The happenings..

So you might be able to tell it's been a busy month...because I haven't posted as much! November was really fun..my family had a lot of birthdays to celebrate...6 in my immediate family. Brad and I have started a tradition where we record ourselves singing a birthday song...creatively, so we sang a lot this month, but was fun! The weather has been amazing so we have gone on walks and hikes still. As a farmer's daughter however, I do worry that we need the moisture soon--so cross our fingers that we will. Thanksgiving was so fun. We went to Ephraim and spent time with my parents and 2 oldest brothers and their families. Brad has only met my oldest brother a few times now so it was great to spend some time around him. I love emphasizing gratitude. There is so much to be thankful for, but for me especially, I am so grateful for my sweet hubby. My single days were longer than I would have planned...but he was sure worth the wait, and I am thankful everyday that he is my companion...he truly is wonderful!It's so fun to have a companion to spend the holidays with..precious time and moments that will always be memorable. When we got home Thanksgiving weekend we went on a walk downtown to see the temple square lights. The fun part about living downtown is that we are so close to this...I never get sick of seeing the lights--they are so pretty! I went with family members to festival of trees to watch my nieces dance and they did a great job..was so fun to see them in their first performance. My dad cracked me up, because he has never been to festival of trees, so he didn't know what to expect. He has however, been to many gun shows at the south towne expo so he told me "Chris, I would rather see a bunch of guns in here than trees!" Haha--spoken like a true country boy! Anyway we had fun there, I love seeing the trees decorated so uniquely! We had Brad's work party this past week...and Brad won some honey-baked hams..yay! My work party is today, and we are both staying pretty busy at our jobs. I had 2 days where I was gone for jury duty interviews...but wasn't selected, I got a lot of reading done at least. It was fun to hit the Christmas devotional together with some of our friends. The speakers always have such great words to say, it was a wonderful atmosphere to be in. There is a man in our stake that said he challenged himself to read the B of M from Thanksgiving through the new year...and he said it made a profound impact on his life. Brad and I are doing this challenge, and of course Brad is further than me, but it's been pretty neat to push ourselves to read as much as we can each day. We love the gospel, this time of year reminds us of the many blessings we have and we are excited for the upcoming holidays!

Our Summary for this week...

SOME UPDATES: --Well good news...we have a bite on the condo...hoping to sell it soon, it's a great feeling to get that done! 2 Saturdays ago we went hiking with friends to Bells Canyon, one of our favorite places...it will probably be the last time for the season I'm thinking:) We have had fun spending time with family...Brad has become the new human horse for kids...they love it. It's so fun to have nieces and nephews around--they are so fun! We didn't make it to the Nielson "chopping wood" day but had to post a pix of the brothers with my dad...my brother Rory moved back from Norway so it's fun to have him back! It's fun to have someone to actually cook for, so I am trying new recipes..my friend sent me one for jalepeno poppers--and it was easy and tasty. Some of my new recipes don't turn out great..so Brad is a sweetie and eats it anyway, he is a trooper:) We have both kept pretty busy with work...so we are very excited to get time off for Thanksgiving weekend. I actually ordered a gluten-free pie crust so I can have a pie this year...Wahoo:) This time of year is so great to remember all that we are thankful for. I realize that I truly have soooo many things to be grateful for...so here is my list:

1. Family/(Cute Bradley) 2. The Gospel 3. Friends--I have some of the best friends ever! 4. Great job--Teaching is soo hard sometimes, but sooo rewarding too 5. Nice house--I am grateful for heaters in homes this time of year 6. Health 7. Technology--it can do some pretty great things for us in our world today 8. Books--love to read 9. Cars--to visit family and loved ones 10. Education--I feel fortunate to have been able to go to some great schools in my life Well the list could go on and on, but I truly am grateful for so many things in life and realize the attitude of gratitude should last throughout the year..not just around this time. Hope everyone is having a great week...and enjoy the family time we get soon:)

And it's November!

