The Nielsens

Weekend Vacation

2011-11-28T18:18:00.000-08:00

Tired Cheeto girl, isn't she cute?!?
Sister hitting the Pinata
Hitting the Pinata
His toys, aka, Obi One and Vader
Landon (the birthday boy) and his cake
Jami and I
Rach and I in front of the Vegas Temple
In front of the Bellagio as the fountains were going off for Veteran's Day

We Loved the M&M store

We've been planning a vacation for so long, but with health issues, it was always getting postponed, so for Veterans Day weekend, we decided we were gonna go visit Dan and Rachael in Nevada and Brian and Jami in Mesa for Landon's 6th birthday. What a fun vacation, but what a very LONG drive! I am flying next time! Thanks Dan and Rach and Jami and Brian for your hospitality and a fun weekend!

Here are some pictures from our fun weekend.

New friends

2011-05-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

Being in a new ward we've been able to meet some new people and finally really get to know our neighbors. It has been so nice to really know who our neighbors are and get to know them. In the course of getting to know our neighbors, we have made some great friends. It is so nice to know who my neighbors are and to have people always watching out for us, I am feeling truly blessed!

New ward and healing

2011-05-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

We stared the family ward in November, and I am so grateful we did. I really love our ward and we have finally been able to really get to know our neighbors and it's been so great! Rickey is still on the road to recovery, it's a long process and with as long as he was sick, it will be nice when it's finally over and he is feeling better!

set backs, healing process and a new job

2011-03-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

I am such a slacker, life has been a little crazy around here. Rickey got home from surgery and was doing really well, but then he had a little set back and ended up being transported by ambulance back up to the U, where he spent another week. The healing process is taking longer than we were hoping, but he is finally getting better one day at a time, with a little time and some effort, he will be back to his old self in no time.

Rickey had a job interview the other day and got the job. Yay!!

Surgery

2011-01-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

Rickey had his surgery yesterday at the U. The dr had come in before the surgery and explained what he was going to do and showed us pictures of what he was planning to do. The surgery went well, it was close to 3 hours. Rickey is sore today and has had little sleep, but in the long run, we are grateful to have had this surgery so he can finally start to feel better. YAY!

Appointment

2011-01-06T18:52:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally were able to meet with the surgeon at the U and he said that he will do surgery on Rickey on January 20th We are excited to finally have a solution. He will have to stay at the hospital for about 6 days and if all goes well, he will get to come home. I am so excited for him to be better, I know it'll take roughly six weeks, but that's doable if it means he'll be better. Thanks to all for your support and prayers!!

Friends

2010-12-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a minute and express my gratitude. I knew before that I had good friends, but I never realized how truly great they are and how much they care. With everything going on with Rickey, I've really struggled, but through all this, I made some great caring friends. I can't count on one hand how many ladies that come to the daycare have told me they were praying for us. Then there are the ones that always want an update. I have let them know that with the bills piling there wouldn't be Christmas this year for us, cause there's no money. Well, the other day, I had a friend ask me what we needed and she said she was going to try and get something for us. I've often thought about what good friends I had. I have been really struggling with the whole Christmas thing, then out of the blue yesterday, some friends of ours had told us to meet them at the gas station and they filled our car with gas and then they took Rickey and I to the store and bought him a pair of pants and me a shirt. Words can't express how nice it is to know what wonderful people there are and to know that they are our friends. Thanks Grant and Laura, you are one in a million! Thanks to all our friends for your prayers and concern.

Partial Diagnosis

2010-12-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally have a partial diagnosis on Rickey. The doctors say that part of his intestine is being squished by two of his arteries. I don't understand it all cause I don't know doctor lingo, but I do understand that it could be the source of his pain. The doctor at the U decided he was going to put in a feeding tube. Rickey went in tuesday for "surgery" and the feeding tube was placed. They say he has to have it in for a month or so and hopefully it'll help him gain back some of the weight he lost and give him the nutrition he needs. poor guy. I'll try to keep everyone updated.

