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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

I Resolve...

to not have a gallbladder in 2010.

Farewell, non vital organ.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Christmas 2009



Here is the only "Christmas morning" experience we had this year. It happened at 2am. I'm glad I have this video or I may not have survived Christmas this year at all. When the kids got us up at 7am, we went downstairs to utter destruction. Every present that was under the tree was unwrapped (including ones for me and Carl). Most of the boxes containing those items had been ripped to shreds. Caleb is the only one strong enough to do that. Eva said she didn't do it...she was "just watching". Either way, they both got sent to bed as soon as we got up.

I considered re-wrapping the presents and having them open them again the next day. I also considered taking away all the presents for good. Instead we cleaned up the mess, opened our own stockings (the only things left unharmed), and went upstairs to play a game and chill out. By the time Caleb woke up from his nap, I was a little more calm and I just let them play with their stuff.

Santa's going to have to rethink his strategy for next year, that's for sure.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas!


Sunday, December 20, 2009

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Crafters

I seriously underestimated what my energy level might be after working for Provo Craft the week before Christmas. My five days of gift ideas have turned into three. Of all of them, I think this one is the most crucial! The stocking is a great place to put all sorts of little goodies that crafters will go crazy for! Husband (s), take note!

1. Gelly Roll Glitter Pens

What crafter wouldn't want to write (or embellish) with glitter?

glitter

2. Wintery Glitter from Martha Stewart

This might be a little big for a stocking stuffer, but any Martha Stewart glitter will do. I'm starting to sense a theme here. I better get off the glitter train for a moment because I know that it is not every crafter's cup of tea.

3. Fat Quarters

"Fat quarter" is a term that refers to a yard of fabric that has been cut into 1/4 sections across the crosswise grain. So, instead of a 9" x 44" piece of fabric you get an 18" X 22" piece. Most craft and fabric stores have fat quarters for sale for around $1. They come rolled up or in little squares and make the perfect stocking stuffer!

ribbon

4. Ribbon

A spool or two of fun ribbon appeals to a lot of different types of crafters. Can you ever really have enough?

5. Adhesives

Most crafters have their favorites. If you are stuffing a stocking for a specific crafter, go snoop and see which kind she prefers. Having extra adhesive (or any consumable, really) is always a good thing.

BONUS:

Massage gift certificate--just saying. I'm sure I any crafter would love one of these in their stocking.

*cross posted at ChristyNelson.net

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Gift Guide: Gifts for Techies

Day 2 of gift guides include stuff for the techies in your life. I most certainly consider myself a member of this crowd. I'm a computer nerd that loves crafts.

photo copyright Craftsquatch
photo copyright Craftsquatch

1. Twitter Pillow from Craftsquatch.etsy.com

This first item is perfect for any crafty geek in your life. You can purchase one of these on Etsy for $20 but I'm sure most of my readers (at least at ChristyNelson.net) could make their own version for less.

2. Wi-Fi Detector Shirt from ThinkGeek

Words can not describe how badly I want this shirt. Actually, I want the technology on this shirt to put on one of my own. It totally detects the wi-fi and lights up accordingly! It's only $20. What a bargain!

3. A Netbook

Any little netbook would probably do! I've linked to this one pictured that I might purchase if I was shopping for myself. My laptop is my primary computer but can sometimes be a bit cumbersome to lug around for meetings and conferences. A netbook is a good bridge between my iPod Touch and laptop. I think it would make a terrific gift for me any techie.

4. Flip Video Camera

This has been one of my favorite tech purchases ever. It is so easy to use and so versatile. This is not only a great gift for a techie (although, they probably already have one!) but it is a great overall gift for anyone...a new parent, a teenager, a blogger, a grandparent. You don't have to be very computer savvy to use it, either. It's got a flip out usb and built in software. Easy peasy.

