Thank you MO!

Thank you St. Louis!
Mr. Nielson, the children and I will say goodbye today as we head
back to our snowy village in Utah.
I will miss this city here in Missouri.
But mostly I will miss President and sister Clark, my wonderful parents.

To the parents of the wonderful sweet missionaries here, be on the look out for your brave children on my blog. I have a few pictures to post later.
But first, let me go home, open some mail, get my Christmas tree, and take a few naps.
I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful-as was mine.

Happy Birthday Mr. Nielson/Homemade Christmas/Nie asks on Blogher

Happy Birthday to my handsome husband.
(sorry to have ruined this handsome photo of you)
I was going to write down a few reasons that I love you on this post.
Instead I will shut this computer off and show you (wink)

**Nie asks on Blogher**

What is your favorite Thanksgiving picture?

(Claire in Grandma's tub)
Go here to show me yours.

To all
homemade lovers and makers:
I am committing a whole weeks worth of posts starting December 8-13th
just to anyone who makes and gives homemade gifts.
Do you make something you'd like for me to review and blog about?
Send me your product and the Mr. and I will graciously review it and tell
potential buyers why they NEED what you can make.
Plus, I really like the idea of a homemade Christmas, don't you?

Use the PO box:
(2250 North University Parkway, #4876 Provo, Utah 84604 )
to ship your review product.
I would love an e-mail from you telling me why I should review what you
have and can make, oh, and the story behind the product. I love stories!
homemadechristmasnie@yahoo.com
I am so excited but at the same time sad because I get a lot of beautiful, wonderful homemade crafts, however, I can't post them all.
Just so you are aware.
Thanks.
This opportunity ends on December 5th-

Attention St. Louis

You are welcome to come-seriously anyone.
7:00
Address: 10445 Clayton Road
MO 63131

The Nielson's have arrived!

(looking outside my living room window in Utah before we left)

We left the house today at 7:30 this morning to make our flight to St. Louis.
We made it!
Mother and I have already caught up while lying on her bed laughing
and doing a little crying of course.
Ollie had a bit of a fever, so Dad took Mr. Nielson out to retrieve some Motrin.

And just now, Nicholas came upstairs after we put him to bed for just a few more licorices
that Grandpa has stashed in the "secret cupboard".

I fear the children wont sleep at all this whole weekend giddy with excitement of being here.
Tomorrow we have a lot of exploring to do and Mom and I are planning
on doing some shopping and preparing for our big Thanksgiving feast.

I am thankful for this.


And for all you patient peeps waiting for your "Nie"2011 calender.
I am happy to report, they will be shipping out tomorrow.

To Grandmothers house we go...

This is how my day went:

Oliver and Nicholas crash our bed last night at 3:00 am.
Packed family up to travel for Thanksgiving to St. Louis.
Browsed this article.
Picked up Ollie from school and taught him the art of dipping Wendy's french fries into their frosty's.
Pack more.
Made Ramen noodles and hot chocolate for dinner. Awesome.
Pack more.
Oliver gets sick with sore throat.
Make Mr. Nielson run a few errands for me.
Pack more.
Vacuum breaks.
Play "Peter and the Wolf" on our record player for children.
Carry sleepy children to bed.
Check clock-midnight.
Dishwasher breaks.
Finish packing.
3 more loads of wash.
In bed.
Thinking about the 3 more loads of laundry waiting to be done and the load of dishes that need to be done.
Think about waking up in 5 short hours.
Think about Thanksgiving weekend with my folks.
Happy.
Goodnight.

Check out Nicholas' new dog Wolfie. And he talks.
Here.
And a few reminders:
1. Nie's Homemade Christmas 2010 reviews ready now:
I am committing a whole weeks worth of posts in December to homemade gifts.
Do you make something you'd like for me to review and blog about?
Send me your product and the Mr. and I will graciously review it and tell potential buyers why they NEED what you can make.
Plus, I really like the idea of a homemade Christmas, don't you?
Use the PO box:
(2250 North University Parkway, #4876 Provo, Utah 84604 )
to ship your review product.
I would love an e-mail from you telling me why I should review what you
have and can make, oh, and the story behind the product. I love stories!
homemadechristmasnie@yahoo.com

Meet me in St. Louie/Nie asks on Blogher/Homemade Christmas 2010

(Nicholas helping me fit my skiing boot)

Wow, what a weekend.
And no, I never even did Saturday jobs like I said I was going to make my children do.
Instead we went to the local ski shop and got geared up for the upcoming ski season. My first since the accident. I am nervous and excited and everything else. I know I don't have the strength I need, but I have the will.
Scott was the a sweet man who stayed extra long past his shift to outfit us and give us the advice we needed to spend our Christmas money wisely- Thanks Scott!

