Some of you avid Nie readers know that last week Steph prepared a special Back-to-School dinner for her girls. The family rolled out a new family theme "Be Prepared."Steph wasn't kidding.
Little did Steph know that weeks before the crash she was sub-consciously preparing her family for this situation. Lucy and I walk around the house noticing the subtle choices Steph made in her home organization to her completely stocking the fridge with fruit and vegetables.
Every time Steph and I talked on the phone our conversation would drip down to blogging. We would often express our desires to quit because we were progressively spending more and more time and the computer. But blogging was also a complete source of joy, a fantastic online community and we were always drawn back to the "NEW POST" tab.
Though she didn't know it, and though she was often criticized for it, Steph was introducing the world to her children through blogging. She kept us posted on her four little characters who wore crowns and made crafts. She highlighted the beauty of life, romanticized the mundane and took pictures of her blueberry muffins. She was willing to share with us so that one day--when it counted the most--we would share back.
That day has arrived.
Steph is by no-means out of the dark on this one. Though her beloved Mr. Nielson grows better day-by-day (today he even opened his eyes!) our darling Nie is still in need of our prayers. Her burns are deep. We will have good news one day, discouraging the next. We know this is the pattern of healing. We pray for patience, for Steph's fighting body. And we know, that you are doing the same.
If you have a moment, we would love to hear about your favorite Nie Nie posts via the comment section. Like the Yoga or the Merry Christmas from the Mantis Family.
And then, in Steph's wisdom, we'll be prepared to cry.
Steph is amazing.
161 Pieces of Opinion:
My heart goes out to you and your family! I have loved the pictures on her blog. I love how she put the print right on the pictures. Her pictures always brought in her perspective of her life and life around her. We will continue to pray for her and for all of you.
Oh mannahlive. It's nice to know I'm not the only one. My husband calls me Blog-O (o: his new term of endearment.
Some of my favorite...
A rumble and an announcement...
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/rumble-and-announcement.html
and, my tub was really dirty...
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/my-tub-was-really-dirty.htmlv
there are so many good ones!!
Stephanie is truly a woman who lives by the Spirit. She truly is amazing.
(that vid. will be up tomorrow i'll let u know 1584MB takes a while to up load!)
Where do I even begin? This post has me in tears already, thinking about her and how many of her posts have touched my heart. I will have to get back to you...
P.S. And thank you so much for keeping us updated on Stephanie and Christian. I do not know them personally but have been a faithful reader of her blog for 2 years now, so I definitely feel like I know them in a way...Ever since I found out about the accident, I have been very burdened to pray for them and for their children. On Saturday my family and I will be letting our balloons of hope go here in eastern Washington, filled with prayer for their healing! I am believing God for a miracle on their behalf!
Picking my favorite Nie post is like choosing my favorite child. (The baby wins, hands down.) The first post that comes to mind is when Stephanie locked all her kids in the backyard so she could actually get some things done inside. That post made me feel like I had a chance of being more like her after all!
Hugs and prayers.
Sorry - too difficult to choose just one. I loved logging onto NieNie because I knew I would always find something positive, energising and beautiful to look at - every single time. If someone has the spirit to pick up their life and get back on track again it's Stephanie.
My thoughts are with you.
and lest I forget... ticket city.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/ticket-city.html
that's my kind of mom.
I'm new to both of your blogs, and I just wanted to say I'm certainly praying for the whole family and especially for healing of your two "patients". What an amazing story you all are a part of right now, God is definitely using all of you to tell it! Thank you for the continued updates!
Ok, Slow Cooker Day? KILLED me. The pictures are priceless.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/02/slow-cooker-day.html
And the mental image of Stephanie and Christian high-tailing it back inside after discovering "The Hatch" was pretty funny as well:
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2005/12/hatch.html
Honestly though, I pretty much love each an every one of her posts. Hers was one of the first blogs I started reading on a daily basis before I even realized that was something that people DID. 2 and a half years later I still check in every day.
Still praying.
