October 29, 2001-October 29, 2011

{My Halloween report tomorrow}

Claire turned ten.
I can't get over that.

Claire made me a mother.
I had always wanted to be a mother.
Shorty after Claire was born, Christian would come home from
a long day of school and work.
He'd give me a quick kiss then walk over to wherever Claire was and
pick her up and cradle her in his jacket.
He'd hold her like that until dinner was ready.

I may be Claire's mother, but she has taught me amazing things in these last 10 years.
I will always be grateful for her and this tender experience I am having.

Claire wanted to make cupcakes for her birthday party.
I went to local Blickenstaff's for candy to decorate the cupcakes.
Of course our cupcakes came from The Sweet Tooth Fairy.
Two flavors- chocolate/vaNIElla

{Birthday's around the Nielson home start off early and always include balloons}

Claire's 10 year old gifts included:
This adorable Lomography Diana + Dreamer Camera here.
Penny Bank from Nicholas here.
Warm winter coat here.
Critter slippers here {from Ollie}
American Girl Halloween costume here.
Calico Critters {from Jane} here.
Twig {from here}
Clothes {here}
{I personally like Maple Town better, but those are hard to find}

Happy Halloween!!!
I am going to watch The Watcher in the Woods tonight cuddled next to
Mr. Nielson. I know its just a Disney movie, but Oy ve Oy, That movie is scary!

Nie asks on Blogher

Nie asks on Blogher
October 30, 2011

Do your children have their costumes for Halloween?
Do you?
What are you going to be? Show me a photo!!
Here.

High-five for a Saturday!

Today is Claire Elizabeth's 10th birthday.
I am preparing for the party as we speak while Mr. Nielson
takes all the children to a movie- (I LOVE that man)

I just wanted EVERYONE to check out Riley Nelson (BYU football quarterback)'s
awesome touchdown/high-five to ref -video.
I died laughing when I watched it live.
Glad I found it on you tube.
Dear Riley Nelson, you are pretty much a stud.

Over and out.

Beautiful Heartbeak.

{blowing bubbles-I've always been good at that}

Mr. Nielson and I have been in Arizona for a quick trip.
I met with Dr. L., where with one look he checked my ever growing
and stretching baby tummy-{scar tissue expanding ever so painfully}-and said:
"Its going to be just fine".
And that was that.
Then he took some pictures of me, pinched my neck
{as he always does}
to check his latest work {here}
Don't worry Dr. L, it doesn't hurt as much anymore when
you pinch the scarring with your manly surgeon fingers.
I'm getting tougher, and healing up just fine.

I drove past Trader Joes {PLEASE come to UTAH}
here in Mesa and got teary eyed.
These streets and familiar sites remind me
of days before the accident. My life seemed much simpler, I was living more "normally".
I have been doing so well with my emotions. I know with all
my heart that this accident was meant to be, and I have learned so much, I wouldn't
take it away. I have learned so many lessons and this heartbreak of mine
has indeed turned into something remarkable and beautiful.
Even my stretched out pregnant stomach is beautiful with
pink and purple scar tissue covering a good portion of it.
{Mr. Nielson thinks so too-my girls however, don't so much}
It proves to me that I am alive and I have life growing in that space again.
I am truly a blessed woman.
I have four beautiful children.
One amazing husband.
Loving family members.
Awesome doctors and staff caring for me.
And, peeps who are on my side who love me and protect me.
{Pat and group}
Thank you.

Check out this beautiful video that Jed Wells made
for local inspirational singer Hilary Weeks.
I was honored to be a part of this project, thank you Hilary.

Its time I start with maternity clothes...I hope they work!

PInk Balloons

This is how we announced to the children about our new little girlie.
Balloons on the mailbox.
*********
I knew that I was going to find out what was growing inside me while
the children were at school, so I promised them we'd
announce with balloons tied to the mailbox.
That way they would see the balloons from a distance while
walking home from school.
Pink for girl.
Blue for boy.
Around 3:30, I heard screaming down the street.
My children were yelling with excitement and joy!
{especially Claine}
Nicholas is excited its a girl, but still wants to name her Troy.