5. Notebook Cooling Pad

Sometimes you just need to use your laptop on the couch or in your bed. Instead of burning up your legs and your computer, a cooling pad is the way to go. This isn't the one I have, but it looks pretty darn good and got some great reviews on Amazon. The one I have is a bit bulky. This one is lighter and slimmer. That's important.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Gift Guide: Gifts for Foodies

This week I'm posting some gift guides. They'll also be cross posted on ChristyNelson.net. There will be at least one homemade item per list.

Today we've got gifts for foodies. Enjoy!

Taste of Italy

1. Taste of Italy gift set from Vervacious: Voyage Inspired Fancy Foods

At $50 this is a little out of range for a hostess gift (at least for me!) but if you're shopping for an adventurous chef wanna-be, this could be a great option. Vervacious has so many different blends and gift sets (another great one is theSpanish Favorites for only $25). They also offer subscriptions where they send out something amazing once a month.

spice rack

2. Homemade Spice Rubs from ChristyNelson.net

Okay, I'm adding something I've featured on my other site. It makes such a great gift and is so quick and easy that I couldn't leave it off the list.

green paring knife

3. Kuhn Rikon Paring Knife

At $10, this knife could easily fit the hostess gift bill or be a great add-on to a fun food related gift. There are many colors to choose from and did I mention that it's NON STICK? I'm putting this on my Christmas wishlist.

4. The Man Who Ate Everything by Jeffrey Steingarten

Is this book really over 10 years old? I love it. Jeffrey Steingarten is now very well known, having been a judge on Iron Chef America since it premiered. This book is full of short articles so it is a great read over a period of time. I own this book and find myself grabbing it when I have a few moments and just want to read a chapter or two. I'll warn you, though. You might want to put his second book in your shopping cart as well.

omaha steaks combo

5. Omaha Steaks Tasteful Gift Combo

I do live in Nebraska, you know. This isn't just a gift for foodies. This is a gift for anyone that eats. Well, anyone that eats meat. At under $70 and free shipping, the recipient (and their family) will be enjoying this gift for months. It is full of great food!

Friday, December 11, 2009

A Little Venting

To the man that was dining with his family at Runza tonight:

I hope you feel better about yourself having yelled at me and my kids tonight. You told me to get that "big kid" out of the play area. He's two years younger than your daughter that was pushing around mine. How do I know she was pushing around my daughter? Caleb is very just. He sees things in black and white. He saw your daughter push mine and he went over to her and told her to tell Eva that she was sorry. I'm sure it looked a little menacing. My kid is big for his age. Would you have reacted the same way if my kid was white? I don't really want to go there, but I think I just did.

I tried to explain to you that he is only six and has autism. I tried to explain to Caleb that it isn't his job to make your daughter say she is sorry. I tried to comfort Eva after being pushed around by your kid that is twice her age (although only a little bit bigger). All the while you're yelling at Caleb to get away which is just making him more upset.

I felt bad about the whole situation. It didn't have to go down like that. Pushing happens. Sometimes my kids are the offenders and we do our best to apologize and fix the situation. Sometimes they are the ones that get pushed. We do our best to forgive and be nice. Things didn't escalate until you started getting after my son. Let's take care of our own, okay? I wouldn't have been in your daughter's face for what happened whether it was on purpose or not.

We got out of there as quickly as we could. Caleb cried the whole way home and kept mentioning the yelling man and saying that he didn't want him (the yelling man) to be mad at him. It's possible you're not giving tonight's incident another thought, but I am. I'm proud to have a son that looks after his little sister (even though I admit we need to work on his methods) and tries his best to do the right thing.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

AdoptUsKids

This Friday at 2pm EST there is a Twitter Party with AdoptUsKids. If you're interested in the adoption process, want to know how to get involved or to learn more about children available for adoption...you should check it out!

Adopt Us Kids helps recruit and connect foster and adoptive families with waiting children throughout the United States. Funded by the Children's Bureau of the Administration for Children and Families, the national photo listing website at AdoptUsKids.org contains photos and information about children in foster care.

