First day

Mateo is going to kindergarten today. He met his teacher, Mrs. Lyles, last week, and is very excited to be going. He will be in the exact same classroom where I went to kindergarten back in 1979. It is surprisingly the same. The one major change is that they now have a "SmartBoard"--a whiteboard that can interact with the computers (which are also new since I was there). I am pretty sure that I am more excited for him than he is.

Technically, first day was yesterday for me, but it was only interpersonal communication, so no big deal. Today I have taxation of partnerships, taxation of corporations, advanced financial reporting, and financial statement analysis. I might make it through.

Miriam is working hard. She picked up four shifts last week and has at least 30 hours this week. Because of my experience with sleeping during the day, I make sure the boys are out of the house for most of the time she is trying to sleep. We bought a new bed, so that should help! Because of our opposing schedules and all of the partying we have done since moving to Idaho, Miriam hasn't had much time to do scrapbooking or any of her many other interests, so hopefully, with the three hours Mateo is in class and Michael is in quiet time, she will be able to fit in those things that will help her keep her sanity as winter sets in. So far we have both been VERY happy here, but we were disappointed that Grandma Vanderpool's visit was so short. With a little luck (and a lot of shifts for Miriam) we will be able to visit Arizona sometime when the winter is a little more imposing.

We love and miss you all

MMMM Nielsen

Murphy's Law

This story must be told from the beginning, so let us start there. Wait, happy birthday Dad even though it's a little late, you were hiding out in Oregon. Okay, where was I, oh yes, the goths were at the gate. No, that was the introduction to why I like peppermint patties. About a year ago, we made a purchase. For some reason, we decided to buy a very large tent online. We actually set it up in the yard and had a fun time "camping" 100 feet from a flushing toilet. Needless to say, life has been a little hectic with scout camp, priest/teacher superactivity, the national orthodontic residents convention here in St. Louis put on by the residents in my program, saturday and Thursday evening at the dental office, mutual every Tuesday night, well you see I haven't had much time to spend with the family. So, when Amy asked, "do you have anything this weekend?" my first thought was oh no, I've forgotten something. However, I looked at my schedule, and I only had two patients on Friday, and both in the morning. "No, I don't have anything," I said. "Why don't we go camping?" Now, I place a question mark there because it is grammatically correct, but if you would have heard it, it sounded like "Unless you are having a myocardial infarction, we will be going camping this weekend!" Did I say I didn't have anything, what was I thinking. I finally agreed because I would like to eat next month. I realized I have an overnight activity coming up with the mutual at which I am cooking a dutch oven meal of stew, dumplings, and cobbler, and I have never done that before. Naturally, I can't cook this without some dutch ovens, so off to Cabela's I went on Thursday evening. By the way, a good trick to keep from spending too much money in there is to go just 15 minutes before closing. As much as I wanted the 22" 29 quart dutch oven, I could not justify it, so two 14" 12 qt. ovens would have to do.

Enter Murphy and his law. My 11:00 patient did not show up until 11:35, and by then, the instructor was elbow deep in a treatment planning session. He got to me at 11:58. Why don't we LQ#K$^@#$L^L%LJ #$PTP#$U#jto3i 3i4u35yo354Y#$%Y^3yt. This makes as much sense as what I would have written. Anyway, I finished at about 12:40 when I thought I would be done by 11:40. On another note, please recognize when a hint is given. I told her, next month, you are my only patient on the 21st. Would you like to move a week earlier or later? OH, that's my birthday she says. Well, would you like to move it then? No, I'll come in then. (She completely missed the first hint). Okay, I've got all day open, so would you like to come in at 9:00? No, I'll come in at 11:00 again. (missed hint #2).

