God gave to me His only begotten son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held, the hands I taught to pray, now knock on doors to find the ones who will listen to what he'll say. Because I know Christ needs him until all the gathering's done, My gift has taken years to make.This year....I'm giving Christ my son.

Merry Christmas, Love the Nelson's

Calvin

http://www.autismspeaks.org/navigating/pdd_nos.php

Calvin has been diagnosed with ppd nos. It is Autism, but not is it's truest form. Which basically means that they are still learning a lot about it. . .

He is a sweet, charming, little guy. He enjoys school and is doing really well, he is smarter than everyone expects, really he suffers in the social department more than anything. He is getting everything he needs, and amazing his teachers with his ability to understand things. Now if we can get him to understand that all those marks on a page equal words we are set.

Feel free to look it up and read about it on the link above.

We are all good, just waiting for our final papers, feels about like it is taking forever, but really it has been only a little over a month. That isn't bad considering it is a short sale, those can take much longer. We can't wait to have our own home again, to put up our tree, to be able to find our stuff that is still in boxes, and to spread out a bit.

James is doing great, we miss him, but we are having a good time getting his Christmas presents ready to mail. Talk later, S