Adoption is such a great option! My family certainly wouldn't be the same without it. So many children are in need of a home and I know so many people that have so much love to give.

To learn more about adoption from foster care and how to help spread the word about children in care waiting for a forever family, please visit Adopt Us Kids. To search for children in your area, visit the Adopt Us Kids Child Search.

To participate in the Twitter party:

- Tweet Friday between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. EST with the hashtag #AdoptUsKids
- Follow @PerfectParent and @ResourcefulMom

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Snow Day

I spent a week in Grand Rapids and I was missing my family like crazy. I leave again on Monday and I'll be gone for another week. Being away from everyone really takes its toll. I like the paycheck, the people I get to meet, and the crafting. It just makes coming home all the sweeter because I know what I have here is even better than all of that!

Today I got a special blessing.

SNOW!

It is snowing so much that my whole family is stuck at home. I had a full schedule for today and most of it is now canceled. I get to stay at home!

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Stop Right There!

You know on the Price is Right how they have that game where you get the price in the "green" range and then you push the stop button? If they let parents stop their kids from growing once they get in a certain age range, I'd be really tempted to push the button right now.

Caleb is almost 7. His teeth are falling out at an alarming rate. His feet are bigger than mine. He's growing up so fast!

Eva is 4 1/2. She is such a sweetheart. She loves to help me and is still loves to cuddle. She tells me she loves me all the time and says the funniest things.

I'm in Grand Rapids for the week and I'm really missing my family. This morning they listened to my voice on the radio. I was interviewed for a feature about etsy. It was a fun interview that I got to do with my friends. Caleb said I sounded great and he'll see me on Monday. I can't wait.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Holiday Gift Guides


Last year I did some holiday gift guides. Did you all like those? I'm thinking about putting together some more this year. Any specific topics you'd like covered? Gifts for Foodies? Gifts for Geeks? Gifts for Me?

Speaking of gifts for me...I want this.
It's the GoWear fit system. I'm becoming quite health obsessed and think this would be really cool to track my calories and even my sleep! With the BetterU challenge, I already feel like I'm on the Biggest Loser. This will just add to the illusion. Because I want the display that goes with it, the total price goes up. And that is why, I won't be getting this for Christmas. Don't be too sad for me... I got a serger instead. I wonder how many calories I will burn while using my serger?

Stride Rite and Cyber Monday

I got most of my Christmas shopping for the kids finished last year by entering giveaways. Here's some info on a neat opportunity from Stride Rite that will be happening this weekend.

Stride Rite is celebrating Cyber Monday, this Monday the 30th, by holding a Fan Celebration Day on www.facebook.com/striderite. Stride Rite Facebook fans are invited to log on Monday, November 30th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST for hourly giveaways with amazing prizes including gift cards and gift bags from Stride Rite Children's Group brands including Saucony Kids, Sperry Top-Sider Kids, and more. There will also be a fan-only coupon for Cyber Monday shopping on www.striderite.com and a mystery prize valued at over $600 that fans can enter to win throughout the day!

Global Influence is hosting a twitter pre-party on Sunday from 9-10pm EST. You can follow the #srCyberMon hashtag. You'll have the chance to win one of seven Stride Rite gift cards.

To learn more and/or RSVP, please go here.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Losing More

I'm down 3 more pounds. That brings my grand total to 9. Certainly not Biggest Loser worthy, but not bad.

I'm not just losing weight, I'm losing my mind.

I think I can do everything.

I can't.

I'm going to spend this holiday weekend getting caught up on as many things as I can so I can make it through December. I'm about 60% sure I won't even be sending out Christmas cards. I'll be working in Grand Rapids, MI Dec 1-6. Then I'll be back in Chicago Dec 14-21. My January travel schedule looks as hectic (but more fun!) with a family vacation to WDW and also the Craft & Hobby Trade show in So. Cal.

