The Chokey

(My Ellington bag covers hunchie quite well.)

Today I felt like an expectant mother. I had "nesting" going on, and I am not even pregnant...unless you count hunchie. (which I guess I do).
****
After I woke up, I hobbled downstairs to my basement.
The basement has a furnace room. We call the furnace room the "chokey"
I decided the chokey needed to be cleaned out.
So I did that.
And now I have a pile ready for DI or Lucy-whichever comes first.
****
As I was cleaning I was thinking about my recent trip to Arizona, Dr. L., my in-laws, the weather, and LGO. Then I started thinking from the moment Mr. Nielson and I rented our car we listened to Pink. Pretty much every radio station played her. As a result, I have decided to make Dr. L. a play-list of the songs I want him to listen to in the OR while fixing me.
Pink will be on that play-list, I can just see it now- Nie laying lifeless on the table and So What kicking in the back ground.
****
Then I thought about the time I went into LGO and my big, beautiful, yellow Ellington bag hit a pot with a desert plant nestled in. It fell over. It broke into a million pieces.
I couldn't decided what to do. Run, cry, admit, raise my hand? What?
Instead I looked for Mr. Nielson. Easy button.
They cleaned it all up for me and were very nice telling me over and over that "It happens all the time"

(Mr. Nielson devouring LGO)
****
As I piled pillows into my chokey "pile" I thought about teasing Mr. Nielson that I hated going through all the security junk and the worst part for me is taking off my shoes.
Then I smell it.
The smell of stinky feet. Its awful (but I am sure glad we are safe, no really I am).
I told Mr. Nielson very matter-of-fact that I really think he should get his own pilots license so we could just skip all this junk. Then we laughed. (yes, I can joke about it now).
****
Then I remembered that I got pulled aside because they suspected me of having C-4 in my bag. Like I'd blow up a plane. That already happened to me and it was crap. I'd never do it again.
Then the TSA lady kept telling me how much she hated matches.
She went on and on and at the end, all I could say was-
"Me too" because I do..like a lot.
And that was all.

****
Oh, and its the last day of April.

Farewell.

Taking it easy

Mr. Nielson and I got home late last night.
When I woke up, I had two boys in bed with me-(3 counting the Mr.)
They all stink like...boys.
Speaking of stink, Jimmy unloaded in my living room and Oliver just came
upstairs to say that he had pooped in my office too.
Welcome back.
Does anyone want to adopt a dog? (Or maybe I'll get out my 9 mm).

I feel a bit sore and think I will take it easy today. Check back tomorrow for a regular sized post. For now, check my 10 tips to do/not do with a new baby.
I wrote it for Courtney's blog.

-Nie

Hunchie expansion part 1

(Claire and Jane with some favorite cousins and best friends.
Claire and Jane are the ones with their faces painted-just in case you couldn't tell roar!)

****

Expanding hunchie was not bad-not bad at all.
We had a friendly little visit with Dr. L. while he expanded
my back "bumps" back to "Hunchie".
Did I mention that I loved that guy, even if he dropped the F-bomb in my check-up.
Then I told him I was Mormon and us Mormons don't/shouldn't say that word, and then I told him I made him some "Mormon cookies" (actually Tammie Coe made them). But I wanted to tell him how much I really appreciated the guy.
Then I put him on the spot and made sure he was taking care of his secretaries.
I made sure he sent them flowers and candy on nurse and secretary day.
He said "Yes of course" as if I were stupid.
Then I checked with his right hand gal Sharon to make sure he was true to his word.
Yes he was.
But he should still use "please" and "thank you" when addressing them.
And I told him so.
And he did the rest of the visit.
****
Next week I will not only bring him cookies, but cookies AND a Book of Mormon so he wont think us Mormons are a secret (you can too).
Watch out Dr L. next week we will get into the hereafter and all sorts of other
"Mormon topics" because I KNOW you love all of that chat.
(and I also know you don't read this, but oh well...your loss ;)
****
Boss Nielson and Mary (or grandmary to my children) took us to Rosa's for dinner. It was a delightful time. Its always nice to eat out with Boss Nielson because he always laughs at my jokes and he opens the car door for me (hint, hint Mr. Nielson)
****
I am now preparing to sleep with hunchie-armed with my sleeping pill, I will (hopefully) doze off into dreamland. But not before I think about my children. Here are the pictures of them here in AZ with some of their best friends.
With faces painted.
Why are their faces painted?

(Oliver and Nic with Jack. Their favorite cousin in the whole world.
Jack can do no wrong)

Time to inflate...wahoo

(Me saying hi to the chief, Cjane, Ever and Chris K.)