Can't believe it's November already...wow how time flies! I put up some pix, some recent some not. Brad and I dressed up as 80s people for the YM/YW monster mash...we had fun! It's fun to have our callings together..another excuse to see each other more on Sundays:) I found some pix from our wedding...it was 3 months last week by the way! I just loved dancing with my dad at our wedding, and boy did Brad and I both luck out in the parent department. We both feel if we can be anything like our parents we will be happy. Funny story...my dad loves his treats, (I am just like him) so after the reception was over my dad finally had time to start eating some wedding treats...just as he put his first big bite in his mouth he was called up to dance with me..busy night for him, but that was a precious moment for me. I sure love my dad and all the sacrifices he has made for me and my family. There is such a sweet, special connection that girls have with their father and that picture reminded me of how lucky I was... Another one I found as I was looking through.. was a picture of Brad and I at the luncheon, as we were looking through our wedding we can both admit "Ya that was a blur!!" Busy day, lots going on, what we are ACTUALLY married?! Pretty crazy day, but full of memories and amazing people to share it with. Brad and I can both admit that married life is much different than single life. I think in summary--your perspective and goals change completely, in a good way, but of course it's an adjustment. As I was talking with my friend last night about getting married--we discussed that the way you use your time is different because you are focusing on what you can do to be helping your spouse, instead of yourself. It's great, to me it makes life more service-oriented but of course it's a big change. Being single is great--don't get me wrong, but you really do have to learn to take care of yourself and be independent because no one else is going to do things for you right?! I love this adjustment to marriage though--it's been an amazing experience and I say it a lot, but can't help to say it again--I really feel blessed to have such a sweet, funny, AMAZING hubby...and pinch myself everyday that I am in reality because it's sooooo nice to have someone to love, and to have someone that loves you in return:) Well I guess this turned into a mushy post huh!:) Quick update: Brad has been extra busy at work this week---this seems to be a busy season for him so hopefully things calm down for him soon. He is a trooper though, he works hard all day at work that's for sure! It's the beginning of the quarter for me, so I don't have to grade a lot yet so I am trying to enjoy the "chillness" this week. We went on a hike with friends Monday night for FHE and that was so fun, we also went on a walk Tuesday..we both notice a difference when we are getting some type of exercise in for the day. I had a niece celebrate a birthday Sunday AND Tuesday...I warned Brad that the Nielson family is born in November ...it's b day month! I have one brother, one sister-in-law, 2 nephews and 2 nieces all with November b days..so it's fun to celebrate this month. Yes I am listening to Christmas music and I LOVE it! Brad, well...he is dealing with it, I like to think it's growing on him:) One of our favorite things to do this time of year is to find some football games on Saturday and eat lunch or dinner while watching a game. (Glad we can agree on watching sporting events together). We hit a soccer game for the first time, that was fun, we have enjoyed spending time with family...and are still working on selling Brad's condo, and getting all of our stuff combined together in our current condo. We are excited for the upcoming holidays...it's coming up soon!

End of October Fun!

Well....we can't believe it's almost November, it's amazing how quickly time flies by! Still loving this beautiful weather, we know it won't last for long but it's been such a nice, warm October. Some happenings with us Austins': 1-Brad & I have been hitting the gym more...it feels great to work out more...as a health teacher I want to be an example to my students, Brad has been a good pusher of getting our work outs in so that's been nice 2- This past weekend we went and visited my oldest brother who just moved back from Norway. Was only Brad's 2nd time meeting him, so it was nice to catch up. 3-Cleaning and Organizing...we still are chipping away at getting our condo put together and we are getting close. 4- Had Sunday dinner with the Austin's and as always--it was great to see everyone and catch up. 5- We spoke at an Elderly Branch in SLC and it was all sorts of fun...some wonderful people were in that ward! 6- We hit the temple last week then ate at City Creek by the fire which was really pretty and fun. That is my favorite mall because the atmosphere is so neat. 7- It's the END OF THE QUARTER at my middle school, so Brad has seen me a bit more stressed than norm, just getting grades in...he has been really sweet and patient. 8-We are excited for the MONSTER MASH with the YM/YW this Thursday...we will be dressing up! 9-Had FHE with a couple from our ward and it was really fun--there are some great people in downtown SLC and we enjoy getting to know them. 10- We are still crossing our fingers that Brad's condo will sell...if anyone has anybody that may be interested let us know:) ***Life has treated us overall really well, enjoying family, friends, and being together just the two of us Was looking through some family pix. Thought I would share some oldies and somewhat recent pix of Brad and I with our brothers. It's interesting that neither of us have sisters--but we definitely lucked out in the brother department!

FALL BREAK!

LAST WEEK GOT AWAY FROM ME....I EVEN STARTED WRITNG OUR BLOG BUT IT JUST NEVER HAPPENED, WAS A PRETTY BUSY WEEK! WE HAVE REALLY TRIED TO ENJOY THE GREAT WEATHER THE PAST FEW WEEKS...WE WENT BACKPACKING TOGETHER A FEW WEEKS AGO AND IT WAS ALL SORTS OF FUN, JUST A BIT COLD AT NIGHT:) IT WAS ONLY OUR SECOND TIME BACKPACKING TOGETHER, SO IT WAS REALLY FUN! THIS PAST WEEK WAS MY SPRING BREAK SO I HAD THURSDAY AND FRIDAY OFF (HALLELUJAH). I LOVE MY JOB BUT SOMETIMES THINGS GET REALLY BUSY SO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO THAT BREAK:) BRAD TOOK 1/2 DAY OFF ON FRIDAY SO WE COULD GO UP AND VISIT WITH FRIENDS IN BOISE. I HAD NEVER BEEN THERE--AND WE FELL IN LOVE WITH THAT CITY...IT'S BEAUTIFUL! WE HIT A BOISE STATE GAME, WALKED THE RIVER WALK, AND HAD FUN WALKING AROUND DOWNTOWN. WE STILL HAVE BRAD'S CONDO ON THE MARKET...CROSSING OUR FINGERS THAT WE CAN FIND PEOPLE TO BUY IT. BRAD AND I WILL BOTH BE SERVING NOW IN THE STAKE YM/YW SO THAT SHOULD BE FUN TO PLAN ACTIVITIES TOGETHER. MARRIED LIFE IS GREAT...IT'S SO FUN TO HAVE SOMEONE TO SHARE FUN TIMES WITH! P.S.--I CUT BRAD'S HAIR FOR THE FIRST TIME, IT WAS ACTUALLY REALLY FUN, I MAY HAVE GONE A BIT SHORT BUT I WILL REMEMBER FOR NEXT TIME...HE IS PRETTY DANG HANDSOME NO MATTER WHAT I DO TO HIS HAIR!!