I've also been spending at least 10 hours a week at the gym. I know I really need to do this and I'm (mostly) happy when I'm there.

I don't know where I'm going with this post. Another clear sign of losing my mind.

This doesn't need to be a complaining post. Because, I'm not. I just wish I didn't have to sleep. Seriously, how lucky am I?

I have an amazing career. I'm doing the things I've always wanted to do!
My family is amazingly supportive and awesome.
I have this great opportunity to participate in the BetterU makeover challenge.

Now I can just suck it up and do all the things I love!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Tooth Fairies

I made a tooth fairy pillow last night for Caleb.  I explained the situation and the basic story over at ChristyNelson.net.

toothfairy and porridge papers 004

The kids loved the whole concept and it was fun to experience.  Even though Caleb's lost over 6 teeth, this has been the first one that has actually made it home.  

toothfairy and porridge papers 012

Today Eva wanted to dress up in our Halloween costume.  The war paint was courtesy of preschool.  She was quite the vision!  

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Chicago Craft Trip

I got back yesterday from a great trip to Chicago. If you factor out the part where I went to the ER the night before (I'm fine) and being in pain the first couple of days (I'm better), it was a great time. I was there doing some work for Provo Craft doing some Cricut demonstrations. It was quite glamorous working in a Costco for 5 days. But, really, I had a lot of fun.

While I was there, I spent one morning at the Chicago Sewing Expo. I got to see several people I met in Kansas City and it was fun to talk with them again. I'm posting some videos and reports from that on ChristyNelson.net.

I'm sure you're really wondering how I did on my workouts and healthy eating. I posted a video blog on that very subject over at the BetterU site. Now that I'm back, I've had a really great day today. My coach had me do some spinning today. It was pretty difficult, but I survived. I also did really well today with my eating. So, I'm back on track.

Tomorrow I'll blog about the kids and their big news!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Slow and Steady.

I weighed in at Weight Watchers this week and I was down .8lbs. That brings my total to just over 5 lbs. in 5 weeks. Not stellar, but it could be worse. I was hoping for at least double that. Maybe I should do more than just hope and actually track my points like I'm supposed to.

I met with the dietitian at LifePointe today. I mainly spoke with her about some coping strategies for when I'm not at home. She gave me some really great advice and instead of dreading what kinds of things I'll eat on this trip, I'm looking forward to it! I leave tomorrow for Chicago and I'll be there until Monday. I'll be working several hours a day in a Costco (glamorous, I know!) demoing the Cricut from Provo Craft. The rest of the time I'll be working out, working on Toolulu/Christynelson.net, and hanging out with Sarah and Erin working on Craft Happening (more info coming soon on that one!).

I wonder how much weight I'll lose/gain this week? Care to take a guess? If anyone gets it right on the dot, I'll send them something awesome. Plus, it will give me motivation to actually make it to the weigh-in once I get back into town.

Oh, Crap.

Poop story to follow. You've been warned.

Caleb pooped in his pants yesterday. It has been over a year since I've had to clean up his nasty man poop. I was getting a little cocky having 2 kids that would pee and poop in the potty and not have nighttime accidents anymore.

Sufficiently humbled.

I'm also really proud of myself for the first (almost) six years of Caleb's life where I had to clean up his poop on a regular basis. I'm surprised I didn't go crazy. Oh wait. I did.

I'm (mostly) better now.

Assuming Caleb poops in the potty today.

Monday, November 09, 2009

Don't Cry

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Grandpa Nelson

Nelson (23)

Carl got back from  his Grandpa Nelson's funeral last night and had some great stories to share with me.  I'm going to have him write some of those here on the blog so we'll have them documented.  The photos are from our last trip to see Grandpa Nelson in July 2009.