I was laughing when she recounted how a child (Oliver??)who had wandered out of the house somehow was returned by a police officer and then she touched his shoulder and wrote the following "can somebody say CPS?!" comment, gosh, that had me in tears! (A similar experience was had by a friend of mine btw)
longtime NND reader and hoping for the best. thanks for the updates.
Pat is so funny.
And you know I love the post about Charity's passing and the life all the women extended.
For all who would like to link, here is how you do it:
(a href="http://cjanerun.blogspot.com") Title of the link (/a)
Replace the () parentheses with the <> brackets and then customize the the URL and the title. Make sure you type it exactly as above, you need the equal sign, the quotes, everything.
To make it easy, just copy what I wrote above and then customize it.
Viola.
Happy linking.
Wow, where do I start???
The Love Letter
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/01/love-letter.html
And anything to do with the sisters---being the oldest of four girls, I totally get the commitment to your sisters, the relationship with your sisters that is like none other and of course you can be totally silly-spontaneous-yourself with your sisters.......
Courtney, from one big sister to another, you continue to make me so proud of you and how well YOU are doing with all that is going on in your family....thank you for being so accomodating to the rest of us who think of your family so many times during the day :)
I'm leaving a message from the UK, to let you know how much Stephanie and her family have touched my life, especially over the past couple of days as I have learned about the tragedy. Some of the posts from Stephanie's blog that have touched me the most related to her "Week of Motherhood" around mothers day, celebrating motherhood from the perspective of other mothers, using quotes from Sister Beck's talk. She made me see that talk in a completely different light, and I am truly grateful to her for that.
Please know that you have prayers coming across an ocean and half a continent for your family. (I'm pregnant so can't fast right now otherwise I would!).
From London with Love.
Stephanie's blogs - e.v.e.r.y. blog - are a delight for me. Stephanie makes the ordinary extraordinary. My heart is a prayer for sweet Stephanie and for HER Christian.
I could never pick just one! I just became a first time mom and have had difficulty adjusting to staying at home. Stephanie always inspired me to find the beauty in the everyday of motherhood.
I just posted on my blog about the Back to School post and how it touched me as an example of Stephanie's everyday celebrations of life. The pictures of the girls in the crowns really cinched it for me.
Still praying and thinking of Stephanie and Christian and all of you.
My heart is so heavy for Nie, the friend I've never met but whom I feel as though I have known forever through her charming blog.
I posted on my own blog about my love and prayers for Nie, as well as linked to one of my favorite posts about her treasured family...
Treasure
This is one of my favorites.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2007/10/nicknames-and-being-irresponsible.html
I think about it all the time. Let kids be kids, if they want to pile up a bunch of blankets on the living room floor and jump into them, let them no matter what "people" would think. When I am in my house and I think ugghhh, I am going to have to clean that up later, or they are sooo going to make a mess playing in that mud puddle, or whatever I am complaining about Nie's post sneaks into my head, and I think "let them have fun" that is what being a kid is all about. (my kids thank Nie too) =)
Stephanie’s blog was how I was able to keep up with her life since she left NJ. Christian baptized my son and helped him to win his first pinewood derby. I watched those children numerous times so that Stephanie and Christen could go to the NY temple. I rocked Oliver to sleep on my shoulder many times. My heart aches continuously for what they must endure at this time in their life. Stephanie's blogs show what a wonderful gift life is and how rewarding being a stay-at-home mother can be. She shows how being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints brings joy and peace into our lives. On a side note, she is in awesome shape (great body!!) and I know because of that her body is strong and it will help for her recovery!! Her ward in NJ prays for her and Christen and hopes that they and their children will be comforted. They both have amazing families, which is why they wanted to go back out west. (Well also because it is so dang expensive out here!!)
I would have to say the visits to Bluewater ranch because I grew up in bluewater till I was about 10. When I was an adult I was in his parents ward and it was fun to remember Bluewater. I love to see the men working on the ranch and the women doing sewing projects. I am new to this blog as well. But have know Christian's family for 9 years. We are praying for them!
my favorite picture of the Nielson family:
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2007/06/father-week-day-two.html
I also loved Ticket City -- it has been linked by Tara already.