Sick

2010-10-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

So Rickey is still sick! I hate it probably about as much as he does, only I don't have to feel the pain, I just watch him suffer and it makes me hurt for him. We've been working with the doctors at the U of U and this next tuesday they're going to do another test, only this time they're gonna do some biopsy's to see if they can figure out what's causing him so much pain. I just get so frustrated watching him suffer. I know we all have trials and this is just one of ours, but it sucks!!! I am really hoping the doctors can find something's they can fix and then make him better. This poor guy has been through so much and he's lost so much weight. Anyway, I want to take a minute to thank those who've stood by us through all this junk and who've been praying for us, please don't stop, we definitely can use all the blessings. Also, a big thank you to Katie and my sister for taking time out of your lives to help me with my housework and for being there to listen, you're life savers!!

I will try to keep this updated with what the doctors find...

In the meantime I have been trying to keep myself busy, so I took up some new crafts, some of which I've posted pictures. I am starting my own business of sorts, I will have a website soon, there you can look at what I make and my prices, then you can call or email me your orders. I've been told I'm a lot cheaper than anyone else, so if you need bracelets, burp rags, blankets, binky holders, car seat covers, head bands or whatever for your little ones or for baby showers, please don't hesitate to call me.

Thanks for sticking with me.

Colors Concert

2010-10-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to take a minute and blog about something fun that we had the opportunity to do despite Rickey's being sick. Rickey and I had the pleasure last month of going to the Colors Concert in sandy. We had so much fun and they released a new cd, which I totally love. unfortunately, we forgot the camera so there aren't any pictures to post. sorry!!

being "crafty"

2010-08-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

So because everyone is having babies, and I'm trying to keep myself sane, I've been as Rickey would say it being "crafty", I've only taken pictures of a couple of my crafts so far, but there will be more to come. I have been sewing a lot, I always make blankets and burp rags, but I've recently learned to make car seat covers, nursing covers, binky holders, bracelets, and I'm starting to learn how to make headbands and I am absolutely loving every minute of it!!! I would love to learn how to make cart/high chair covers and onesies and all sorts of other baby things, but I've got to find some patterns first. If you are reading this and you want to join in the fun, let me know, or even if you want any of what I make, just let me know.

Hospitals

2010-08-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

I must admit I'm a slacker at keeping up on my blog, but these past two months have been filled with stress. Rickey hurt his knee back in July and had to have a scope, he had his scope on the 13th and everything went well, but by sunday he was having some stomach pains and was really hurting so we brought him to the er where they admitted him because his liver levels were so high, but by tue, he was doing better so they sent him home. But to our dismay, he started hurting again wed night and so we came back and t hey gave him meds, made him comfortable and sent him home. unfortunately, the pain didn't stay away and we were back thur and sat by then I was so ready for it all to be done. they made him comfortable yet again and sent him home. He was doing so much better and I thought, yay, we're making progress, unfortunately, we had another set back cause by tuesday the pain came back and we were back once again, they ended up just sending him home again, but also referred him to the gastro doc. we went and met with him and he had said that maybe we could wait it out, but we said no way. The doc said there was a procedure he could do that would possibly fix whatever was wrong, (thinking it was just the sphincter of odie) so we thought let's give it a try. well surgery went well, but when he came out of anesthesia, he was in pain again so the doc said, they were gonna keep him overnight and now here we sit, still waiting for answers. his pancreas levels are good and his blood counts look good, but it still seems like no one can tell us what is wrong, all they can tell us is, "well it's not.." I am so frustrated I could just scream!!! Rickey isn't having the best time either, he's been poked and prodded so many times it's a wonder he still has blood left to give. We are waiting on the doctor and are hoping and praying he goes home today. sorry for the somber update, but this has literally been the story of our life these last two months.

Homecomings

2010-07-11T20:00:00.001-07:00

I say homecomings, because not only was it the day my baby brother was coming home, but my uncle was coming home after 6 mo in Afghanistan. Marc (my uncle) was coming in at 10 am and Jess (my bro) was scheduled to come in at 4, so Rickey and I decided that instead of wasting gas to come all the way home in between, we were gonna stay in SLC and visit some sights, we started out at the Church history museum when I get this text from my sister saying that Jess now wasn't coming in until 11pm, I was so upset. We had decided that we'd finish some our sight seeing and then go home and do whatever needs be and then come back, well while sight seeing, we got yet another text saying that his flight had changed again, this time to earlier, so we decided maybe we'd just stick it out and stay in Slc, but of course, the time kept changing and eventually we got the final time that his plane wasn't coming in until almost 1130.. What a long day!!! I am so glad though that they both are home and safe!!! pics to come soon

New Friends

2010-05-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity of having a couple from our ward come over for dinner and games on mon, it was so much fun and as it turns out, we've become good friends. I have to laugh everytime I think of cheryl, cause we are so much alike, it's like having a twin sister only we didn't grow up together. Rickey swears she and I were separated at birth. Rickey and Rob seemed to get along pretty well and I'm glad. I love making new friends, especially when you make friends that you feel like you've known forever and can trust. Thanks guys for a fun evening!

