Steve and Julie Nelson Blog

Many have asked where our photo gallery is.

It’s right here:

www.steveandjulie.com/photo

It’s here! Steve has completed his second solo cello album. The first was “Sacred Cello” and his new album is entitled “Tender Mercies.” Visit his site at www.stevensharpnelson.com to listen to an except. If you love the cello, you won’t be able to get enough of his music. He’s so incredible! Why did he marry me again? If you’d like a copy, you can find it at Deseret Book. ENJOY!!

We did it! We bought a home in Sandy where we will finally be able to settle down for a while. We’ve lived in 4 different locations already within 5 1/2 years. We bought the home last winter and are renting it out until Steve’s parents get home from their mission next February 2009 (as we are house-sitting their home). This adorable Cape Cod home is in the most perfect location…on a quiet street, close to the freeways, nearby parks and libraries and shopping centers…this 5 bedroom home gives us plenty of room to grow (promise I’m not pregnant).

In no particular order…..

          10. Go dancing at the Murray Art Center

          9. Play games

          8. Take a Walk

          7. Snuggle up to a good movie

          6. Attend a Hale Center Theatre Production

          5. Host a dinner

          4. Jam to the guitars

          3. Go out to dinner, somewhere new

          2. Rollerblade anywhere and everywhere

          1. Have a campfire in the canyons

For those of you looking for a fantastic photographer, photo by Emilie is the place to go . Emilie Decker has done all of our family photos. She is available, reasonable, creative, and especially good with children. I would recommend her to anyone!

www.photobyemilie.com

Since I’ve been a mom, I’ve needed to use a little creativity finding healthy and yummy meals for my children. I’ve found a bunch that Eli absolutely can’t get enough of and I’d like to share them with you. Theses have been tried and tested - we think you’ll like them too! If you’re interested in checking out the recipes, just click on the link to the right under pages that says “FAVORITE RECIPES.”

Steven Sharp Nelson - busy being a Daddy, Husband, and Bread-winner. Every day, people ask me what Steve does every day. I think it gets a little confusing because Steve does a little of everything. Well, this is for all of you who want the simple facts. He has condensed his schedule significantly this past year. Plus, he is no longer in school (at least for the time being). Put in simple terms, Steve…

* Partners in a real estate investment firm where he manages 15 agents and has found a niche in pre-foreclosure properties. This is Steve’s full-time job.

* Is in the process of producing another album, similar to Sacred Cello, but with fuller orchestration.

* Just finished his second symphony with Marshall McDonald - The African Suite. The first being the Spanish Trail Suite.

* Recently recorded with the China Philharmonic. This album is scheduled to be released in the U.S. by early next year. This album includes “If You Could Hie To Kolob,” “Come Come Ye Saints,” and ”Homeward Bound.” What an awesome opportunity this has been for both him and Marshall McDonald. Perhaps this is one of the ways the gospel will be spread to the Chinese people - through beautiful, sacred music.

* Performs with Jon Schmidt, Paul Cardall, Marshall McDonald, David Tolk, and Peter Breinholt.

* Is the cellist of the Maywood String Quartet playing at local events with his lovely wife.

* Spends the rest of the evening with his family - as you can see, his children (and wife of course) absolutely adore him!

Steve is also studying for the GMAT this year and hopes to be accepted into Duke’s MBA program by next fall. He finally has decided what he wantsto be in life - a social entrepreneur (explanation to be continued on another post on another day).

I guess I should also fill you in with what’s been happening in my world. As you can see, I am super busy at home chasing my very active three-year-old and attending to little Lucy. Whenever someone asks me what I do, I proudly say, “I am a Mother!” I am so blessed to be able to stay at home. I love being able to wake up to snugly children in their pj’s - I love that I get to see their first smile - I love trying to come up with creative ways to get them to eat their food - I love giving them popsicles and jello when they are sick - I love being a Mom!

Okay, so it’s nice to have a little something on the side. I do keep very busy. Below is a list of things I am involved with as I try to manage my time.

* Teaching violin

* Member of the Maywood String Quartet playing at local events

* Managing Steve’s sheet music company - Maywood Music

* Assistant Directing a non-profit organization - Sowers of Hope

* Learning photography on my new Canon digital rebel.

* Producing a children’s video series - Leo and Lucy

Most importantly, we are so grateful for the gospel in our lives. We know that the Savior lives and that He is our brother. He knows and loves us. We have found in our lives that He is constantly trying to find a way to bless us, whether that be through trials or by other means. We are happy because we have the truth in our lives and try to follow His teachings. We are a peculiar people and are proud of it!

Let’s just talk about how cute these two are! Elias just turned three on June 7th, and Lucy is now 7 months old. Eli loves being a big brother and my little helper. He will help “babysit” while I’m in the other room, throw away her diapers, make faces at her to keep her giggling, or read books with her. He especially loves to decide which toys to give Lucy to play with. Lucy will smile at anyone and at anything. She is very low-maintenance and makes our hearts melt. Sure, parenting can be tough, very tough, but doesn’t compare to the joy it brings when your little one says “Thank you” or “I love you.” There’s nothing better!