I actually loved the most recent back to school night. AMAZING!!!
I'm praying all the time for them and you.
I can't think of a specific post, but I was always awed by her efforts to make each day special. And how she seemed real, even though her life was so romanticized, unlike other similar bloggers who seem to do it for show. It just seemed to come natural to her.
And as soon as I heard about the crash, I thought to myself, "Take more pictures." Feeling fat or underdone is no excuse. I want my kids to remember me as part of their memories.
Prayers streaming your way!
Do you know I actually made a lot of her recipes that she posted? Her cowboy caviar, the black bean burgers, her pumpkin chocolate chip bread—oh, her wheat pizza crust.
I've enjoyed each post along the way. Each and every one. But nothing brought Nie into my life more than going through those same motions in my kitchen, having those same aromas fill up my house, and watching my family enjoy those same flavors. It was fun and most importantly delicious.
I'm wishing her, Christian and her family the very best.
gosh court, you've got me crying at 9 am. i've been holding back all week and now i can't anymore. i especially loved the back to school dinner, i was planning on remembering that for when Kade goes back to school. I love all the traditions and love that Nie shows us from her posts. I love how much she adored her husband. I emailed her before and said, how do you do it all? and she emailed right back with 5 tips. I look up to her as an example of wife-hood and motherhood.
My favorite post was probably during Proc Week when she broke down the Proclamation by having each of your siblings write about a section and what it meant to them. I also love how she links a conference talk for spiritual enlightenment. But I also really love all of her letters to Mr Nielson. Their love for each other gives me such hope. I know it will help sustain and heal them. Continuing to pray hard in Washington.
What I love most about Stephanie's blog is all the happiness and inspiration that surrounds it. I love that she has openly invited us into her home and she always makes us feel so welcome.
This is one of my many favorite posts as I remember giggling outloud. I could see my child growing up to do the same thing some day.
Lunch with Oliver
Thanks for all the updates, cjane. We are still praying like there's no tomorrow. And as Nie would say- Kisses.
xoxoxo
Like many have said choosing one post would be too hard. But a favorite of mine is "The Hatch"...so funny and so Steph.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2005/12/hatch.html
I also loved reading "Pat". From kindergarten up until we graduated from high school I only knew Stephanie to have short hair. I have a lot of pictures with her signature cut :)
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2005/09/pat.html
Good news about Christian. Thanks for the updates.
Where do you start when you have such a large pool to choose from? I love each and every one of Nie's posts. I have loved seeing her blog evolve from Gracie J. to NieNie Dialouges. One of my favorite posts were about the goose
in New Jersey. The different outfits and how Nie would sneek pictures of her dressed in her holiday best.
It has been one of the greatest gifts to be able to read about Nie's family, her home, hobbies, love of the Church and enthusiasm for living a life full of, well, full of everything. The inspiration provided through her photos and words has always given me the motivation to be a better mother, wife and woman.
Thank you so much for taking the time to update us on everything that is going on. I know that it must be emotionally and physically draining.
I wish there was just a few favorites. I have been reading Nie Nie's blog for a few years. I was blessed to have met her while she was so artistically making silhoutes of my kids at Christmas time. Yesterday morning as I was opening the shutters in our front room, I stopped, and looked at her beautiful pictures that she so perfectly made of our children. . I got tears in my eyes, thinking of the time that it took her to so beautifully make these beauties of our children. I later was blessed to take her silhouettes lass at Domestic Bliss. I will never for get the last thing she said to me. We walked to the door together, as I was leaving. She looked at me, as we were visitng, and said...we will stay in touch. I look forward to that day. She is someone that really touched my heart.