Tomorrow we are headed to St. Louis to be with my parents for Thanksgiving.
I will update my report from there. Can't wait to see them!

Now, I am in my bed with Mr. Nielson snuggled up close to me.
Our shades are up and out our window and under the street light are fast and furious snowflakes. I am so cozy and happy. I truly am.

I am so thankful for life. It is a gift from God, and I don't want to do anything to spoil that gift. When my family goes around the table during the meal, saying what we are grateful for this past year, I am going to for sure say life.

Last year I was in a hospital bed in New York City getting treatments from
the burn doctors there. You can read my story here.

Nie asks on Blogher- What will be at your centerpiece at Thanksgiving dinner?
I am pondering what to use as the centerpiece this year on our Turkey table. Any suggestions?

(perhaps this adorable church I found at an antique store)

Check out Nicholas' new puppy Wolfie here.
Do you want the Tamaron Lens for those Thanksgiving photos?
Go here.

Also, attention all homemade lovers and makers:
I am committing a whole weeks worth of posts in December to homemade gifts.
Do you make something you'd like for me to review and blog about?
Send me your product and the Mr. and I will graciously review it and tell potential buyers why they NEED what you can make.
Plus, I really like the idea of a homemade Christmas, don't you?

Use the PO box:
(2250 North University Parkway, #4876 Provo, Utah 84604 )
to ship your review product.
I would love an e-mail from you telling me why I should review what you
have and can make, oh, and the story behind the product. I love stories!
homemadechristmasnie@yahoo.com

A fine weekend

(Ollie finds himself in the new Matthew Mead Holiday issue)

Friday- The loveliest day of the week!
Here is on my weekend list:

1. I received my Holiday Magazine from Matthew Mead.
As some of you may know, my sweet family is featured in the magazine. So naturally when it came the children and I sat on the couch oohing and ahhing at the beautiful pages.
It is so graphically beautiful. Each of my children took a copy to their teachers at school.
Jane's teacher told me she had the magazine in the classroom and has been amazed at how the children go to it to browse at their free time.
Pretty cute if you ask me.
Get yours here!
And a very happy happy Birthday to the best editor ever- Linda!!

(Pictures in the new Matthew Mead Holiday issue)

2. Planning meeting for Thanksgiving dinner with Claire and Jane
over the phone with Mom in St. Louis.
Recipes, decoration ideas, and traditions. Oh my!!

3. Attending Time out for Women in Salt Lake City Friday evening.
I am planning to speak on tour with the 2011 group.
More information and dates here.

4. Attending the opening of the new Sweet Tooth Fairy store in Midvale, Utah.
(1140 Fort Union blvd)

Bring your family and come celebrate!
Also, my calendars will be there to be sold.
Come pick one up!

And here's to hoping that my Martha Stewart Christmas comes in the mail along with her Everyday Foods December issue.
Oh, and that my children will do their Saturday jobs.

Happy weekend!

Good enough.

(Pregnant Lucy looks on as Betsy and Claire dance to INXS)

Tonight Lucy came over with Betsy.
Andrew is out of town and so she needed a warm home to take Betsy to bide
her time until he returned late that evening.
She came up to my house and we had Cafe Rio (of course) for dinner
and then she planned on putting
Betsy into the hot tub with my kids
(Don't worry Mom, with our watchful eyes- of course).
The water felt so good and Betsy repeatedly asked her mommy to get in.
She caved.
I saw Lucy's darling pregnant-due-any-day-belly up close as she changed into a little make-shift swimming suit I produced for the moment (A sports bra and some old trunks)
to get into the hot tub with Betsy and my herd.