Nelson (38) Grandpa could always be found with something in his hand - a tennis racket, fishing pole, gardening tool, or conductor's baton.  He was expert at all these hobbies (tennis, fishing, gardening, and music), and he achieved this by a combination of talent, love, and perseverance.  I never once came close to beating him at tennis - I have the love and a little talent but that's about it.  He also knew how to make other people happy, by telling stories/jokes or by providing loving service.  He was always giving away his beautiful flowers, and he was always out in the garden early in the morning gathering fresh berries so that he and Grandma could fix us all delicious hot breakfasts when we were visiting their home. 

 

Nelson (19) Grandpa was very focused on achieving his career goals, but still gave quality time to his family.  He grew up without much material wealth, the oldest in a family of 9 kids, but learned that by his industry he could be successful.  Despite financial obstacles, he was able to create an opportunity for himself to enter college, and while there, not only worked at various jobs but participated in theater and music on campus and in traveling shows.  He became interested in library science and later earned a master's degree in this field as well as an MBA.  He had decided that he wanted to become director of libraries at BYU, and although he was turned down for this job and others, he eventually found success by the old adage, "try, try again."  After being director of libraries at Eastern Oregon College and then earning his PhD at UC Berkeley, he gained a position at BYU and eventually achieved his ultimate career goal in the 1960s.  He remained in the director's position for the rest of his career, where he made many significant contributions to the university libraries.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

OU Football

I would be more excited for this game tonight if I wasn't alone. Boo. Hoo. It's not as fun cheering when there's nobody to cheer with. Alas, I'm hoping for a victory.

Here's a picture from last year's OU/UNL game. I was down in Norman and I went with my dad. It was a great experience to share with him. Especially since OU scored about every other minute during that game.
This is one of my favorite pictures from that night because I was zooming in to get Stoops and I got Caleb in the background. I may have to blow this one up and put it in Caleb's room someday. He loves OU football, too!

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Five Years Later

I've been chugging away on this blog for FIVE YEARS now. I can't believe it. Seems like so long ago and just the other day all at once. Kind of like a kid. My middle kid. Younger than Caleb but older than Eva.

To celebrate, I thought I'd share five of my favorite posts. Some are funny, some are sweet, some are random. Kind of like this blog. Thanks for hanging in there with me, guys!

1. 100 Things About Me (written in 2005). For the most part, they all still apply. Number 91? Like I said, don't hold me to that one.

2. I Am, I Said. I love Neil Diamond. What can I say?

3. Pass the Doughnut. I haven't roller skated since and it was a good 18 months before my bum fully recovered.

4. The Life of a Champion. Gold medal knitting at its finest.

5. This Just In (or out). One of the greatest days of my life.


Honorable mention:
Choose to Rock! Pat Benatar concert.
1st Annual Girls Weekend. How much fun did we have?


Do you have a favorite post from long ago? Share it in the comments!


Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Big Loser

Last month I heard about the BetterU makeover challenge campaign put on by our local American Heart Association. They were going to pick 10 local women to participate in this challenge. I knew I had to apply. As soon as I got home, I filled out the application and hoped for the best. A couple of weeks ago I got the call! I made it!

Last night was our orientation. I met the other 9 women. We each have our own personal health coach. We met with a cardiologist. We had our blood checked. We got swag!

I really felt like this was as close as I would ever get to being on The Biggest Loser. I have so much support and motivation that I feel like I can't fail. These next 12 weeks are going to be tough but I've never been so excited to be a big loser.

Cross posted at the BetterU blog. Go and check out my progress along with the other participants and follow our stories!

Monday, November 02, 2009

Curlformers. More Than Meets the Eye.

When I was in Oklahoma, my sister and I went to Sally to get some cool hair supplies. We found these Curlformers and just had to try them. 

Here is my before picture.

oklahoma and halloween 003 

Then you put these curly-q doo-dads in the hair. 

oklahoma and halloween 010 I waited for a couple of hours for my hair to dry and then it came out like this:

oklahoma and halloween 014

I've curled my hair several times with these and I've seen the best results when using them on damp hair and letting them air dry.  The heat didn't work that great and overnight made me look like Annie. 

oklahoma and halloween 013 Oh so fancy. 