I get home, and Amy is working feverishly to get everything ready to go. We packed, picked up the kids from school and stopped for gas. It's a good thing we needed gas because in the five minutes it took to pump the gas, Mayor Glenn Welsch's remark comes true in reverse. You know what they say about Missouri, if you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes. Only we liked the weather. The skies turned black, and released rain- not Arizona rain. We headed back home for a tarp. Traffic was a mess, and we ended up arriving at the campsite at about 4:30. We set up the tent, got soaked in the process, and unloaded the rest of the equipment. The tailgate of a pickup is excellent at catching rain. The bed of the pickup was very wet, and consequently, everything in contact with the bed was wet. All of the sleeping bags and a couple of the pillows were soaked in enough places to be annoying. We debated our sanity, then questioned our judgement. (Here it is important to note that I was not the one who suggested going camping, so I'm not in trouble) Amy left with the kids to go back to town to see if she could buy a canopy/gazebo. I stayed and started the dutch oven cooking. About an hour later, Amy gets back and I open the truck door. She tells me there's a Super WalMart about 20 minutes away and I see a box labeled Red Gazebo Top. I look around, "where are the poles?" "Aren't they in the box?" Realization hits her. Well, it doesn't matter because the rain is letting up. I finished the stew around 9:40. Kids are not as good as adults are when it comes to ignoring hunger pangs. The stew was delicious as were the dumplings. The cobbler was golden brown, and Amy had made whipped cream, so that was great. Then that dang Murphy shows up again. Did you know that the rain fly on tents is not actually water proof? It is water resistant. On our HUGE tent, the rain fly has spots where it collects water until there is enough weight to force a drop of water through. It rained all night, dripping on us every 30 seconds or so. They should make air mattresses out of more durable material. Amy enjoyed a little more comfort than me because for some reason, my laying on that mattress increased her body to ground distance. I blew it up again when she got up to feed Darren. It seemed to leak faster the second time. Well, the next morning, we woke up and actually had a decent day. We had breakfast, cleaned up camp, then went on a tour of one of the caves in the area. It was fun for the kids for the first two minutes of the hour and a half tour. Mark and Bradley actually liked all of it, but Eleanor and Luke were ready to go almost immediately, and they couldn't see my mean face telling them to be quiet because it's dark in there. We got home okay, and overall had a great time. Mark wrote an essay for the principal and wrote about how it poured on us, we ate late, and it was harsh. See if I ever take him camping again. We hope all is well. We look forward to moving back in just 16 weeks.

I about fell out of my chair I laughed so hard!!

My sister sent this out on our family site and I thought I would die laughing. It hits a little to close to home. I am just glad that my kids are not the only "joys" to have in the grocery store. Moms this is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Follow the link to the ebay auction site and read the commentary.
Jennifer

http://cgi.ebay.com/LOT-OF-POKEMON-CARDS-THAT-MY-KIDS-TRIED-TO-SNEAK-BY-ME_W0QQitemZ130144061675QQihZ003QQcategoryZ60238QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Matt and Mindy,

You are missed! Jared is going through fishing withdrawls!

I just realized I don't have your emails or real address or phone number. Mindy, I can't get you and Jeryl together for scrapbooking if I can't get a hold of you! She's way excited to see you again. Email me (if you can) at jdbrimhall@excite.com.

Anyway, not much going on in the Brimhall family. All three kids in school, and mom sitting around the house all day. And when I say around the house, I mean AROUND the house. As in as big as a... Steven is going to be as big as his brother was when JJ was born.

Love to all,
Dawn

I caught the biggest fish. I caught the ONLY fish worth keeping.

We give BlueGrass a whole new meaning

As the truck's gate was finally rolled down, a dust storm was just rolling in, so our departure from sunny Arizona was--to Mom's joy--delayed for a couple of hours. After the shedding of many tears, we mounted up and pulled out of town. The governor on the U-haul kept me below 70, which is good because the truck speed on all major highways in Arizona, Utah, and Idaho is 65! After very little sleep in Flagstaff, we made a long haul to Lehi where we spent a lovely evening visiting with Andrew, Shannon, Jonathan, and Keri. Arising at the crack of ten, we were on the road for the longest time to travel between Salt Lake and Boise in history...EVER...including Lewis and Clark! There was construction at at least four separate locations, two grass fires, and one major car accident. Also, there were two potty breaks and one lunch break. 9 hours later, we pulled up to our new home and began to unpack.