In despair after the accident, I looked at my thin, burned, frail body in disgust.
I would never ever look the same, or good enough to be in a swimming suit and with that,
I threw them all away.
All of them.
Even the cute polka dotted one-piece I got that was (if I do say so myself) pretty hot on.
I longed for beautiful and healthy skin, but more than that a baby in MY tummy.

After the troop came inside, we put jammies on the children and sat and watched them dance to Christmas music in my living room.
They are so innocent and I thought to myself, just how badly I wanted to protect them from anything and everything wrong and bad in the world.
Then I remembered how hard I was (and am) on myself sometimes.
I wish I had this and that-mostly physical. But WOW, look at what I have!!
I have a body! That is good enough for me. I have skin! That is good enough for me.
I don't care the shape its in- I have it, and I am so blessed.
And that is what I want my children to remember about their mother.
That I was always grateful for everything and anything I had.
Even if it is old, worn out, sad, ugly or burned.
I have it- and that is good enough.

(I have a family. That's all I ever wanted.
Photo's by BlueLily/summer 2010)

Keeping my Mr. awake.

(Gigs at home. These pictures were taken seconds between eachother.)

I am in the car right now returning home from a very lovely visit in Arizona.
I am trying to keep Mr. Nielson from falling asleep.
Here is what we are discussing, eating, and viewing:

1. My cousin Jayne married a very talented and extremely funny man named Jed Wells.
Here is a commercial Jed created.

2. I am feeding Mr. Nielson some YumTasty gourmet cinnamon roasted almonds.
These nuts are from a secret family recipe YumTasty has spent years perfecting. Their original combination of hand-picked almonds, fresh ground cinnamon, natural vanilla and pure cane sugar is like magic! They kettle-roast each small batch by hand.
These would be a perfect for your holiday parties! Order them here.

3. The Book of Mormon Project.
This is a shout out for those of you who would like a free Book of Mormon- from me, with no strings attached. I will include my personal testimony and family picture.
We have a dozen or more Book of Mormon's we sent to you out there, but they were returned back to us for one reason or another. If you haven't received yours please send us your shipping information again for re-shipping.

Can't wait to get home and snuggle up next to my Mr. Nielson and hopefully sleep in as long as our children will let us.

Family Tree

Life is so rad.

My top 10 Thankful's

I am still in Mesa, Arizona.
The weather is very lovely. In fact just to have some fun, we turned on the AC just because we could. A very fun moment.
But, since it is the Thanksgiving holiday, I decided to post what I am most thankful for this past week,
Not shown but things I am still am grateful for:
Boss's Nielson guacamole, the darling dress Grandmary made for Jane's doll, Lindser and Spency, The Godmother and Godfather (Andrew and Reachel),Mindy Gledhill, and my dear sweet sister-in-laws.

1. My darling girls at the Mindy Gledhill shoot.

2. Me with my adorable blue dress from EmersonMade.
3. Nicholas with his bachelor jacket and mustache
and my sweet little niece Vera behind Mr. Nicholas.

4. Autumn in my backyard outside my window
5. Mr. Nielson retires his yellow shirt he has had since we were married.

6. My sweet pea Betsy
7. Family Home Evening with Oliver conducting

8. SNOW in Provo

9. Mr. Nielson cuts Nicholas' hair in his undies.
10. Mr. Nielson and I go to the temple and I get to wear a coat.

To photograph what you are thankful for
enter to win this awesome Tamron lens here.

*********NieNie asks on Blogher:********
What are you thankful for today?
Me? All of the above.

Happy Sunday!

My Sunday inspiration here.

"Brothers and sisters, seeing your example, I pledge anew my determination to be better, to be more faithful—more kind and devoted, more charitable and true as our Father in Heaven is and as so many of you already are."
-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Friday, I'm in love verse 2 in Mesa.

Another mention about my darling 2011 calendar.
First, I'd like to take this moment to thank you all for the overwhelming response in e-mails regarding my spell of the word "Calendar" in previous posts.
Hopefully I have changed all the spellings, forgive me, I am only human.
(And just so you know, I can't spell anyway)
BUT.....I am really excited about this project.
Here is a small preview of the 2011 year.

The calendar is a sturdy 12x12.