So, what do you think? 

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Halloween 2009

oklahoma and halloween 026

Our day started off in the car.  We drove from Oklahoma to Nebraska.  It was as fun as it looks.

We hurried home so the kids could go to the trunk or treat at church.

oklahoma and halloween 028 Eva was a fairy princess and Caleb was a scarecrow.  They loved dressing up almost as much as they loved getting all that candy! 

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Outfit #137

cuteeva

 

One of the many outfits Eva put on yesterday.  She's always very proud of her creations. 

I wish I would have taken a few more pictures of her throughout the day.

She got a teddy bear in on the act, too.  The bear had at least 4 outfit changes during the day. 

You can't put the bear down for a nap in play clothes!  It needs pajamas, of course! 

She's been enjoying having big brother home from school for Fall Break. 

She might change her mind by the end of the week.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Babies, Dogs, and Cats

Yesterday Caleb was asking me why we didn't have a baby, dogs, or cats. 

How do you respond to that?*

snow and sewing expo 004 Look!  It snowed a couple of weeks ago and I forgot to post the pictures. 

What?  You don't have snow in early October where you live.  Pity.

snow and sewing expo 003

 

*change the subject, of course!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Toolulu in the News

gview

Toolulu was featured recently in the Lincoln Business Journal.  They did a good job on the article.  I believe if you click on it, you'll be able to see the bigger version where you can actually read it.  The LBJ really needs to get online! 

Anyway, everything is pretty accurate except at the very end where it talks about a social media conference.  It's actually a CRAFT conference and it is coming in October 2010 and you can bet I'll be posting tons of information about it here in the future. 

Speaking of crafts, I'm in Kansas City for the next few days enjoying the lovely weather at the sewing and quilt expo. 

Monday, October 19, 2009

No Change.

I stepped on the scale today at Weight Watchers and I weigh the exact same as I did last week.  I'm counting this as a win considering the majority of what I ate last weekend came from Arby's.  Darn you, 5 for $5.  I can't resist you. 

In other news, this poor blog has been neglected.  I've been busy working on my other sites and have left this one to languish.  I'll try to update it as much as I can but frankly, I have got to spend my time on the other ones since they actually pay some bills.  I've also found that most of what I would be blogging about here in great detail, gets shortened and facebooked (yes, it's a verb) so by the time I'm ready to blog about it, I'm "over" it.  Fickle me.

This blog is still my go-to site for kids news, poop stories, and weight loss adventures.  I'm by no means ready to shut this baby down.  I just felt a little blog neglect explanation was in order. 

Until next time.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Habits Worth Forming

I'm just starting week 3 of Weight Watchers.  My weigh in this week was rough.  I didn't know what was going to happen.  I was sick all weekend and pretty much ate whatever I felt like (including most of a pizza over the course of 2 days).  Even with all of that, I was down 1.2 lbs. 

I did try making a cake with Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi.  All I can say is that it was a total waste of a perfectly good soda.  Devil's Food cake mix+Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi= gross cake.  That didn't stop Carl and Caleb from eating the whole thing, though.  They must like gross cake. 

Last week I started using this new product that I thought I would tell you about.  Disclosure: I did get this product for free.  I met the woman behind the product at Bar Camp and she gave me a set.  We're also going to partner with them at Toolulu to work on a few projects.

IMG_2545

These are bracelets from HabitWise.  I am using the GetLoss program.  Basically, I use these bracelets to help me make good food choices throughout the day.  Certain colors equal different food groups.  You start the day with all the bracelets on one arm. You move them over to the other arm as you eat those types of foods.

IMG_2544I must admit, I was skeptical.  Were bracelets really going to help me eat better?  Apparently so!  They are a constant reminder and give me visual cues as to the types of foods I need to consume.  I really enjoy this system and have been thinking of all the ways you can alter it to fit your lifestyle.  I was thinking I would use them to start tracking my Weight Watchers points.   