This past weeks adventures.....

Just some highlights of the past week.... Yay my bro is coming home from Norway!! 1--Cleaning the condo to sell and it goes on the market today! Cross our fingers:) 2- Parent conferences for me last Wednesday and Thursday....they went smoothly:) 3- I bought a giant 50 pound bag of potatoes so we will eat LOTS of potatoes (I was helping a fundraiser) 4-Ate Sawadee---our favorite Thai restaurant--if you haven't tried it you need to! 5-Went down to Manti for one of my best friends weddings...was fun to re-live that atmosphere:) 6-Went down to my brothers with Brad so he could go elk hunting...they didn't see anything though...but had fun riding and hiking around. 7- Listened to general conference...loved it! 8-Went walking around Silver Lake and saw a young moose up close...was so cool, but I hear they are mean so I didn't want to get too close:) 9- Brad was sweet and gave me roses for our 2 month anniversary..love that boy! 10- Checked in with my sister in law to see how my nephew is doing on his mission in England and he is really enjoying it. I miss the boy, my dad and bro miss him on the farm because he was a HUGE help...but we are grateful for his service! ---Well, here's to a new week...hope everyone enjoys this beautiful fall weather...can't believe how fast fall is flying by!

2 months of marriage! Lovin' the fall:)

It's hard for us to believe that we have almost been married 2 full months! It's gone crazy fast, and we hear it just keeps going faster. Brad and I have so many moments we say "We are married?!" I think where we both waited a while, it makes it that much more surreal. Marriage is wonderful and we sure love to be in love. It's so great having someone to lean on and also to be a person to try and encourage and help your spouse. We have had lots of fun time with our families this past month, and we feel very blessed to have such neat families, as well as some pretty incredible friends:) We have been loving the fall weather! We have been up to the mountains a handful of times to take in the beautiful leaves changing. Brad has had to go to Oregon on business, and I find myself learning how to keep busy when he is gone...I don't like it (love it when he is there with me)! I could grade for days, but would rather not do that in all my free time. Brad and I are both keeping busy with work...parent conferences for me this week, and Brad has to travel to Oregon for one last time (hopefully) this week. We are putting final touches on his condo now to get it ready to sell....spread the word about a great condo available downtown. Some fun things coming up for us: -One of my best friends is getting married this week in the Manti temple and I am excited to go! -I have no school Friday due to parent conferences:) -Brad get's to go Elk hunting with my brothers and dad. -GENERAL CONFERENCE!! Always inspiring and great to hear. **Can't believe it's October this week (the Halloween decorations have gone up:) 2 months of Marriage this week!

Excited to hear from our general authorities....

Loved our Nebo loop drive last week...

This past week has been pretty eventful as we have been trying to get Brad's condo up to sell. If any of you know someone that would like to live close to the "U" it's a great place. It's one bed/one bath--great view with lots of storage. We have enjoyed getting to know a few new people in our ward, and are excited to meet new people. We drove down to my parents for the weekend to have a nice, relaxing get-away, and to visit with family. We just love seeing the leaves change and enjoy the beautiful fall season it is. I am hoping I can decorate for Halloween soon...I love that holiday but Brad thinks we should wait til October to decorate...I love him enough to wait but he doesn't realize what he is doing to this decorating obsessed girl:) We had the chance to attend the beautiful Manti temple Saturday and do sealings. It was so neat because it was the temple we were sealed in-- and made it that much more special. We enjoyed going to the Ogden temple dedication today and hope to enjoy another pretty drive up the mountains to take in the great scenery. We both can't believe it's almost been 2 months since we got married! Wow how time flies--but married life is wonderful! We got some pix back from our reception...my co worker took them and did a great job, it was fun to look through them. We are excited for what the next month will bring and we both hope to hit a football game soon!

Starting our new life together....

So I am back in the blog world! I saw last time I posted was March of 2013...finished up grad school, got set up on a date with a handsome man ....starting dating him...and didn't post for the next year. However, I figured since Brad & I are a little family now, blogging could be fun again. Updates: -WE have officially been married over 5 weeks now....LOVE married life! WE have both tried the single thing longer than we would have liked so it's great to have a partner in life:)

-We are working on combining our two worlds into a small....little condo. We will get it functioning eventually it just takes time. -We are hoping to get Brad's condo ready to sell soon...if you know anyone interested let us know! My school year is going great, and Brad's work is keeping him busy. We are enjoying our new ward---and one of our favorite pastimes is getting up to the mountains before bad weather hits. Brad bought a National Park's pass so we are hoping to use it throughout the next year a lot...Yay!