Play time

Mom and Dad are playing this week. A long-deserved, long-delayed period of play.

First, fun with kiddos in Florida.

Second, fun on a cruise ship.

Third, fun at Disneyworld with kiddos.

Fourth, fun at the hospital to get chemo. Wait, that's fun? Oh, oops.

But...if you know my dad, somehow he will make chemo something he can crack a joke about, find some silver lining to, teach a lesson from.

Hello all followers, friends and family. We have an adventure ahead of us, as Dad called it, and know you all are wanting to be along for the ride. There was great advice given today from good friends of Alice and Joe, the Dennings. Kyle has just been through these same experiences and suggested keeping a blog. There are many contributors to this family blog, so many different voices and experiences will be heard. We hope most of all to chronicle the feelings, the blessings and the miracles which we, as a family, have faith will happen.

Family Meeting Notes for August

First, thank you to all siblings willing to participate in the resurrection of our family meeting. We really need to work together to make it a quick, productive and less chatty meeting. We are very social and we love each other dearly, but fighting through the conversations is frustrating. I suggest we come prepared to relate any and all activities that are relevant to our family. This should be done with only one person speaking and just make it a quick calendaring event. After that, if there are events, etc., that need "planning" we can concentrate on that, excusing those not interested to converse in another room :) I hope my taking this head-on doesn't offend, but, like I said, I was tired of always being out of the loop and it shouldn't be all Mom's responsibility. And that leads to...

Second, here is the recap and dates for things we talked about on Sunday. Pull out those blackberrys (ies?) and calendars and write these down.

(July 31: Gerber kids at Grandma's in afternoon and for dinner)For Mom's calendar :)

August 2: Jackson's Blessing @ 11:00 am at Smith's church in Provo. Lunch directly after Sacrament Meeting at Smith's house. Driving instructions and any food assignments will be sent via email from Alison to ya' all.

August 6: Bridal Shower for Grandma, Barbara, ?? whatever we are calling her at 7:00 PM at Eagle Summit Park in Lehi, Utah. (These following items are also more complete on The Missing Linc blog.) This event is actually for the whole family. Come with husband and kids and maybe a dessert to share.

August 7: Temple session with Grandpa (and others) at Mt. Timp Temple. We are doing the 4:00 session so be in the chapel by 3:30. Any babysitting needs can be directed to my kids.

Also that night, family dinner at Mom and Dad's after session - 6:30 ish?

August 8: Wedding day! All kids and "assigned" babysitters be at the Gerber's by 2:00 to drop off and give instructions. Be at the temple by 2:30. Pictures will be after the ceremony. We decided NOT to hassle with kids at the temple pictures, so babysitters, plan on at least 2 hours.

Reception at Raynes' from 5:00 to 8:00. I know we will all be very helpful wherever we are needed.

August 18: Irrigation @ 3:00 pm. Dinner and Starting school get-together? Any excuse to get together, ain't that great!! (Shut up!)

August 23: Temple Dedication, babysitting available by Bryan and Dani at Grandma's. Just let them know which session. Dinner at regular time.

August 27: Starting the Nielsen Family Reunion at 5:30pm. We are splitting kids between Mom's (young children and middle children) and Stefanie's (teens and those who act like them). What? No place for adults and those that act like them? No, not you YET David :)

August 28: Activities start at Wines Park in Lehi. We will be there for a few hours and eat lunch. Move to the Lehi Pool until 4:00 or whenever you have had it. We will end up at Cascade Park for water games and inflatable fun and dinner. Done around 8:00 or 9:00. We are planning on the whole day, so block it out NOW because Mom will need our help.

August 29: Family dinner at 2:30 at Mom's. This is the Whole Nielsen family and the end of our reunion. See, not too painful!

That's all folks! Thanks and keep tabs on this blog as this is where we will update things. Love to all.

For anyone who wasn't informed, I apologize. I'm engaged! I'm not sorry I'm engaged, I'm sorry I didn't get to talk to you. Well that's the update, another Raynes!

Happy Anniversary!!

Today is Joe and Alice Raynes' 40 year anniversary. They really don't look like they could be old enough :)

Wanted to wish you the best, we love you.

Here are some pictures of that day and of receptions shortly after.

I do believe Alice loves these guys...the picture says it all!


I just want to publicly thank the Gerbers for spending their Spring Break steam cleaning practically my WHOLE HOUSE! It was such an amazing act of service...thanks soooo much guys!! Love you!!

I would also like to thank all the offers of babysitting I have gotten from my fabulous sisters and brothers. I WILL take you up on it, so be ready...Scarlet could come any day now!! Alice is super easy to take care of...she just needs her binkie, dora, and some chocolate milk and she is a HAPPY camper.

Selling my house

I am listing my house on the 16th. Please, if you don't mind, keep it in your prayers that it will sell fast and for a good amount. Thanks in advance. :)