Do you think you would benefit from this type of product?  What would you use it for?  They're really interested in hearing your opinions so they can make this product a success. 

Saturday, October 10, 2009

On My Mind.

There is snow on the ground, we're having a rough time with Caleb, and I had to move my website to new hosting (which took me longer than I wanted).  But, what I really want to blog about today is this:

OU/TX!  If you don't care about college football, you probably won't find this funny so spend those 4 minutes doing something else.  Enjoy (either way).  The game is next weekend and I can't wait! 

 

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

It Wasn't Me

sept2009 015

 

I let my daughter leave the house looking like this.  She got lots of "compliments" on her sparkly skirt and shoes.  She was so proud of this outfit.   She wanted to leave the house without any pants on under that skirt.  I did put my foot down on that one.

The pants she has on used to be Caleb's.  Yes, she wears hand me downs from her brother.

Have I mentioned lately that Eva is very into brushing her own hair?  This involves her squirting water all over her head and then she brushes through it.  She can't reach the back of her head very well.  It's not looking that hot.

 

sept2009 016

Somebody cut my iPod charging cable in half.  Eva said it was daddy.  I can't get too upset at her, though.  It could have been me.  The cable was sitting really close to all the stuff I was cutting up for the craft challenge packets.  I'm 85% sure it wasn't me, but just the possibility is enough for me not to be too upset about it. 

I wasn't going to mention on this blog that I started Weight Watchers.  But, I outted myself on Twitter and Facebook.  I lost 3.4 lbs last week.  Go me!  Now I'm trying to come up with low point treats.  You know how you can make a cake with a mix and a can of diet soda?  I'm totally going to do that.  What cake mix do you think will taste the best with Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi? 

Something else happened today.  My other blog got a redesign.  It was a win/win situation.  Steph from ThinkDoBeCreate helped me customize(d) a Wordpress theme I liked and did some great work on everything.  The price was right and she's adding work to her portfolio.  I'm sure I was the perfect client and not demanding at all even though I kept hounding her via twitter and facebook.  Want to see what we came up with?

Introducing the new ChristyNelson.net.

I'm still working on getting the posts organized and formatted correctly but if you've got some advice on things we might want to fix, let me know!

Sunday, October 04, 2009

I Get the Point.

A while ago I got a phone call from someone at my church that was really offensive to me.  I told this person so.  This person hasn't apologized to me but I think this is more because this person thinks that what they said was not racist.  This isn't something that I think about on a daily basis but this person called tonight and it made me think of the incident.  I didn't answer the phone, Carl did.  This person called right as I was giving the kids a little lesson.  I was sharing a quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley.

"May God help us to be a little kinder, showing forth greater forbearance, to be more forgiving, more willing to walk the second mile, to reach down and lift up those who may have sinned but have brought forth the fruits of repentance, to lay aside old grudges and nurture them no more."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "Forgiveness," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 84

(emphasis my own)

I wasn't going to blog about this since I thought it might be "nurturing" the old grudge.  But I promise this is the last time I'll bring it up.  Lesson learned.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Quack.

If you are watching this season of The Amazing Race, you'll know that one of the competitors has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a form of autism. 

One of the road blocks on the first episode involved herding ducks.  I was thinking that I bet the man with Asperger's would do a great job if he is anything like my Caleb. 

A couple of the other competitors called him the duck whisperer.

Caleb sure loves the ducks and geese at Grandma and Grandpa Greer's house.  They love to follow him around and he'd just march around with them all day. 

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Trust Me. This is Hall and Oates.

