Family is the best Christmas Gift

I have a Family here on Earth

( Mom was shocked to see us at the door!)

They are so good to me

I want to share my life with them through all Eternity

Families can be together Forever

Through Heavenly Father's Plan

I always want to be with my own Family

And the Lord has shown me how I can

The Lord has shown me how I can

Families can be together Forever

Through Heavenly Father's Plan

I always want to be with my own Family

And The Lord has shown me how I can

The Lord has shown me how I can

(Mom and Dad Nelson were also surprised)

It's all about Family!

(We had a great Christmas)

Elder Nelson Chritmas Eve

I recieved these pictures from a sister from the Missionary Mom's email group that I am a part of.  She lives in the neighboring Ward where Michael is serving and the Elders from her ward asked if they could bring the  Elders from the Harbord Ward to their Christmas Eve

She says she invites a bunch of people over every Christmas Eve and she usually has the Elders take part in their Nativity story. She said she would try to send me some pictures and ....She did!

Elder Nelson still entertaining people even on his mission!  We also had a great chat with Michael and his companion on Christmas Day.  He is doing fantastic and this picture sure proves that!  Sister Biddle said..."you're right he sure does like acting and singing"  This was a great Christmas gift!

Still playing in Utah

Well, here we are in Utah still.  We had planned to leave this morning but we found out last night that the weather conditions were not going to be suitable to drive home in so we decided to stay another day. Good thing I made sure we packed our sunday clothes just in case.  We are staying here in West Jordan at Mike's brother Mark's home with their family.  We always have a blast with them.

Here's my favorite neice Devyn showing us a good time!  She is a crazy girl and always gives the boys a run for their money....what little money they have anyway lol!. (she just added the "favorite")

For some reason whenever we get together with the Mark Nelson gang we always end up in a pile up of some kind.  Here's one for this time.

And me and my sister in law Coleen like to talk about everything we've missed out on over the past few whatever time there has been between our visits....we enjoy playing together!

And here are Jordan and Taylor with Bryce an Stephen this morning all ready to leave for church.....We just love them, arent they cute?  So, for now we are here and planning to stay the night and leave first thing in the morning for home.

We have had a great time here in Utah.  I took lots of great pictures over the past few days but then I did a really stupid thing and deleted them ALL! I of course had a major melt down about it and then Stephen suggested we have a prayer to help me deal and after that I felt a lot more calm and peaceful about it.  I know it may sound silly to some but pictures capture memories and this was our Christmas and those pictures were everything to me.  So, at least we were able to stay another today and make up for some of the lost pics. I was able to enrole  our family members here who took some of the same shots to send me their pics.  I still have more pics to post and will do that when I get back.  It's been a great Christmas.

Sneaking away for a White Christmas

So, I think I am safe now in saying that we are sneaking away and surprising our families in Utah for Christmas.  It's just not the same this year without Michael here and since we didnt have a lot planned anyway we thought it would be fun to surprise both our families out in Utah and drive out for Christmas.  I know you might think it is rude to just spring it on them and show up but, if you knew our families you would know that they will love this!  They are always begging us to come out for everything.  So, we are excited to show up in Springville on Mike's folks doorstep tomorrow night.  I did tell my little sister so that she will kinda know what to expect.  My Mom knows nothing and neither does my sister Regina, so this is gonna be fun to see the looks on their faces when we show up at their doors.  Then with Mikes' brother Mark and his family....they have always wanted us to come out for Christmas. We always have a blast with them so, they are gonna be surprised, happily I hope.  So, we plan to leave first thing in the morning and just show up.  The kids are so excited!  They have never had a White Christmas so this is their chance!  Well, wish us luck and I'll let you know how it goes.

P.S.  We get to talk to Michael on Christmas Day too!! Yay!!!

