White Christmas Blues

Dear Loved Ones,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! This picture was taken on Christmas Eve right out my front door.

Our family planned on heading out to St. Louis for the holidays, and to attend our dear niece Becca's wedding on December 27th. Unless a miracle happens, and all of the blizzard warnings go away in one day, and all of the snow melts on the top of the Continental Divide (our route to the midwest), we will unfortunately not be able to attend. We are deeply saddened about that. Hopefully we will get a video of the event and lots of pictures from family. We will be there in spirit!

Even though I have lived here for 16 years now, I have a hard time believing that I live where it snows every winter. It's definitely not my favorite part about living in Western Colorado; hence my medical and mental case of the White Christmas Blues! (Personally, I like the song "Christmas Island" over "White Christmas" any day! Ha! :)

Well, anyway, the trees look so pretty with snow hanging gently on every branch. The fields expand ever so majestically with dark horses roaming the white. The clouds loom softly and fluffily, low to the earth, as we escape safely indoors. Teenagers can be found near the fireplace drinking something hot and sweet. Parents can be found napping under homemade knitted afghans, or curled up in a recliner watching their favorite show.

Now I know why the Psalmist wrote, "Be still and know that I am Lord." Psalm 46:10 It does a soul good to relax, rejuvenate, rest, reaffirm. As a matter of fact, it is essential!

We love you all, The Scott Nelsons of Grand Junction

Willard Turns 90

One of the great things about the Willard Nelson family is that we get together to celebrate quite often. Everyone in Willard and Pat's immediate family live fairly close to Willard and Pat. But, the Colorado Nelsons live 18 hours away. We make every effort to get to St. Louis for all of the birthdays, weddings and graduations if possible. In this picture, you will see all of Scott's family. In the front are Willard and Pat, Scott's parents. In the back are Philip, Ali, Jason, Grace, Tim, Scott and me, Suzie. This picture was taken on the occasion of Willard's 90th birthday party. Willard is one of the greatest human beings I have ever met. He is a living Saint! He is funny too! He is kind too!

Three Men and a Young Lady

These are our kids. This picture was taken in the summer of 2008, just before the 'boys' were to head out for their annual Father-Son Outing into the mountains. It was great that they came to the house before their adventure.

From top left is Tim, 25 years old. He is attending Kansas University and hopes to graduate in the fall of 2009. Tim creates the most beautiful jewelry and is studying art and metallurgy.

Jason is 28 and married to Ali, 28. They are married and have a lovely house in Kansas. They are working and also doing some other things they love, like fixing up their home, creating delectable pastries (Ali), coaching high school tennis (Jason), and spending time with their cute doggie, Bonita Patches.

Grace is 12. She attends 7th grade in middle school. She is a great student who tries hard and tries new things, like basketball and volleyball (for the first time this year!) I love that about her! She raises sheep in 4-H, plays the flute beautifully (was chosen to be in middle school Honor Band), and has lots and lots of friends!

Philip is 14. He attends 8th grade in middle school. He loves to play basketball and baseball. He is a great student who tries hard and goes the extra mile in his new school. He was chosen as the October Student of the Month at his school. That honor earned him a $500.00 renewable yearly scholarship to Mesa State College, should he choose to attend. He is involved in DeMolay and two Christian youth groups. (The fur ball in Philip's arms is our puppy Lucy!)

Scott and I are so proud of all of our kids. They are wonderful, kind, caring human beings. Just wanted you to know a little about them!

Our New Puppy Lucy

This is our new puppy Lucy. We got her in the summer. We spent a lot of time at home with her, so she could get used to us and our routines. She is 8 1/2 months old now. She looks like an Ewok from Star Wars! She also looks like a little "Gremlin", but she is very sweet, unlike Gizmo!

"You made me love you, I didn't want to do it..." is Scott's theme song for Lucy! Lucy has won the hearts of each of us, whether Scott wanted to or not! She has her own special game that she plays with each of us. She is not a yapper or a begger, but very much a little young lady! Yes, she has brought so much joy to our household. After all, doesn't every kid need a dog? That's what I thought.