Well folks, I am headed out.
Headed south to see my Dr. L.
Like I have said, he will expand my back balloons to begin our process again of
reconstructing a new neck. (one that works, please).
I leave at 7:00 am to catch a flight to Phoenix.
Just Mr. Nielson and I.
It will be a nice chance to catch up on a million conversations that we have started but never finished becuase someone needs to be wiped, helped, or loved.
Its all part of the deal, but so are dates.
This date is just going to be a over-nighter.

Today I spent some time at sister Page's house.
I ate hummus and chips for about an hour talking about how I needed to go home,
but the hummus was just too tasty.
Her kids are so funny and darling, you could spend hours up there and never know it.

So, here are a bunch of sweet action shots Ollie took of me outside today.
The weather was dreamy and we spent a good portion of it out.
I am not sure if I will "be in the office" tomorrow. (I've always wanted to say that).
I may be down and out from my awesome expansion.
Love to you all

-Nie

(if you look closely in the pics, you can check out my deflated balloons. I have two of them in my back).

My weekend highlights

(Me charting the course for our sailing trip)

It is Sunday evening. One of my favorite times of the day.
Mr. Nielson and I lay in our bed together and we have decided to
watch a movie before we settle down for the night.
But, I couldn't do that until I have written about some
wonderful things that happened this past week.

*The weekend was fantastic! Nothing happened. It was perfect.
*The children ate popcorn for dinner on Friday.
*We went sailing on Saturday.
*I finally finished the laundry.
*Mr. Nielson changed Jane's bike tire.
*I rode my bike to my Mothers house with all children and my husband.
*I rode my bike home with Nicholas on my lap and his scooter propped up on my bike.
*I felt strong, I felt good, and I was happy.
*Preparing to begin expansion of Hunchie (again) on Tuesday in Arizona-
not looking forward to it.
*I prayed to my Lord and thanked him for my life. I am so happy.
*Took Nic, Ollie, and Anson to Target. What an adventure!
*Mr. Nielson and I browsed the J.Crew catalog looking for some hoodies.
*I wrote thank you cards, (and if you are reading this, I probably owe you one too).
*Played with Lucy and Betsy at Mom's house after Sunday dinner.
*Made fun of Betsy's awesome hair.
*Watched Betsy pretend to be a fish in the tub.
*Snuggling up to Mr. Nielson.
*Seeing the beautiful apple blossoms out my window.
*Getting cookies dropped off at my house-(Thank you!)
*Smelling spring.

(Betsy on Sunday evening)

Happy week!

Cool video here.

The Week Wrap-up

Here is my week in pictures. I am wrapping up another week that to me, zoomed right by.
Next week I head back to the Sun (arizona) to see my favorite doctor (Dr. L). He will inject crap into the balloons on my back to begin our 3 month project. I hope it works this time!!
Have a fantatic week!
****
Here are some announcements from Nie to you!

First,
Check out my favorite cupcake store, Sweet Tooth Fairy on Twitter and also Facebook.
Megan the frosting queen is doing something called 'Bake a Difference', she is going to donate money to diffrent causes (like the Burn Center and Breast Cancer). It is really cool and I hope all of you will join. Instead of buying a piece of paper at the grocrey store to help donate money, you could eat a delish cupcake instead.
Plus I bet it wont make you fat because you are helping someone.
(I like to look at it that way)

Second,
A little birdie told me there was going to be a bake sale in Santaquin, UT. This bake sale is going on to help a very beautiful and special family who's mother has cancer.
Here is her write-up:
"Amy Jackson, an amazing wife, mom of six young children, daughter, sister and friend has just been diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma a fast spreading form of cancer. Because her life has been dedicated to serving others especially youth and the community and with limited time we are raising money to help them in this devastating time of sadness. We are hoping to help cover their needs as a family including helping make some great family memories! We are holding a benefit yard/bake sale on Friday, April 23rd and Saturday April 24th from 8 am to whenever at 270 East Main in Santaquin. Your help and support is greatly appreciated!"


Kisses,
Nie

Nic's Pic's (on a rainy day)

This morning I woke up in a panic.
Good grief! What time was it? Where was I? Where was my husband? Are my kids at school?
It was 10:00 am. I had slept through breakfast, scripture study, making lunches, and seeing the girls off to school. Mr. Nielson had left me sleeping while he took the boys to The Home Depot.
I got up and helped myself to some chocolate chip pumpkin bread then I went back to sleep. Oh, and it was raining! Raining-my favorite!
It was awesome and so cozy!
I snuggled back in my bed resting while staring at my mountains.
And then I feel back to sleep.

Then I heard the car outside my window.
The boys were back.
I got up and answered the door.
SNAP.
Nic took a picture of me.
I was so pleased.

3:00 blues

Around 3:00, I decide I'm pretty much tired of the day and ready for the moon to be up and everyone in bed. Maybe its a little depression, but seriously, all I can think about is bedtime.
I want to be really close to Mr. Nielson looking out my window at the dark mountains.
I want to know that my chickens are all downstairs below me sleeping in dreamland. Safe.
Its a comfort feeling, and one I crave all the time apparently.
Today at 3:00, I caught my boys making their own fun while I napped.
There they were sitting on the dutch door looking out.
3:00 or 9:00, they don't know the difference.
Because in their lives, every hour is good.