Elders Nelson and Modlik from Dee Why Beach Australia

Mum, I'm glad you got the pictures! I bought my calling card already. It was 10 bucks and the poster about it said I have 1000 minutes to the US so I hope thats true because I dont know how to check. I dont really know when I will be calling. Okay, I just tried to figure it out in my head and I think I will most likely be calling before noon your time. So, that would be afternoon for me. So expect it in the morning on Christmas. I got the package from Gma Rose and I havent opened it because I'm waiting for christmas but I got another package and I dont know who it was from because the tag was ripped off but I'm guessing it was from Gma and Gpa Nelson? It was full of all sorts of candy..I mean...oops....lol! Well, you'll be happy to know that I didnt eat it all in one sitting.  I am still waiting to open my gifts from you. Elder Modlik got heaps of candy too. NZ candy is so good. Oh and I'll probably be calling from our mobile. So glad to hear the job is going well. I do know who Nick Roberts is. He looks like Sylvester Stallone eh? He's an awesome guy and a stud so they'll make a great couple! crazy business. How's "The sing off"???? Tell me everything! I'm so jealous you got to see Katie and Courtney tell them I love them heaps and miss them! How did the singing go? Tell Bryce I love him so much and I miss him and to write me whenever he gets bored or lonely and I promise I will write back. I dont really need much excpet for pictures! Pictures are gold out here! and most of the pics you sent me before are ruined remember? Well gotta go. Love you HEAPS! HAVE A GOOD CHRISTMAS! CANT WAIT TO CALL YOU! CHEERS!

The Reason for the Season

The Best Little Sister

This past week was a long week!  I worked as a clerical substitute for the school district this week.  My job all week was to work in the Library at Franklin High School.  It was fun but it was fulltime and it was exhausting.  I basically checked in books from students every day and organized books and filed books etc.  So, every day on the way to and from work I would talk to my little sister Theresa.  She and I always talk about important things like, what we are up to that day, how we need to clean our houses, and what we are making for dinner that night....ya know...important things like that.  So, yesterday when I came home from work I looked in the mailbox and there was a package from my little sister Theresa.  Each of my sisters and I exchange christmas ornaments every year it's a traditon.  Well in addition to the ornament was a very heartwarming letter from her.  Her letter was so sweet it brought tears to my eyes.  It seems that's been happening to me a lot lately(it must be the season).  She was so sweet and I love her so much!  Along with the letter and the ornament was a beautiful handmade bracelet.  Now my little sister is very creative.  She loves to cook and make yummy things and she loves to create.  She is so creative, its just not fair that she got all that creative talent.  She can paint, and draw and decorate and CREATE!  And when she does any of it....lookout...because she will eat and breath the things she is creating...she puts her whole heart and soul into everything she does.   She is the most passionate woman I know.  So, the special thing about this bracelet is that before our oldest sister Linda passed away almost 3 years ago she had begun making jewelry.  So, after she passed away her daughter Tamra handed down all of her beads and supplies to Theresa.  There was this one bracelet that Linda had started making and didnt get to finish.  So, Theresa finished it for her and called it "Linda".  Well, this bracelet is the "Linda" design bracelet and I love it!  It will remind me of our sweet sister forever.  I have the Best Little Sister EVER! 

P.S. go check out my sister's jewelry on my blog list at "theresa's creations"...she is so talented!

Gaston and The Prince?

Well, aren't these 2 characters just dashing?  So, Bryce and Stephen both decided to try out for the EGMTC (Elk Grove Musical Theare Company) Jr. and Sr. plays coming up this spring.   I myself was THRILLED!  Bryce has participated in a few plays for EGMTC in the past but hasnt wanted to the last couple of times they performed so, I thought that his acting days were over. Michael of course was very involved in the EGMTC and we had a blast when he and Bryce were performing.  So, when Michael graduated from High School and then left on his mission those theatre days were for sure over.  It's been very sad for me.  Well, then there was Stephen who is the biggest "Character" at home but would rather die than ever get up on stage.  But, just like Michael, all that has seemed to change with high school and the "female persuasion" it seems:)  I was shocked when Stephen decided that he wanted to try out for the play coming up which is going to be "Beauty and the Beast" for the Sr. EGMTC cast.  I was equally surprised and thrilled to hear Bryce tell me that he wanted to also try out for the Jr. play "Cinderella".  So, they did it.  They each had to sing a song and then do some reading.  Stephen sang "Come fly with me" by Michael Buble' and Bryce sang "I'll make a man out of you" from the movie Mulan.  Bryce was not too excited about his audition and how he did although he really hoped he would be cast as the Prince....well, lucky him!  He got the role!  Stephen wasnt sure what they were gonna have him do he was just happy to be around him "friends";) but we were thrilled to find that they cast him as "Gaston"....perfect part for him.  For those of you who dont remember what his character is like....you need to go and watch that movie again, and then you'll remember and you'll even get to know what Stephen is like around here.....lol!  Like I said perfect part for him. 
We are so excited to have the boys involved in the theatre and I am a very happy Mom again!  I love the Theatre!  And I love EGMTC......Can't wait to see the performances in April.  Break a leg Boys!

Elder Nelson on a personal note.......