It has been a lot of fun so far as we have begun to get involved in a new ward (callings are probably coming this week). It is still a little strange to sing the hymns in English again. The Nielsen clan is at least as crazy as we remember them; so far there has only been one offense taken and no serious injuries. All four of us have had strep throat in the last week, so things have been a little lethargic. Just before we all got sick, we spent four days in the mountains near Crouch (almost two hours north of Boise). I fished every day, even trying my hand at fly fishing which, with a lot of pracitce, I could be very good at. Since I had to get an out of state license, it cost me $80.00, so to make the expense worth it, I am sure I will be getting a lot of practice! When I get my camera back, I will regail you with more fish tales.

Miriam took a part time job as a Psych Tech at a mental health hospital. In the words of my social worker sister, she basically babysits crazy people. Working two shifts a week, she should make more than enough to get us back to Arizona in a year. Because she will be working nights, the boys will hardly know she is gone. Such a blessing.

We are looking forward to a visit from Mom and Rieko this weekend. I will try to keep you posted of any other major occurances

MMMMNielsen

miss everyone

Sorry no pictures someday I will get another camera and learn how to do that. No one has posted in a long while and I was wondering why until I tried to post and had a major headache setting up a new account. Please persevere and get back on the blog, cause some of us love reading it. I am very sad today because first Spencer and Rieko moved out and then so did Matt and Mindy. I miss them but not as much as I miss those four little boys of theirs. I have allie and Jacob this week and so that helps a lot but soon they too will be gone. The house is not only big, empty and boring but also really quiet. I think the kids that are here are a little intimidated. We got bad news that the three little girls that we were supposed to get are probably not coming, and worse yet Peter and Lindsey might lose Angel. Sorry guys, I know how attached you have become but big brother knows best, right? Amy I hope you can come and check out that new house (well not so new). I love that neighborhood you are looking in and have many fond memories of it. Well a few not so fond but will never forget the old pickup on its side with all four wheels spinning. We were all together in those days. But we didn't have 24 precious grandchildren then either. Oh yes or any of my fabulous in laws either. Well enough slobbery stuff, just wanted to say if you don't like my postings then get on and do something more creative.
Love, MOM

Kaitlyn Smith

Hey everyone, I just thought you'd like to see the newest addition to the Justin and Amy Smith family! This is Kaitlyn. Lindsay

Is dinner ready yet?

Gosh, I'm starving! When are we going to see any more posts on this thing. Ok, you had a baby, Big Deal! Matt graduated, it's not like we didn't see that one coming. Who cares about any of these trivial events in you weird peoples lives. Lets get some important, juicy, ground breaking, socially sensitive subjects. Earl is in JAIL! Jim is staying at Scranton. Michael can't resist Jan's ...augmentation. Jack finally let his beard grow out, and was that a flash forward? Walt is back, and there is no way I will accept Charlie dying. And where the heck did Sylar's body go? Nathan and Peter Petrelli cannot be gone. Do you see the issues here? There are not many things more important than the Prime time cliffhangers. Ok, I have to admit that the most important event of the summer is finding out where the love triangle between Harry and Voldemort is going (seriously)! But, who cares about presidential debates? Who cares about summer school and graduation and tests? Who cares that we're pregnant? I need to fast forward my summer and find out more about the important issues. Do you see my problem, or one of them at least? I am a slave to the DVR and need hollywood to give flavor to my life. Summer programming just doesn't do it for me. Anyway I think dinner is ready. I'll shut up now. Oh yeah, just kidding about the pregnancy thing. Ha Ha?! Ok, then.

I must say, it's...

...An Incredible Feeling. I am mostly finished. I will soon be attending Boise State University's Masters program. Although it is still an intimidating task that lies ahead, it is a thrill to know that a significant portion is now behind. Thanks to all for your support and encouragement.

Love

Matt & Miriam Nielsen Family

Tara Prom

here is Tara's Prom pictures. she went with a nice guy named Austin Lovell and was very pretty.

Darren Noah Petersen

The Fonz has nothing on me

Which style will get me the most face time with all the cute girls? I'm trying that less is more attitude where you close your eyes while looking toward someone. All in all it's been a rough day. I used a diffuser to get a fuller look. The whole point of this is I would like you all to choose which style is best.