What a show last night at Mindy Gledhill's concert in Mesa, Arizona.
Thank you to all of you who came. I wish I could spend hours after chatting with you all and hearing your miraculous stories and encouragement. It means so much to me.

Mindy was a smash last night. She was beautiful and sang just perfect.
She and Mr. Nielson sang their famous "Friday I'm in love" and my sweet little chickies Claire and Jane sang just like they did 2 years ago with Mindy when I was still in a coma.
But this night I was lucky enough to hold my boys in my lap (while I was crying)
listening to them sing like angels. It was so wonderful.
Another perfect moment in my life.
I am keeping track of these moments so when hard times come (and they do come) I can remember these "perfect moments" and I can step ahead.

Before the show, me, Mr. Nielson and the girls went into Mindy's dressing room and tried on a bunch of the High School costumes. Here are some of my favorites:

And, Brooke over at Babble interviewed me about meal times in my home.
Short and sweet. Here.

All our bags are packed.

I am writing from Kanab, Utah sitting next to Mr. Nielson
in our family-mobile as he drives us to Arizona.
The children are all piled in the back nestled next to Jimmy who is so
happy to be along for the ride.
(Wearing their seat-belts)
The children have asked if we "are there yet" about 20 thousand times-EACH
and I am not kidding.
We are on our way to Mesa where we will stay for the next few days to hopefully relax!

Actually, we are going there becuase Mr. Nielson is going to host Mindy Gledhill's Anchor concert this Thursday (for more information, go here).
The girls and I are also going to be running in the 5k that will benefit skin cancer.
Me in a race- oh you bet! The first race since the accident.
Another first! I am nervous, but so so excited!!
Information about the run here.

To all of you who ordered a copy of "Nie's First Calendar",
Thank you, thank you so much.
Just a reminder, the calendar is on sale until December 31st and will always be available to buy on my sidebar over there---------------------------------->

****A special 'thank you' to my sweet Megan of Shabby Blogs, she was so awesome to design the calendar with me.
I love you Megan! ****

-And-

Thank you Yo Gabba Gabba for hosting the Nielson children at your Salt Lake City concert!!

Announcing: My special Project!!

**Post edit: I know I spelled Calendar wrong, please forgive me....
why doesn't spell check mark that? ******

Hi friends,

Today is a much anticipated day for me.
For the past while, I have been working on a "special project"
and today I get to announce what it is.

Introducing:

Nie Nie's First Calendar!

(The cover of my new calender)

Yep, I have designed twelve whole months worth of love for your kitchen, bedroom, desk, office, or wherever you need a calendar.

I realize that many of you may have already gotten you calendars for the 2011 year,
but you won't see anything like this one, I promise.
Fashioned exactly like banners from my blog, this calendar is 100% original,
nothing you've ever seen yet.
This is so me.
Everything on the calendar banners are of my collections, my pictures, my favorite trinkets, favorite flowers, and I want to share them each month with you.
You can order them today.
You won't be charged until your order is shipped next week and then standard
UPS shipping costs will apply.

It will also be available to buy on my sidebar until December 31, 2010.

This is my special gift from "Nie" to you!
Merry Christmas!

Megan at Shabby Blogs was the amazing, talented, creative hands behind this project.
Find her here. or her blog here.

Wild Imaginations/announcing my special project

The thing I love about my children is the wide imagination they have.
Like today, Claire set up her own little massage parlor in the living room.
Nicholas and Oliver lay completely still while she rubbed their little backs and arms.
I think Oliver actually fell asleep.

******************
I am announcing my special project tomorrow on my blog.
Come back and see what it is.
I am so excited to share!

Staying my little babies/Nie asks on BlogHer

(Nicholas with the gigantic elephant head)

After kissing the boys goodnight I turned off the lights and slightly closed the door.
I walked down the hall where Mr. Nielson was hiding in the corner. He grabbed me just as I was going up the stairs.
His embrace was warm and gentle and very welcomed.
It was a long day.
And it was over.
"Over" is the best time of the day for me when I lay in bed close to Mr. Nielson, safe and warm.
But at that moment we were on the couch downstairs. Mr. Nielson told me how much he loved me, and then we sat quietly in the dark listening to our boys talk to each other in bed and the girls giggling down the hall.
We both agreed it was the happiest noises ever.
Then we both began talking about how Claire was almost ten years old
and then in ten more short years she would be twenty.
Too fast for us. Wayyy too fast.
I felt a sudden urge for more babies, like at least 5 more. I wish.
I just can't stand the thought of my Nicholas growing up big.
I don't want him to ever get hair in those certain places on his body.
I don't want his voice to change, or his lisp gone.
And when the children begin dating?
Forget about it.
Mr. Nielson will rip and I do mean RIP into Claire and Jane's boyfriends.
I will try and be gentle on those girls after my boys.