Mum,
AHHHH!!! your email was so exciting!  I'm so excited for Bryce and Stephen!!! THATS SO FLIPPIN AWESOME!  Good on ya Bryce for getting the role of "Prince" in Cinderella and I hope your wrist is feeling better.  So, um Stephen....WHAT THE HECK MAN!! where the heck did that come from singing and stuff!!?? Your like the little talent ninja just going around and HIYA! just messing people up with yur talent .  Jeez...Why dont you take it easy uh? (said like Nacho). I'm so proud of you I could just baptise two more people before the end of this month...sound good? sweet as! Mate, the Lord is just blessing my family right now. It's just crazy business.  I'm pretty much really excited right now and I love you all heaps.  I love my family and Bryce, you're a stud!  Keep on truckin on.  You rock that "Prince" part like I know you can.  Tell Sophia I think she deserved the part of "Belle"!  I did hear about Noteworthy!  Cassie and Katie both told me and Holy crap I'm so jealous that I cant see it! UGGGHH. Ridiculous!  They did send me photos too, so I know how they all look lol, they're awesome!  Boxing day is the day after Christmas and it's a holiday where they box up all their old stuff or things they want to give away and donate them or just get rid of things.  So,that will be your Christmas day so thats when I'll call you.  I hope you can make it to Utah too.  I miss Utah believe it or not and tell Grandma and Grandpa I love them Heaps!!  I am alsway asking people from Brisbane if they have heard of Elder Bryce Nelson:)  I'll send pics soon.  I was blessed when another missionary in my district went home I got 3 new pairs of slacks!  Blessings as!  I am so grateful to my Father in Heaven for blessing me and my family especially my parents.  I love this Gospel.  I know God lives, I know Jesus Christ lives and he is our Savior and I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Lord's kingdon once again established on this earth in this dispensation of the fulness of times.  How lucky we are to be living in such a dispensation.
Dad, you're what we call a legend out here in the field.  Your the man!  I'm really sorry your tools got stolen.  From adversity comes blessings. You know that.  I love you heaps and I'm proud to have your name.  I hope I am using it well.  Keep up the diligence, patience, and faith.  You've always been good at those.  I hope at least I've inherited those traits.  I love our Ward back home.  Tell them I love them all.  Especially the Hogges:) I hope you get the job too!  I'll be praying for you.  Blessings as eh! If you read in Malachi Ch3 it talks about tithing and the blessings we recieve from it. When did you last read that?  Anyways, gotta go!  Cheers!

p.s. Santa does wear shorts and instead of reindeer it's kangaroos lol!  Christmas is hot here.  Traditons are about the same except more people get drunk. Oh and then there's "Boxing" day.
Cheers!
Elder Nelson

Primary Christmas Activity

So, today was a day filled with a lot of running around and not getting a lot accomplished, however I did get to make these cards.  It was fun being involved in the YW activity today.  Marty Chandler who is always doing fun things planned a bunch of fun activities for the primary children and the YW came and worked with the primary kids while their parents got to go do their Chrismas shopping.  So, Marty called and asked me to come help with the activities which I was happy to do for her since she is always doing for others.  She is so much fun and so creative.  So, when I got there they were pretty much covered in most of their stations.  So, I ended up helping out in the room where they were making these cute Christmas cards.  Well, I ended up having more fun than I had planned.  About 4 of us women started making these cards and we couldnt stop.  So, you take some cardstock and fold it in half and then of course glue a cute piece of colorful christmas paper to the front and then you take a cookie cutter and trace the shape onto the back of some sand paper and cut it out.  Then you glue that on to the colorful surface and then put glue on the front of the sand paper and sprinkle cinnimom on to it and it smells so yummy.  So, we decided to add a few jewels to our cards to finish them off. Marty always has such cute ideas.  The also made snow flakes out of coffee filters, beaded necklaces, decorated brown paper bags, decorated cupcakes and made bejeweled stars out of popsicle sticks  and jewels.  The kids had so much fun and we had fun helping them and watching them create their beautiful christmas decorations.  It was also fun seeing all my YW again.  They are all so cute and fun to talk to.  We have a great ward.