And I can learn from them.


**Special Happy Birthday's to:
Papa Layton 97
Grandma Marion 87
Cousin Mike 29

Nic's Pic's

I love when I download my iphone into my computer before bed, and to my surprise,
I have a bunch of photos that obviously Nicholas took.
(I know because of the height of all the photos.)
For example; these of Jimmy:

Picture #1: peacefully asleep
Picture #2: Startled and annoyed.

I ask myself every time I see pictures taken on my phone; where was I when he snapped these.
Also on this roll, I found a few of the Mr. Nielson getting in the shower, and me in the garden.
This is what I like to call:
Nic's Pic's.
I am excited to see what I get tomorrow.

Do you know my favorite lullaby? Go here to guess.
(PS... the page wont be up until 11:00 am, so come back and check it out)

Trampoline

The children on a Spring afternoon.
On the trampoline.
With the wind.

A free gift and message.

I am just reminding all of you who would like to read my favorite book,
please e-mail me and let me know and I will send you one for free.

I love this book, it brings such peace and happiness in my life.
I desire so much for everyone to feel the love that
I have felt while reading the words.
Especially during this trial in my life.

Please enjoy this awesome message about my very favorite book.

"God always provides safety for the soul and with the
Book of Mormon
he has again done that in out time"

Sew not funny

My little gigs got stitches today. On his chin.
Eyewitness reported (Lucy) that Nicholas somersaulted in the air off Page's trampoline and hit the ground splitting his chin open around 12:43 pm today.
I was eating lunch.
I dropped my chips and ran to his side.
There he was gasping for air, and he held his hands out...to...me!
I was fully prepared for him to be wrapped in the arms of his more comfortable looking "mother"-Lucy, instead he came right to me.
My heart was filled with love and compassion.

I always worry he will chose her over me. Not in a spiteful way at all, rather in a natural kind of way. He remembers her, and the accident was not that far away. I am so grateful to Lucy, and love her so much. I could never ever ever be upset. But when he reached for me, I was overcome with the kind of love only a mother could possibly know.

I held him tight and I was crying right along with him.
But not sad crying- happy crying.
Happy his blood was stained on my shirt.
Happy he looked for me after his accident.
Happy he is mine.
Happy I am alive to love him and mug on him.
Happy to have promised him to go to the movie theater after his 5 stitches were put in.
And happy to give him a few suckers for being such a good boy
(actually he screamed like crazy in the dr's office).
Such simple moments in life are worth every second.

Have a good weekend.

Letter to e-mail

Dear woman who sends me mean e-mails,

I guess I should clarify that we have an income which is not from people's generous donations in relation with my accident. With our own income, we use to live. With donations, we gratefully use for medical procedures.

I am sorry it bugs you that I went to the salon. I am sorry you don't understand just exactly my thoughts, worries and concerns that effect my actions. I don't think getting my toes painted is really that vain. I am just trying to feel physically attractive again, be a good Mom, find my role as wife and woman again and enjoy life.

We are lucky enough to have amazing families who help us and provide for us.
I feel so blessed, and it is not going to stop me from blogging about my life.
If it bothers you so much, please don't read my blog everyday-

With love,
Nie

Merry Christmas Nie!

I am going to be in Phoenix this
summer for more treatments on my back/neck.

One of the things I can look forward to in the sweating hot June-July-August months is this delightful little opportunity I have to assist Matthew Mead in a Christmas gathering at one of my very very favorite spots Phoenix for his upcoming holiday issue of
Flea Market Style!
I am thrilled as I can be!

Here is the write up they have posted on me:
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A focus on real life and real traditions is what drew me to the NieNie Dialogues and wanting NieNie to be a part of our very special upcoming HOLIDAY WITH MATTHEW MEAD. In early June, Jenny, Linda and I will travel to Arizona to meet Stephanie Nielson and begin to capture some of her very favorite Christmas traditions with her family and friends, as well as some of her amazing shopping hot spots in the area. It is always exciting to travel to a new city and new space and see traditions freshly interpreted through someone else's eyes. We've been pouring over ideas - noting NieNie's great style in her past posts - and thinking, thinking, thinking about ways to wrap up her holiday so that when you open it, all will be special and unexpected...just as Christmas ought to be. We have a very special location in mind for this all to unfold, so please stay tuned and follow along with us as we plan for this exciting photo shoot!

Best, Matthew




Another note: I get the last word.
You know the coveted end Page. I get it. I get to write in it and possibly grace a photo.
Now, that is exciting!

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See Matthews Blog here
Get a copy of the magazine here
A Little more about me here.