(The girls playing with cousin Lydia. Trying on lipsticks, growing up)

Once Mr. Nielson had a girlfriend who one day was really mad at him, so she drove to his house (car on the lawn) and begin yelling and then hitting him.
Mary my mother in law, and half the family were inside watching out the window.
Mary did what any suitable mother would do, and photographed the incident.
(By the way, where is that photo? Mary do you have it?)

Awesome.
************************************
Photos are your only hope to keeping your babies-babies.
Or sneaking pictures of your children doing awesome things.
How about a spiffy lens to help you?
Go here to enter the Tamaron lens contest.

Nie asks on BlogHer:
What do you see out your window this morning?
Me?

My lawn is covered in golden Burch leaves.
Go here to show me.

Friday I'm in love

***Attention: the video now works, please watch it and then come to AZ
to see Mindy in concert November 11, 2010*****

I am in love because Mindy Gledhill is preforming in my old stomping grounds of
Mesa, Arizona on Thursday, November 11th. More information here or here.
I am in love because I am packing up my family and we are going to the concert.
I am in love because I am kind of involved with this concert and the making of Mindy's video for her new song "Whole Wide World ".
I am in love with Emma and Clark Checketts who came down to film our special music video of Mr. Nielson and Mindy singing the genius remake of "Friday I'm in Love" by The Cure.

I am in love this Friday because of this movie:

(Sorry I didn't name the video. Officially the name is:
"Friday I'm in Love, Mindy Gledhill Feat Mr.Nielson)

fyi, I know I look like a clown, but just so you all know, I haven't laughed as hard as I did tonight doing this. And, another fyi, the sweet keytar I am playing has a demo which is my Dad's favorite Christmas song by Wham-(Last Christmas).
And if you listen really carefully at the end, you can hear me accidentally push it.

Mr. Nielson has a beautiful voice, right?!
If we get enough people at the concert, you may get to hear him sing
live with Mindy this very song.
So come.

I am still that Mommy-lady.

(Asleep with my babies)
Yesterday I found myself at Anthropologie.
Again.
This time I went because I was eager for the Christmas decorations to arrive.
Sadly, they will arrive today and I missed the set up.
(But I did see my dear friend Reachel and baby Coco visiting from Arizona!)
Patrick-the-amazing-manager gave me my very own little Christmas peep show.
I am so excited about it all of it! I love this time of year when all of us everywhere do everything we can to make our homes look pretty.
We decorate with glitter and sparkles and lights.
I am so looking forward to Christmas this year.

While I was shopping I was looking around near the front register and a little boy came up and held my hand. I looked down at him in wonder. The little boy thought I was his mother.
Boy was he shocked when he looked up to see me!
But you know what? He just held my hand and asked me if I would help him find his mommy.
It was the sweetest thing ever.
I feel like a monster sometimes because kids see me and point or laugh or ask their moms why I look so funny, and seriously it hurts my heart.

I know we all are mothers no matter what the circumstances we are in.
It was so vivid to me when my children had to "re-meet" me after the accident.
It was so awful, and I hope no one ever has to endure that pain.
It was really hard at first, but then with time, they remembered that I am still that mommy-lady who can make them laugh, and I am still the lady who knows where their shoes are half the time, or who makes lists on paper for everything we do
(job charts, grocery lists, to-do lists, and fun to-do lists).
But mostly because I still love them if not MORE than ever before
and I want them to feel it.

(Making our Night Out list together while Mr. Nielson and Ollie are camping)

And love is what changes trying times into bearable times, and hard moments into a good learning moments. Love is where I know I am safe and happy, and I want that for everyone-no matter what they look or act like.

But, that is just me.

******
Check out my sweet review about the Tamaron lens!