Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!!

When we look back on 2009, we see a lot of great times. One of my favorite memories of the year was taking Michael, Abby and Aidan to my hometown in Michigan. Abby told me that was her favorite vacation. Also getting to meet our niece Elliana. She is such a cute little girl with her own personality. I think that is the McClellan trait.

Michael has been busy at work and church. This year his responsibility was teaching gospel principles. When he got put in there he was told don’t be surprised if no one comes to this class. Michael decided to make treats each week. He did such a great job that this past week the young men in our ward literally broke out in a fist fight to get the treats.

I have also been busy with work and church. In the early part of the year, I was called to be 1st counselor in the Relief Society. I really enjoyed it because I got to know the members of the ward especially the sisters. My goal for the year is to get back to working out more often. I would really like to run another half marathon in May.

Abby is in the 5th Grade. She is busy with choir, cheer and soccer. She is really starting to grow up. She is discovering jewelry, make up and boys. She is so cute; Michael just wants to chase the boys away.

Aidan is 8 years old and is in the 2nd Grade. He is into basketball, and soccer. He also is like his Dad and loves video games. We just got a wii for Christmas from my Dad and he was teaching me how to play it. Aidan also has a very tender heart. He loves his big sister and will pretty much do what she wants.

Cameron and Jerusha had the best experience with the birth of their son, Finnley Tucker. That little boy could not be any cuter. I love to see him grow and develop. Cam and Jerusha are such great parents. Finn is crawling, loves dogs, and he loves to stand up. .

The Nielsen’s wish you a Happy New Year and all the good things for your family in 2010.

If I would have been more organized or had more time I would have sent this out with the Christmas card.

Aidan's baptism

The day finally came, Aidan got baptized. In the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, we believe that children should be baptized when they are 8 years older or older. We belive that children are born innocent and once they become they start to become accountable for their choices.

Aidan has been counting down to this day. It was a very spiritual day. I really felt a closeness to Abby and Aidan's Mom and her husband Joe.
The program was a talk on baptism by Tyson(Aidan's step brother). Michael baptized Aidan. Then on to Aidan's Mom talked on the Holy Ghost and his step Dad Joe confirmed him a member.

Michael and I went to Mel and Joe's for dessert afterwards. It was a really a special day and thankful for the kids.

SLC temple

Salt Lake temple is one of the most beautiful temples that I have seen. There is a special feeling when I see it.

the lights at temple square

This year Michael had a great idea. Traffic to the see the temple square lights drives me to swear. No joke. So we ended up going down earlier in the day. We watched Joseph Smith movie and then went to the Lion House. If you are wondering what that red drink is, well Aidan thought his hot chocolate was watery. Little does he know that I doctor ours up at home with egg nog, or creamer. So he decided he would add his jellow to his hot chocolate.

This year I could not believe there was no snow on the ground. You can even see the flowers are still on the ground. This truely is one of my favorite traditions during the holiday. It reminds me of what is truely important in my life and gets me in the mood to celebrate the birth of the Savior.

the Craven clan

Abby and Aidan's step Dad is creative when it comes to pictures. Michael and I saw this over at his and Mel(Abby and Aidan's Mom) it cracked me up.

Abby and Aidan are in the picture with Tyson, Payten and Dallen

Aidan is 8

Aidan could not wait to be 8. We would do a count down to his birthday since the beginning of the month. The morning of his bday Aidan knocks on the bathroom door to tell Michael,"Its my Birthday". I thought it was so cute. Aidan wanted strawberry cupcakes for his dessert. Aidan is getting so grown up. He also knows that this is a special bday because he will be baptized the next week.