I loved them all. She had the knack for drawing you into her beautiful life. I can't pick a favorite. I miss seeing her posts everyday. She and Christian are in our prayers constantly as is all the family. Hang in there.
a favorite post? i dont know if i can choose. I will say that just yesterday I was talking to my sister about Nie Nie and we were saying how we LOVEd how old fashioned she was and all the cute little dinners she prepares. she makes everything into a party and a memorable event. her meals in her backyard are like something out of a movie. people just dont really do that anymore...sit down to a ncie dinner with friends and family. when i saw the "back to school" dinner, I thought duh, what a great idea!
My favorite Nie post inspired me so much it made a post of the week.
More prayers...
I wish I could pick just one. For me, every post was fun to read, fun to look at, and inspiring. I found myself wanting to aspire to be like her. Everything about her way of dressing, the way her home looked, her attitude, her joy, the way she is with her children... all these things make me want to be better, to do better.
The most wonderful part of reading the blog is the pure expression of the joy of the journey. So often we as woman tentatively reserve our joy for the future, we will be supremely happy when we marry, when we have a child, when that child goes to school, etc. etc.
Stephanie (and C Jane) beautifully find joy along the way, pure and simple reminding all of us the incredible gift that our lives truly are, and by so doing remind us that it is our responsibility to find that joy and happiness in everything that our mortal lives bring us, even in difficult times.
Reading and being allowed to share this joy via these daily insights in your blogs is a fantastic example of how at the best and worst of times, we are eternal beings having a very necessary mortal experience with all of its pains and triumphs.
I served with Christian on the mission. He's such a great guy! Such tragic news to hear. Glad things seem to be getting better. Thanks for the updates. I'll be praying for them!
Thanks for all the updates and staying so positive. I can only imagine how hard this is for you and your family. You are all 100%! We are continuing to pray for you all.
You asked us to post our favorite Nie post here. I went back and honestly, she is something else! She seriously makes everything beautiful so it was hard to choose one. This one stuck out as a favorite for me because it captures her ability to find beauty in small things and her love for her children. I pray that she'll have days like this again soon!
Take care. Know you all are loved!
I am praying for your family. I haven't been an avid reader of NieNie because I didn't really know about her. A blogging buddy of mine says she stalks NieNie and I wanted to know why. So, I read her blog one day. I read about when she was in Provo and her daughter got attacked by Mosquitos and she needed some Avon Skin So Soft. I emailed her but I was really late in doing so. If it's not on my bookmarks, I forget.
I read her last blog entry before her accident. I LOVE that they have a family theme. I love what she did for her girls to make back to school a special time. What an awesome Mom! I love how she loves her Mr. Neilson. They are still so much in love. I love that she loved President Hinckley and we all mourned the loss of our beloved prophet together. I posted news about her accident on my blog. I live in Orem, Utah but I think being LDS gives you a connection with people you don't know personally. Sharing this religion seems to make us stick together. My mother-in-law put their names on the prayer roll in the Idaho Falls temple. We won't stop praying for you. I know it's so hard.
I love reading all the little details in the posts, hearing what the children got in their christmas presents, what they ate at a celebratory dinner. It's the little details that make it so interesting.
Thinking of Nie and Christian and their lovely family... from a reader in Dublin, Ireland.
xxx Cee
Jane,
I was introduced to NieNie through Andrew Bagley and have only "met" her through her dialogues - but feel an intense connection to her and your family - if not through your blog but through your faith - especially the outpouring of faith and prayer in this very challenging time. Witnessing the overwhelming support you've received confirms that we are united in our Heavenly Father regardless of religion.
This morning I received the following inspirational message that made me immediately think of you and your family:
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2 NIV)." the email further applied this scripture to life by saying "It pleases God when we live in peace and unity; when we love and serve others and put their needs above our own. The bible says we are fulfilling the law of Christ when we carry each other’s burdens, when we pray for them and when we are supportive in their time of need. There are many ways to reach out to people and help carry their burdens. Just by giving an encouraging word or smile, you can help lighten the load for someone. When you pray and intercede for others in their day of difficulty, you are helping carry their burdens."
I believe each person who has prayed is helping carry the burden of Stephanie, Christian and their four amazing children. Each person who reads your blog daily takes a piece but of course your family takes the most - and we are PRAYING FIERCELY for each of you.
