Motivating Monday

I always use to hate Mondays... Monday, Monday, Monday! It meant the weekend is over, Sunday is gone, and the work week officially starts! Ugh. It meant less time with Todd, four more loads of laundry and one messy house to clean-again. Monday was never considered a "fun day" at the Nielson's residence. That is... Until today!


I realized I was only looking at all the negative things Monday brings. In reality, everyday has negative aspects. So I decided to change my perspective. After all, as Todd would say... "Perspective is our reality!"   I have come to realize Monday is actually a great day in our house!

• Monday allows me to enjoy my favorite classes at the gym- Cycling and Body Pump- right in a row. So I get my hour of cardio in, as well as my hour of weights, all while enjoying every minute of it!

• Monday means I have a whole week to finish whatever I start.
• Monday means fresh laundry folded and put away.
• Monday means a clean house to relax and enjoy.
• Monday means The Bachelorette on TV. Yes, Todd is not afraid to admit it. He loves it just as much as I do! Our commentating during each episode is hysterical! Well we think it is.

• Specifically tonight... Monday brings the NBA Playoffs Laker's vs. Thunder. (Cross your fingers and toes the Laker's lose!)

• Monday means PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps for dinner tonight. (A new recipe I found on Pinterest. I will let you know how it is.)

Click this Link to View Recipe and Follow Me on Pinterest.

Ah, Mondays! What do your Mondays bring??
If you have a case of the Mondays... I challenge you to look at the positive things Monday brings. Loose last weeks frustrations and start fresh!
Happy Motivating Monday Everyone!

Todd's 32nd Birthday

Todd turned 32 this past week (if you ask him his age he will say 25. Beware- he lies!) Although he looks much younger than he actually is, we decided to be honest and post his real age! 32! Happy Birthday Todd!

Just to give you a little background... Todd and I love birthday's! If you ask Todd what his favorite holiday is he will reply, in all seriousness... "My wife's birthday!" I know, I am a lucky girl! Every year he surprises me with something big. One year he flew me to Vegas for the weekend, another year we stayed at the Grand America in Salt Lake, this year we stayed in the Majestic Suite at Hotel Monaco.  He always makes sure it's an event and he pays special attention to the details. Whether it's buying me a new dress for dinner, or having chocolate covered strawberries waiting in our hotel room when we arrive. I am always suprised and impressed with his creativity.

Although, I absolutely love this special treatment on my birthday, it is a hard act to follow. When his birthday rolls around I never know how to give back everything he's given me. I am also not very good with suprises. I get so excited about them and then end up giving it away without even realizing. This year I was bound and determined to suprise my Todd.

I decided to throw him a suprise party on Friday. Todd's friends, family, and co-workers all attended. Upon arrival a situation came up and I had to stall... I took the long way to the house and circled the neighborhood a couple of times. By the time we pulled in the drive way Todd knew something was up, but for my satisfaction pretended to be somewhat suprised!

Top Row:Todd's brother Brett, my sister in law Stac, my dad Lance.
Bottom Row: Me, Todd, and Colby.

Jen and Gary





The birthday boy himself! What a handsome goof!



Middle: Jen
On the Left: Shanna
On the Right: Jason



Friday was so much fun, but the suprises were not over yet. On Saturday I took Todd to Flemings, one of our favorite steak houses, and then we stayed at the Little America in Salt Lake City. It was a nice little get-a-way and gave us some time to enjoy each other. If I could have one wish, and only one wish, it would be to have more time with my husband, all the time we share is never enough. Sad the weekend is over, but excited for the birthday's to come! :)

My Inspiration...

Every month the girls in my family get together for a girl's day out at Hale Center Theater. We go and watch the play, have lunch, maybe do a little shopping afterwards. I always look forward to it. At our last get together I was telling my grandma about an experience I had and as we were laughing and discussing my embarassing life, she suggested writing this experience down so that details wouldn't be forgotten. Since then, I have not stopped thinking about starting this blog.


If all we have when we are old and wrinkled are the memories we've shared, why not write them down so that the details are vivid and moments never foggy.  Thank you grandma Hooley for the inspiration.


Unfolding before you the life, love, and memories, Todd and I will now, never forget.