Official

I am now a working interpreter, employed by Brigham Young University.

The proof:

(just please don't steal my BYU ID #, k?)

(yes, it still has my maiden name. i haven't changed my social security card to say my married name so BYU can't change my name in their system yet. i guess that means i should finally go to the ss office. blah)

I am only a "level 1" interpreter and I still need to improve and get my level 2/national certification so I can have more job options and work as a full-time interpreter, but I am soooo grateful for the job and opportunity at BYU. I am "teamed" with the kindest most helpful skilled interpreter ever who helps me so much. I still work full time at OrangeSoda so Mondays and Wednesdays (when I interpret) are long days, but it's worth it! I love the feeling of knowing hard work is paying off :)

Welcoming 2012

Lucky for us, the fun of our winter break didn't end with Christmas. We spent a few extra days in AZ after Christmas and were able to enjoy the warm weather, family and of course our favorite food spots.

We spent an evening at my parent's/Tim and Jen's house with the One and Only (Grandma Heyman), Aunt Lori and her fun fam and my sister and her family. We had some yummy pizza and played games, it was a fabulous evening and I loved getting to see more family.

The funniest part of the evening was when Sam and I first showed up and Kyle was showing off his new dune buggy he and Nolan got for Christmas. There is a dirt lot next to the house that he was riding in and then he came up on the drive way and rode straight into a bush that is at least a foot and a half high. Kyle got stuck and was disappointed the buggy didn't make it over "this time". Apparently he had attempted it before. I don't know if my explanation of what happened paints a clear picture, but it was hilarious... I stole the pic below from my sister's blog. It cracks me up.

Thanks to Sallee, the Nielsen girls were spoiled and got to enjoy a relaxing spa day together. We spent an afternoon enjoying hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, laying by the pool and even a massage. Thanks again Sallee! Yes, I did have everyone stop in front of the mirror for a picture :) Unfortunately, Maddie had to work that day so she wasn't able to be with all of us.

 

Sam and I were sad to leave Arizona, but it was also exciting to get back home to Utah because we had more family waiting for us that we hadn't seen yet. My brother, Chris, and his family were in town for a wedding and stayed with us for a few extra days. My bother, Curtis, and his family were also in town visiting his in-laws. We loved getting to see more nieces and nephews! One night we all took a trip up to Salt Lake to enjoy the temple lights.

New Years Eve we had a full day of fun which included bowling, a scrumptious breakfast-for-dinner meal, making popcorn and playing games. When all the little ones went down we had more fun games, a movie and watching the ball drop with Martinelli's in hand to welcome 2012!

                          

Although it looks like Kate and Macy are hating life in the picture below, I promise they were the two that probably enjoyed bowling the most. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw their faces in this photo... And Reed, well he's just a little serious man.

 

Happy 2012! We hope that is a fabulous year for everyone!

Whew that was a long catch up! As you can tell, our holiday season was a cheerful one spent with our wonderful families. We feel so blessed to have TWO supportive and awesome families. We are already back into the routine of work and school, but are still happy. :) I think this 3 long posts in one sitting gives me enough motivation to never get this behind in blogging again!

Christmas 2011

Sam and I traveled home to AZ to celebrate Christmas. This year was the Nielsen's "on" year for the holiday and we had a lot fun celebrating all week long.

Christmas Eve the whole family got together for some good food and a night of games. Vanessa and Curtis put together an amazing Christmas version of "Minute To Win It" that got the competitive juices flowing :) Vess did a great job documenting the challenges so I will just recommend you check out her post here. (Thanks Vanessa!)

Of course the girls posed for a little photo (don't mind me and my Snow White skin. I've been realllly tempted to hit the tanning beds, but I've resisted. That's just what happens when you live in Utah. Blah.).

The little ones put on a very entertaining nativity show while Tracy read of Christ's birth from the scriptures.

 And later that evening we found little Oliver ready to be cooked up for a late night Christmas Eve treat. I love this photo.

Christmas Day we woke up early, opened gifts from under the tree then headed to church. I convinced Sam to let me snap a few pre-church photos, and I'm happy I did...

 I really enjoyed having Christmas on a Sunday this year. The Christmas program that was put on in the Nielsen's ward was wonderful and I think it really helped everyone remember the true reason for the season. 

The rest of the afternoon included the traditional Nielsen aebleskiver brunch, family gifts and playing. We finished the day off with the Cunninghams and Kennedys coming over for more food and fun.

I think every family with a missionary out in the field looks forward to Christmas with extra anticipation because of the beloved phone call missionaries get to place to their families on Christmas day. Luckily, there isn't a limit on phone calls or how often I can talk to my parents while they are on their mission. I usually still talk/skype with them about once a week. Christmas Day, Sam and I were able to Skype with my parents for a little and although it is different than having them physically near us, I was very grateful for it. My little brother was lucky enough to be able to spend the holiday down in Argentina with my parents. It worked out great because my siblings and I were able to haul off gifts to them without having to pay for shipping or worrying if the packages would ever even get to them (a package I sent in September is yet to show for my parents...). My parents were so happy to have Taylor with them. Here are my favorite missionaries Christmas day:

My mom has said that the sacrifice of serving wouldn't be worth it if the church wasn't true, but it is, so everything is worth it. I am so grateful for both of my parent's example of service and dedication to the Lord. We made it through one Christmas apart, now only two more to go before they return :)

Start-Up To My Catch-Up

Ok, I've completely failed at blogging lately. My mother asks when I'm going to update my blog just about every time I talk to her and the other week Sam said, "Are you ever going to blog again?" Well, I've made it a goal to get caught up this weekend. Get ready for the long haul of pictures and updates (this is mainly for you, Mom....)

Thanksgiving. The Nielsens came up to Utah for Thanksgiving and we had a wonderful weekend together. Our beloved G hosted the Thanksgiving meal; the food was delicious! (Thank you to everyone who cooked and baked!). Sam invited his friend Jay to celebrate the holiday with us so he was in attendance as well.

On Black Friday Sam and Jack hit the mountains for some snowboarding while Tracy, Sallee, Maddie, Lindsay and I all visited Park City for a little shopping, Main Street strolling and a yummy lunch. That night we visited Temple Square to see the Christmas lights.

We loved having family in town and although it was a short break, we both were so happy to not have to think about work and school for a few days! I love Thanksgiving for multiple reasons, one being that it leads right into the most wonderful time of the year... Christmas! Next post :)