My Carpenter's Handiwork for Christmas

So, I've been thinking that this Chrismas is a very special one.  Not that every Chrismas isnt special but this year has been a tough one for us which is why this Chrismas is very special.  Along with the trials we have had this year as a family and individually, we have also had many blessings which have not come by way of things but by way of awakenings and a realization in our lives of what is truly inportant and how blessed we really are.  Which is what made me think of this music box.  This year Mike has had a tough time with employment as many people have had.  Mike is a craftsman.  He loves to create and build.  He has built homes in one way or another for most of his life.  From the time he was little and stood by his Dad's side swinging a hammer, to working in Montana in the dead of winter earning enough money to go on his mission, to building homes among other things on and off over the past 20 years.  So, it is just in his blood and has been a part of who he is forever.  Well, the other night someone decided to open his tool box in the back of his truck ( unfortunately he had accidentally left it unlocked that night) and they stole some of his tools.  Well, Mike is not a big whiner nor is he a negative thinker so I didnt realize til the other day just what it meant to him to have those tools stolen, till yesterday, and boy did I FIND OUT how much it bothered him.  So, back to this music box.  This music box is probably the most special Christmas gift I ever recieved.  Mike designed it and made it for me our first year of Chrismas together.  I was 7 months pregnant with Michael.  Anyway, I was surprised to see it when he gave it to me that Christmas.  It was uniquely handcrafted with beveled glass framed in beautifully crafted oak wood, and a musical peice set into a marble surface that played Canon in D measure.  It is a treasure and will always remind me of the love Mike has for me and for his craft.  He is quite a perfectionist when he creates and always puts his heart into everything he makes.  I love my Carpenter!

Dear Mum......Elder Nelson on a personal note

Mum, I'm going to buy socks this week and I'll ask around about the slacks.  Tell Uncle Jerry and Aunt Rhea that I love them and that Imissed having Thanksgiving with them.  I'll have to write them but preparation days are shorter in December, they end at 1 because so much happens in Dec.  My shoes are looking really good so far.  The Eccos are taking a beating because I wear them every day but the Cole Haans are sweet as.  The Eccos will hold I hope.  I'lllet you know.  I had to buy a helmet because I lost my other one and it cost me $80 bucks.  (everything is expensive here) and I thought I could get reimbursed but I cant so sorry!  I'M SO EXCITED TO HEAR HOW GOD IS BLESSING MY FAMILY!  that's so good to hear about the job and Bryce!  TELL HIM HE'S A STUD AND I LOVE HIM!!   heal up quick so you can do well in practice.  I wish I was there to play with him!  That's a pretty weird dream you had and I do remember that day when I played that song:)  Oh by the way, for chrismas Zone conference we are having a talent show and I was allowed to borrow a guitar and so I wrote a song!  WOO!  I've missed it so much!  It's  about our district, The Manly(that's the name of the place) District, and everyone likes it so I'll have to send you the lyrics or get it recorded or something.  Keep up the walking!  While you're losing weight I'm gaining so good on ya!  lol, no but serious.   Sounds like you are in for a fun christmas so that's exciting!  I'm lucky to have Elder Modlik for Christmas because we're just best mates and we've got some fun stuff planned.  Oh yeah, I'll probably be calling on Boxing day for me since that's chrismas day for you.  What number will I call?  Tell Sophia thanks for the letter she sent not too long ago and I hope she got my reply.  Tell her she's a studette and keep up the good work.  Stephen, I love you bro....but...you DONT WRITE ME!  What the heck mate?!? I swear I will come home and beat you, so help me, even with this name tag on my chest.  Have you ever been beaten by a representative of Jesus Christ?? Trust me, you dont want to.  Bryce, write me.  Or death.  Dad, I love you, Stay sweet (said like in the movie "Hot Rod").  But also if you dont write me then, well have you ever heard of "dusting"? um yeah.  "Get that Corn outta my face!  I looked like a fool last night!"  Until next time....Elder Nelson OUT!

Dreaming of an Australian

Last night I had a dream about Michael.  I dont consciously think about how much I miss him and all that stuff that makes me cry because it is just too hard to go there and besides I know he is fine and exactly where he needs to be.  So, most of the time I just go about my day with him in the back of my mind and know that he is just fine and will be home before I know it.
But last night I had a dream that that he was still home getting ready for his mission but that he was always gone doing missionary work.  So, for some reason he and I were taking this art class (dont ask me why).  And the class had started but Michael hadnt gotten there yet.  So, all of a sudden in walks Michael and he is dressed in his basketball shorts, a t-shirt and his missionary name tag lol!  He is in a hurry as usual and walks to the back of the class where he begins to open a going away gift that the teacher gave him.  I stood there waiting patiently for him to see me.  The gift he opened was an art book and a bag of paints that also contained 2 aprons 1 for his compaion and one for him.  Then Michael saw me and came right over to me and gave me a great big bear hug and I began to cry, in fact I began to sob and then suddenly I could hear him and feel him break down in my arms and begin to sob also.  So, of course this is when I woke up and when I woke up I was crying in my sleep and so I just laid there and cried and thought about how much I miss my son.