A friend of mine turned me on to her blog and I have to say the thing that stood out most to me is her love for her husband. I think it is awesome how highly she speaks of him. Often times when you are a mother you focus only on your children. Stephanie made we want to have that romanticism about my hubby and work a little harder at appreciating the man in my life.
Hands down, my favorite, and the first thing I thought of after their accident.
I can honestly say that I often think about the gracie chronicles...from Stephanie loving the smell of fall and the mountains of Utah, to Breastfeeding For Life, to "My neighbor is married to a monster", and of COURSE the Goose Nonsense. What was that? It was so funny.
(It was Gracie herself who requested - nay, practically demanded - that I start a blog of my own.)
I loved how I could get motivated to be a better mom. I never felt like she was bragging or that she thought she was better then others. Just a true example of what I wish I could be.
I'm a real sentimental person so I loved these posts; I could physically feel her joy through the computer. (I added the cinco de mayo post because I wish I was invited!!!):
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/treasure.html
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/03/readn-me.html
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/cinco-de-mayo.html
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/i-am-sooo-blessed.html
Yes, Stephanie is amazing and your family is such an amazing bunch of loving funny people.
There will be movies on Nie. I'm for sure. She is a true hero. A woman full of love, lust for life, creativity and enthusiasm.
Look at her smiling face with all these funny freckles and tres chic red lipstick and you will be boosted with positive energy. Watch out, it will be there in her face again.
Love for Nie and Christian from Bremen/Germany
Virginia
One of my favorites and there are soo many favorites, is:
I am sooo blessed.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/i-am-sooo-blessed.html
It reminded me how truly blessed we are to live in such a beautiful place and more importantly to have the gospel in our lives. Nie is sooo blessed to have so many people who love her and are praying for her. She is in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Stephanie is one of those people I'm sure who just lights up a room when she enters it. That is how I feel about her, though I haven't met her in person. I feel in a way like I do know her-she has brought a light to my mothering, my day-to-day life, my love for my husband and children. I am so grateful for her example, her spirit, and her willingness to share her life with countless others, making our lives a little better each day.
Your family is truly a light as well. I'd have to say most of my favorite posts are about her love for her family--boith the family she has with her beloved Mr.Nielsen and the family she came from. One of my very favorite posts was one of her firsts on the joys and blessings of her childhood. I read and reread it, hoping to gather ideas for my own children's childhood.
This week has been spent checking and rechecking your blog for updates and lots of prayers for all of you. Your faith is strong and the Gospel is true. May our Father in Heaven pour out his blessings on all of you and especially Stephenie, Christian and their beautiful children. Love and prayers to all of you.
There are so many favorite posts. I really feel inspired by Stephanie to be a better wife and mother. She is just full of so much love for her family and it shows.
Love this post:
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/treasure.html
We are praying for her and all of your family.
I live in AZ and don't know Nie nor have I looked at her blog before the accident happened. I am faithful about reading the updates everyday and we pray for her and her sweet family. I truly feel connected to your family and yet you are complete strangers. Please take care of yourselves and know thousands pray for you!
Father Week, Day Two, June 2007.
I had just started reading Nie and I'm pretty sure after June so I must have dug back a little, but when I saw this picture of Nie and her family dancing...and most especially the look on Christian's face (which of course she was nice enough to zoom for us!)I was in love! (with nie of course!) My husband and I would also dance around with our little girl (barely walking then)to fun music and it was such a happy time. I saw in Nie's posts everything I wanted to be as a mother. Even though I'm now getting a divorce I still feel that Nie influences me to be the best mother I can...even if I do have to go back to work eventually! I think the most amazing thing about Nie, and what makes her dear to my heart, is that she actually took the time to email me back when I asked her some questions about food/exercise and is she always so happy!? She assured me she was normal and gave me some answers. Just her taking that time told me what a truly wonderful, caring and kind woman she is. I'm thinking of her and Christian daily...and checking your blog about 20 times a day. Thanks for keeping us all updated...and no, YOU DO NOT LOOK LIKE NIE'S MOM!?? :-)
When I stumble upon a blog I like I spend days, sometimes even months, going through their archives. After reading and reading Nie's dialogues I have found my very favorite. It describes the Nie's to a "T". Tradition, newness and welcoming change.