****
Just a little love note to my Mr. Nielson:

I love you very much sweetie.
You are a busy boy today, and I wanted you to know that
I love you more than you will ever know,
and no matter what, I will always be exclusively yours.

-me.

Halloween traditions

One of our Halloween traditions is going to Gardners Village near Salt Lake City.
The decorations and small shops make this quaint little shopping spot anything but small.
It is magical.
This year we tried something different.
We took a hayride to the where the witches live.
It is called 'Ride to a Witch'.
The children {Claine, and Nicholas--Ollie was deer hunting with Mr. Nielson}
LOVED the witches.
If you are local, or visiting, check it out, or plan on it next year.

Little Peanut is a....

Baby girl!!
Nielson #5 aka: Little Peanut is another little Girlie.
We are thrilled!
Now we are thinking of names. We have a few already in mind, but I think
I need to see her little face to decide.
Thanks to The Vintage Pearl for helping me deliver the news!
{Get the cute necklace here}
*****
Today I finally weeded.
FINALLY.
The weeds were staring at me everyday since I became sick and pregnant.
I couldn't get to the job, and today I knew it was now or never
since it is supposed to rain tomorrow with the temperatures forever cold.
I was so happy.
I felt pretty good, because I was moving.
My body extending and stretching. I am so proud of this little body of mine.
I still can't believe just how much I have done and how far I have come.
The human body is absolutely beautiful and astounding.
I am so grateful to a loving God who created us.
That is all I could think about today.
That, and the fact that I promised my children a trip to Target
to look for Halloween costumes.
But low and behold look who I ran into....

Jimmer.
{not to be confused with Jimmy}
This guy is a Provo hero, (and beyond)
and now he will be playing for the Sacramento Kings.
{note: Jimmer's shirt}
I met his very lovely fiance as well.
****
After, girlie (formally known as Little peanut} was giving me severe
stomach pains and I was done. I can only take so much of Target.
Guess who forgot her wallet?
Guess who drove all the way home to get it?
Me.
Me is very tired now.

****
Today is the last day for Halftees 20% off {using the code NIENIE}
Also Groupon is still having a deal for True Birds today only.

Things to bring to your attention today...

{more about our little hike below}

While Mr. Nielson was gone this past weekend, I did a little online browsing.
Here is what I came up with:

Have you checked out True Birds?
A darling little site that has the most beautiful things.
This past weekend, I wore this with this.
Claire loved it. She might wear this cute headband to school.
Check out Groupon for discounts on this amazing site and accessories-
$25 for $50 worth of jewelry and accessories from True Birds.
You will get 50% off with the Groupon plus free shipping.
{Groupon can be used by anyone!!}

*****

I am sure everyone by now knows about Ruche.
Check out the latest Autumn coats, hats and jackets.

*****

Last but not least, again I remind you Madsen bikers-or those of you interested in a Madsen

( you know, the holiday's are approaching}, just a simple invite to join us on the Madsen bike rally. {Information below} This year, Mr. Madsen is giving away a new PINK bike!
Enter to win today!

GET YOUR OWN MADSEN BUTTON

<a href="<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.cardiganempire.com/">http://www.cardiganempire.com</a>" target="blank"><img border="0" alt="Madsen Bikes, NieNie Dialogues" src="<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h413/nieniedialogue/madsen-bike-button.jpg">http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h413/nieniedialogue/madsen-bike-button.jpg</a>" width: 150px; height: 150px;"/></a>

*****

Tomorrow I will be announcing little peanuts sex.
{if you don't already know, I've let it slip a few hundred times}
I am excited.
I am also planning on sharing the photos I took at
Gardners Village WitchFest.
(for you locals) on Wednesday.
*****
And of course, check out my backyard. Literally, I live right here.
Its so beautiful. My body is aching to hike and smell the mountain fall air.
I am feeling well enough to make this my daily hike again.
I NEED IT, it truly does something to my soul, and I need it to breathe.