This brought back a very special memory that Michael and I had together his senior year in High School.  He was taking a Music Theory Class and it was towards the end of the school year and we were very busy and getting everything ready for graduation.  So, he called me over to the piano and asked me to listen to something (I cant remember what) then I asked him to play the song he had to compose for his class.  As he played this song all of a sudden it just hit me!  It was like his whole life flashed before my mind and I was in complete awe and amazment of the young man he had become.  When he was finished we just looked at eachother and I said,"Michael, you blow me away, I am just so proud of you and the person you are and all that you have become." Then I began to cry and so Michael got up from the piano bench and gave me a big bear hug and then he began to cry too so, we both just stood there hugging eachother and crying.  I will never forget that special moment we had together, I will treasure it forever.  I am so thankful for Michael and the young man that he is. He has always been a very sensitive young man and very drawn to spiritual things.  I love him and I miss him, but I know he is doing a great and important work.

We've Been CLAUS'D

So, we were "Claus'd" the other night.  The door bell rang and there it was.  This plate of cookies (well actually it was a different plate and we ate most of them before I took this picture, but whatever) and this box of gingerbread cookie mix and this cute card talking about how we've been "Claus'd" and what to do now.  So, you tear off the little note that says "Our family has been CLAUS'D by the Vineyard Ward"! and you put it in your window so that everyone knows you've already been claus'd and then you take the plate and fill it with something yummy and go and claus someone else in the ward anonymously. 
Anyway, so cute so I need to get busy and make something yummy to share with the next victim.

Elder Nelson's Letter 11/29/09

So, Elder Modlik and I had a great week. Heaps of good happened, and bad, but mostly good. We met with our investigator Michael Armiger and committed him to be baptised on the 12th of December and he was really excited about it but he didnt come to church sooo yeah he needs to come next week to be baptised. He's got a pretty hectic job so hopefully it slows down a little so he can make it. Candice is doing good but the bad news is we just found out she smokes. I dont know how she hid it from us and we had talked about the Word of Wisdom before but we just found out so we are trying to help her to stop at the moment. We gave her this 7 day quitting program so if she sticks to it, it will work. Her baptism is set for the 12th too. Oh yeah, thanks for the christmas package!!! it was awesome!! I left most of them wrapped so I can open them on christmas but I hate to tell you...the salsa broke and got all over a lot of stuff. Most of it is fine but the mike and ikes were no good and the pictures were ruined :( I was just talking to my comp about that salsa just the other day too so thank you for trying to send it but I've learned now that they arent nice to packages so be careful with what you send. If you could do me a favor and just send pictures or something then that would be sweet because almost every picture you've sent to me has been messed up. I LOVE YOU THOUGH! Thanks for trying! Other than that E modlik and I gave talks yesterday on missionary work and that went really well. I love the feeling of the spirit talking through me. There just comes that moment when its just not me talking anymore. Its the best! I love it(said like Nacho Libre). lol and yeah I taught the young men's class because they brought 5 non member friends so I taught the restoration and we watched the restoration dvd. it was good. The youth in this ward amaze me. They are not afraid to invite their friends to church or anything. "Perfect love casteth out all fear." Another one of our investigators, Mike Thompson, is planning on getting baptised right before christmas but he's waiting for his wife to come home. She's a member but she's working in California right now! yayeah! she's african american actually and her name is Melodie and she is a performer so it'll be sweet when I can finally meet her but we are just praying our hearts out that she can make it here before christmas so he can get baptised. So we're working hard and making sure that we're worthy of miracles because miracles are definitely needed now. I love you and pray for you always.



Cheers, Elder Nelson

Santa came by last night and brought this.

So, I decided we better get the Christmas boxes down last night and start decorating for Chrismas even though we decided we would forgo the expense of getting a Christmas tree this year.  So, we were getting into the Christmas spirit and we had Christmas music on and we were laughing and joking and singing and then there was a knock on the door and Mike answered it and  it was a man who reminded us very much of Santa because he was happy and jolly and very kind and he had this beautiful tree in his hands.  Mike called me over and said you better come take a look at this.  I was overcome with joy and gratitude!  It was the most beautiful Christmas tree I had ever seen!  Mike said "I think Santa deserves a hug"...so of course I threw my arms around Santa and gave him a great big hug and even a kiss on the cheek...I hope Mrs. Santa doesnt mind.  I was just so happy.  I felt quite emotional and very loved.  The kids just stood there with their mouths open wide.  Wow! What a wonderful gift.  We Love Santa!