Broken Latte Pieces, Glued Tradition
Thank you CJ for the updates.
I was thinking that about the "Be Prepared" from a faith point of view. I am not Mormon, but I also believe we'll be re-united with our loved ones and family in Heaven, as long as we're prepared! That said, I am fervently praying that that does not happen for a very, very long time.
One of favorite posts recently was April Fools. Yep, I fell for it, and was so excited to hear that she was pregnent with her fifth. :)
You do not know me. I found your blog through my sister-in-laws' blog. It seems like I have come to know you and your sister through your blogging. Thank you for sharing with us. I feel we would be good friends if we lived near each other.
There is a small thread that connects us all through the gospel of Jesus Christ. When my beloved nephew, Elijah Sorensen 31/2 months passed away quietly in his sleep last year, my friend's words comforted me, "What happens to one of us, happens to all of us."
Please know your family is in my prayers and so many of us; both strangers and friends feel your pain as if it were our own.
Sincerely,
Jeannie Simpson
this is more of a thank you and an i admire you and a favorite words of wisdom from stephanie than just a favorite post, but i hope it is enjoyed nonetheless!
http://simpleebe.blogspot.com/search?q=nie+nie+is+an+inspiration
My favorite post was one she did recently about day 4 at the ranch. The whole tone of this post:
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/08/blog-post.html
really spoke to me and inspired me to write a post of my own. It's my favorite post I've written in quite some time:
http://katietimothy.blogspot.com/2008/08/life-i-want.html
My thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie, Christian, the children, you, and your entire family to get through this trying time.
I have never met Stephanie (though we exchanged emails), but even so, she has inspired and encouraged me to to be the kind of mother I strive to be- to elevate the "ordinary" moments into extraordinary memories for my family; to take the simple, humble (sometimes tiring and occasionally frustrating) act of mothering and make it divine; to take the time to appreciate the fleeting moments of this very precious and fragile life, rather than rush through it or take it for granted.
While it's hard to pick one, I'd have to say my favorite post is (a href="http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2007/08/attention-all-mothers.html") Attention: All Mothers(/a)
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2007/08/attention-all-mothers.html [in case my link didn't work]
I have read NieNie for over a year now & although I don't know her...she INSPIRES ME...just like everyone else. Being a stay-at-home-mom is MORE to me than it used to be, because of her blog! I am so grateful for her uplifting attitude. I really enjoyed ALL of her posts, but love how she brings the gospel into all of them. Whether it is with a little "For Spiritual Enlightenment-Click Here" or a "Series of posts on the Family Proclamation", she is sharing the gospel through her life. While I couldn't be a vegetarian, I LOVE that she is & that she has her kids eating healthier than ANY KIDS on this planet! She is amazing & I think that her good health will be a huge factor in her recovery.
Best wishes & prayers from all of us!
I was also struck this week by the 2008-2009 Nielsen Family Motto. This is what I love about Stephanie's blog. Not only is it incredibly real, but it is so uplifting.
How to choose one post? There are so many that have inspired me to be better and do better. There are so many that have made me laugh and made me cry. I love all of the love letters that she writes to Mr. Nielsen. I believe that a huge part of the reason that her children are so happy is because of the very visible love that they see between their wonderful parents. What a great example they set for their children.
One of my favorites would be NieNie get your gun.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/04/nienie-get-your-gun.html
I love that she is fearless in living her life, and proclaiming the joys of motherhood, marriage, family, and of living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even though this post was technically about protecting the neighborhood that she is raising her children in, it spoke to me more deeply. I thank her for that.