Anniversary

2010-05-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am so bad at keeping up on the blog, but I wanted to post about our anniversary. Last month marked 5 years for us and it has gone by so fast. I feel like it was just yesterday we were going on our first date and having all those giddy school girl feelings and then next thing I know, we're in the Temple across the altar pledging our love for Eternity. We didn't do anything extravagant to celebrate, we just spent the day together and then Rickey took me to dinner. I love this man so much, he is my everything!

going Private

2010-05-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

Please send me your email addresses, we will be going private in a couple weeks.

St George

2010-05-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

This post is long overdue, but as usual, I am a slacker when it comes to blogging.
Over Conference and Easter weekend, Rickey and I were invited by friends of ours to go to St. George with them, and of course we jumped at the chance. We stayed at our friends parent's condo and had a great time enjoying the nice warm weather and we even learned how to play shuffleboard (lots of fun!). We had a blast and hope to go back soon, it was a much needed vacation!

Time for a change

2010-03-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

I finally decided that I needed a new hair do, so when I went in for my trim, I actually made my sister-in-laws day and let her actually cut it. By the time all was said and done, I cut off 13 inches. This is the shortest it's ever been, but I like it!

Birthday Fun

2010-02-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

Birthday

2010-02-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

So tue (the 16th) was my birthday and for my birthday, we invited a bunch of friends and went to texas roadhouse for dinner, it was a lot of fun! of course it was embarrassing too since I had to sit on the saddle and be in the spotlight.
I am so grateful for such good friends and I am so glad for those that were able to come celebrate with us.

Hospital crap

2010-02-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

So, this last week has been the worst for Rickey and being in the hospital. it all started friday night with pains and so we went to the Insta Care and they gave him some stuff to control the pain and gave him some nausea meds and sent him home. Things were ok after that until monday when the pains came back more severe and we ended up at utah valley and they gave him stuff for nausea and pain and did some tests and a ct. after spending 5 hours in the er, they sent us home and told us to come back later for an endoscopy ( a scope) so they could figure out where the pain is coming from. long story short, he has ulcers on his esophagus and they're causing a lot of pain. my poor hubby has endured so much that it's nice to finally know what's wrong and how to solve it. Thanks to all those who stood by us and prayed for us, your prayers were greatly appreciated.

2009-12-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

2009-12-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

Temple Square

2009-12-24T10:34:00.000-08:00

We had the opportunity this week to go to Salt Lake with our good friends Jen and Brandon and their little boy Talan. We went to Trolley Square first and ate at Rodizio Grill which I might add is good food, but super pricey. We then went to Temple Square and walked around and looked at all the pretty lights and how festive it was, it definitely put me in the mood for Christmas!

Stupid swine flu

2009-11-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

Stupid, stupid swine flu.
You know when you hear of different things and think you're immune? well, so did I, that was until Rickey ended up with a fever of 103 and I took him into the dr and they said yep, it's the swine flu, and that I would likely get it too. Can I just tell you, that being cooped up in the house for a week is not my idea of fun. We both have wicked coughs and he still has a fever :( so much for going to work so one of us can make money, I guess it's better that we get it now, instead of when the new semester starts and he's super busy with fire stuff. anyway, to all those reading this, hope you are immune and don't get this, it is definitely not fun!

My Hubby

2009-10-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

So all the hoopla of Rickey passing the fire test went out the window when he started having pains that we couldn't figure out.
last sat night he didn't get any sleep cause he was up all night sick and then the next morning, we ended up in the er for most the day.
They did several tests and it ended up being a kidney infection. I tell you, if it's not one thing with him, it's another with his poor family.
I am glad that he is starting to feel better, he is the best hubby in the world!!

Kayla

2009-10-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

This is dedicated to Kayla.
Kayla, my sister in law, has had a very rough last few weeks, she hurt her back and has basically been bed ridden and in a lot of pain. She has been to the dr several times and had no answers, they finally thought they'd figured it out when they told her she has a pinched nerve, but they found something else wrong and so now it's back to more tests and more pain meds. I feel terrible for her, it's gotta be so rough, so if you know her or have any uplifting messages to send along, please keep her in your prayers.
Get better soon kayla!!