Happy Birthday

Bradley suggested we sing happy birthday to Darren when we went to visit Sunday afternoon. Yes, we have a new baby boy. He was born on Sunday. He weighed 8lb 7oz. 20.5" long, and as you can see, he already needs a haircut. Amy is doing great. She was amazing during labor. The doctor let me catch him. I really enjoyed that. I also gave the doctor a hard time about getting up in the middle of the night for the last 23 years. He just shook his head when I told him that when orthodontists get an emergency call, it usually ends with, "put some wax on it and come in tomorrow." Anyway here are the pictures.

A day at the ballpark

Matt and the boys came to watch JJ play baseball. I thought this picture needed to be shared! (April 2007)

Dawn

The vanderpool home in all of its glory--recovered from the post traumatic wedding disorder.

I'm not too sure how many of you read the blog anymore, but I thought I'd try it out and see.

I need a little bit of advice. You see, I've always sent one child off to school before I had another one. It doesn't look like that's going to happen this time though, unless Joseph magically turns five by October... It could happen. Right? He could have his third birthday in July, his 4th in August, and one more in September. That would make five! I think that will work, don't you?

Dawn

Kenta Dean Vanderpool

Kenta Dean Vanderpool was born on saturday Feb. 9th at 2:26 pm. He was 8lbs. 7oz., 21 inches and is a pink and beautiful. he was born very quickly with only 4-5 pushes from Rieko. she was incredibly brave and strong and had him completely naturally. she only yelled a fow times and was able to control her tongue. she didn't even blame me or cuse me at all. it was an amazing and wonderful experience different from our first. our first was very calm and quiet. this was much more raw and natural. the result is the little miracle that is featured in the pictures. thanks for everyone that has lended so much support both near and far. love you all.
spencer rieko taiki and kenta

How many...

co-dependent mothers does it take to change a lightbulb?

That's ok, I'll just sit here and rock in the dark.

This is my guilt ridden post. Here are the pictures of the house in construction as requested.

Grateful to be alive

I wanted to get up in sacrament meeting and bear my testimony today but four different people decided to take the entire time by bringing up their scriptures and preaching sermons. So I will tell you all that I do indeed know that God the Father lives and is aware of our every need, desire, action and thought. If you haven't heard already I was in a pretty crazy car accident on Friday afternoon. I was on my way to the temple in Alan's little chevy cobalt. I was driving down the freeway in the far right lane just about to get off at my exit when a woman decided to change lanes right into me. We were almost neck and neck so I have no idea how she did not see me. I swerved to the right into the emergency lane and tried to speed up to avoid an accident but she hit the back left side of my car. This spun me out into traffic. I crossed four lanes of traffic and was about to slam head on into the median when a van hit my left front of the car by the tire. That turned me back across the four lanes of traffic and onto the shoulder where I ran over a sign and finally realized I still had my foot on the gas and was able to find the brake. I stopped the car about 15 yards from a gigantic sign that would have been very bad to hit. The traffic was heavy at the time so I have no idea how many more cars were not involved. It was just mine and the two cars that hit me. My airbags went off and I was able to walk away. The paramedics did take me to the hospital in an ambulance but only because I was pregnant. I went and they monitored the baby for six hours and then released me. I feel there were many miracles that occured during all of this. First that I lived through it and that no one elso was seriously injured. That I was hit in the perfect spots that caused me no harm. It could have been so much worse. Alan happened to have the day off of school and could come right away to me. That the neighbor girl just happened to be walking by our window home from the bus about 10 seconds after I called Alan. She stayed with the kids until 10pm that night when we finally got home from the hospital. I met a nurse and nurse midwife in the hospital that both gave me their home numbers, cell and pager numbers for when I go into labor since the hospitals here are not natural childbirth friendly but they are. I feel very blessed and grateful to only be sore and tired after it all. It was terrifying but most of all I know that the Lord protected me and kept me safe. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that blesses you when you are trying to live the commandments. This will not keep me from the temple. I will be returning as soon as I possibly can. Maybe even on Tuesday. I miss you all and can not wait to see everyone in a month. I can't wait to see Mom and Dad's new house and yard. I hear you can not recognize the place.
Amy