 

autismwalk state fair 024

You'll just have to trust me that this is Hall & Oates.  It's been a month ago since I saw them in concert and I haven't blogged about it.  Who am I?  How did I let this go so long undocumented?

autismwalk state fair 025 I went with Shannon, Wendy and Carl.  I was taking pictures with my new Ashton-signed camera (the signature has since faded away completely).  After I took this one, the camera asked me if someone blinked.  Hmmm.  That surprised me.  So we tried to recreate the message.

autismwalk state fair 027 No message on this one.  But I did figure out how to do some editing directly on the camera.  Check this out.

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We had a lot of time on our hands waiting for Hall & Oates to sing, "Private Eyes".  They're watching you.  *clap clap*

In fact, we're still waiting.

 

Good thing the tickets were only $12 or I'd want my money back.  How could they NOT sing that song?

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Oh, dear Eva

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Saturday, September 19, 2009

Kids Toys

How many toys do kids need?  In my house, I'm pretty sure it's not a lot.  They play with a few toys over and over and the rest just make a mess.  I took matters into my own hands today.  007

I'm throwing away the toys.  I'm feeling pretty generous in allowing each child 10 toys.  This isn't even literally 10.  For example, Eva's dollhouse and the furniture and things that fit in it count as one.  Caleb's Scooby Doo people count as one.  They'll still have more than enough.  Maybe I'll lower the number to 5 toys each eventually. 

It feels pretty good to get rid of all that stuff.   The picture above was taken about an hour into the cleaning.  It's still crazy down there.  And you know what?  The kids are fine with it.  I'm having a harder time convincing Carl. 

Know anybody that wants some toys?

Friday, September 18, 2009

Dear Software Developers,

I am in need.  I don't know if something like this exists.  If it does, point me to it and I will want to buy it!  If it doesn't, make it! 

Wanted: an iPhone app or Kindle feature where you can read books and then when you get in a car or want to listen to them, you can switch to the audio version in the exact spot where you are in the book.  When you're done with the audio, it will take you to that spot in the book where you finished and then you can keep reading.

 

How cool would that be?

 

You're welcome.

Christy

2009-2010 Book Group Selections

Last night we had out book group meeting to pick out the books for the rest of the year (Oct-Sept).

October:  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

November: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

December: As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

January: People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

February: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

March: Life is So Good by George Dawson

April: Outliers: The Story of Success  by Malcolm Gladwell

May: Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

June/July/August:  The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown  AND The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

September: From Chunk to Hunk by Fred Anderson

Alternate list:

The Female Brain--Brizendine
Faith of our Fathers series
The Book Thief--Zusak
A Man for all seasons--Robert Bolt
A room of ones own--Virginia Woolf
The Man who ate everything--Steingarten
You've got to read this book--Canfield
The Shack--Young
Tending Roses--Wingate
One thousand white women--Fergus
Pretties, Uglies, Specials--series by Westerfield
Summer of the Gods--Larson
several classics were also mentioned--Little Women, Black Beauty, Call of the Wild, Little Princess, Jane Eyre, All Quiet on the Western Front, Of Mice and Men, A Wrinkle in Time

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Blogging Like It's 09-09-09

Want to see some pictures from the 09-09-09 party?  I thought you might. 

We had a minor glitch with the location.  Seems like they forgot to let us in.  A few phone calls and 45 minutes later, we got in the building.  I was surprisingly not stressed out about it.  We had fun outside, the kids ran around, and when we finally got in they gave me a refund for the rental (Carl LOVED this part). 

Matt wins the prize for most committed to the theme.  He got his hair cut into a mullet for the evening. 

Wendy held her own as well.  Here she is posing for her senior picture.

Deb broke out some pulp fiction moves.  Like my super sweet vest?

Carl did some "break dancing".

John came "tied to a modem" and Leith was just excited to run around and play! 

Lisa's always the life of the party.

The game room was a big hit.

The kids got to tumble.

We couldn't forget the Macarena!

Time to start thinking about 10-10-10!  It falls on a Sunday so we'll have to celebrate some other day again. 

photos are from me and rossn (Thanks, Ross!).