Fire Test

2009-10-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

So Rickey took the CPAT test for fire academy and passed, so now he will be starting fire academy in january.. I am so happy for him, but it now means a lot of studying. I can't believe how well he did with not a lot of time to practice. what can I say, my hubby is amazing!!

New Cousin

2009-06-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about this post cause now I can post pictures of my brand new cousin.
My aunt finally had her 6th kid and boy is he loved!!
His name is Jax and he is the cutest baby ever!!
Rickey and I went out to Herriman yesterday to visit and we got more than we bargained for and it was so worth it!! We held baby, ate dinner, visited/played and last but not least, watched some pretty cool fireworks!!
Welcome to our family Jax!

Good News

2009-06-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

So, I know it's a little late that i'm posting this, but Rickey's dad got his cancer test results back and.. they came back benign, we are soo excited!!
Our prayers have been answered, Thanks to all those who fasted and prayed with us.

Fire House in PG

2009-05-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

The Firemen in Pleasant Grove had a fire training a couple weeks ago, and we had the great plessure of being a part of it.. it was soo awesome!!!

Rickey's Dad

2009-05-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

So we just found out wednesday that Rickey's dad has colon cancer.
What a crappy thing to hear. The good news is that they may have caught it early enough that he won't have to do chemo or radiation treatments, but we won't know much more until later this week. Rickey is taking it all in fairly well, I know he's hurting, but he's keeping it together, me on the other hand, well I fall apart way too often.
This is definitely a trial, but thank heavens for good friends, family and most of all the power of prayer, fasting and blessings.
Thanks to those who fasted on his behalf, we really appreciate it!!
Your prayers are greatly needed and appreciated.

Anniversary trip

2009-04-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated our 4th year anniversary on the 15th. I am still shocked that it has been that long, it really only seems like not very long ago that we met, fell in love and started the rest of our lives together. I couldn't have asked for a better or more loving husband!!
So for our anniversary we went to midway in heber and stayed in the Homestead and just spent a few days together away from all the stresses of work.
I am glad to be home, but it was nice to have a few days of just us time!!

Easter

2009-04-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today was Easter sunday, and we had such a fun day!
We went to Rickey's parents house for dinner and the girls did an Easter egg hunt for us and then we
all did one for mom and dad, we had such a good time.
We went to my parents last and just hung out and spent time together and saw pictures of Jesse on his mission. And to top it all of, we came home with an abundance of candy!!!

Good times with friends

2009-02-23T17:48:00.000-08:00

Rickey and I went to an old friends house on friday night, we had soo much fun!
We got there and ate treats, played with the kids and just caught up on life. It's so nice to visit with old friends, I forget how good it feels to catch up with old friends.
We had such a good time that we're hoping to do it again soon.

Marah's Baptism

2009-02-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

We went to my cousin Marah's baptism last saturday, it was a really neat experience.
We are so proud of her decision to be baptized. We went to their house after for a get together and just hung out with family and chatted, it was a lot of fun.

pics posted soon.

Dinner

2009-02-02T11:46:00.001-08:00

We went to one of Rickey's mission companions house last night for dinner.
We had a great time eating and chatting and trying to keep their two boys entertained, so we pulled out the Wii and played games with the boys, it was so much fun and their boys are hilarious!
Oh, and for dessert we had this chocolate cake from costco, it was soo rich, but it was so yummy!

Bad memory card reader

2009-02-02T11:41:00.000-08:00

ok, so we were going to post some of the awesome videos we took of the skiers at the world cup on friday night, but our dumb memory card reader screwed up our memory card so now there are no pics. sorry everyone!!
I am hoping we can get some pictures from our friends that were with us, if that's possible, they will be posted.

World Cup Ski Jumping

2009-01-31T09:07:00.000-08:00

We went up to Deer Valley resort last night with some friends to watch the Visa Freestyle International.
The skiers were amazing!! The hike up was long but totally worth it.
We all went out to dinner after at Texas Roadhouse BBQ, it was so yummy!!

What a fun night!!!
pictures will be posted soon.

2009-01-29T17:19:00.001-08:00

I am totally new at this so bare with me and I will try to keep it updated as mush as possible.