Prayers and love for the Nielsen and Clark families.
the thing about NieNie that always catches my interest and inspires me is that wherever she lives she makes it wonderful. She can take any place and make it glorious. i look enviously at her home and then look closer and realize she's just working with normal surroundings, but her energy and love for life is what makes them beautiful. so, when i think my surroundings are lacking, I try and do as NieNie would--see the best and work with it!
I have always loved looking at the pictures in her blog. They just perfectly captured moments in time. I often wondered if she had a photographer in residence to help her. She seems to make the "every day" life occurances something special to be celebrated. Her passion for her family, her home, her friends, and her faith is clearly illustrated. What a remarkable woman with a beautiful family.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/07/i-love-my-life.html
Stephanie's entire blog is my favorite (as is yours, Courtney). They both could be on the best sellers list if they were published books...what a lovely tribute you both have made to your families...ever so important to have, especially in times like this. Stehpanie, Christian, the children, and your entire family is heavy in my heart, a constant prayer upon my lips...if anyone could deal with this tragedy, Stephanie could...and will. Sending you all my love.
I love how absolutely in LOVE NieNie is with her children and the Attention All Mothers Post has the pictures to prove it.
Attention all Mothers
I also love the post when NieNie followed Claire to school and spied on her.
It Started at 6:00 a.m.
So many to choose from- but my all time favorite posts are her "Letters to Mr. Nielson"- they are really beautiful and she captures the love between husband and wife!
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-04-16T06%3A34%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=20
Sam
stephanie's blog is such a bright spot in this otherwise stormy world. i think secretly we all wanted to be her, but there can only be one nie.
i could never choose a favorite post. they were all so filled with light and love.
oh get well dear nie!
Nie has inspired me is so many ways. I'm 18 and have wanted to be a mother for as long as I can remember, but Nie just makes me want it so much more. I only just started reading her blog about a week ago. I read every single one of her blog posts in one night. That's how intrigued I was. It amazed me that the news of this accident shook me up as badly as it did. The tears came instantly, and I feared for Stephanie and Christian the way that I would fear for my dear friends.
The things I appreciate most about Stephanie's blog are her incredibly positive outlook on life and her ability to find joy in even the simplest things. She's able to find humor in any situation. I also LOVE all of the Nielson family traditions. Some of my favorites are the birthday balloons, the "read me's," the back to school dinner, and the annual family silhouettes. I plan to use all of those with my future family.
I really love all of her posts. It's hard to pick one favorite, so I'll pick the one that made me laugh the most. http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2005/12/phat-picture.html
I have been praying for Christian, Stephanie, and the entire family, and I constantly catch myself thinking about all of you throughout the day. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for your family. In the end, this whole thing will make all of you stronger. I admire your humor and your ability to think positively during this time. What a blessing that must be for your family.
We would like your family to know that Stephanie and Christian are in our thoughts and prayers as well as the whole family. We can feel the Spirit of Our Heavenly Father in reading your blog site. Thankyou for keeping us all posted on their progress.
When this was televised on our News Station and we saw their picture we just knew that they were LDS.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dan and Becky
August 21, 2008
I absolutely loved this post by Nienie:
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/mother-heart-essays-on-motherhood-day-2.html
A Mother Heart, Day 2. She wrote about Sister Beck's conference talk. I adored the talk but everywhere I looked online people were bashing it. But not Nie! I loved what she had to say about it.
I also loved Proc Week: http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/search/label/Proc%20week
And lots of other less spiritual, really messy family ones, but those are the ones that came to mind first!
as a halloween lover myself, i love reading about her fun activities and crafts. i pray she can get well and hopefully be able to have some trick or treaters come to her room.
My little one was squealing happily this morning, and my husband came in and said, "From the other room, her happy little chirps sound just like a bird." I thought immediately of Stephanie and the birds I see often in her pictures and her home. I hope the birds fly for her always.
As for my favorite post: wasn't there a post about a cell phone picture of Oliver holding a "surprise" in his hand? (I'd link to it but I can't find it...) I still think about that and laugh and feel amazed by how calmly Stephanie seemed to react to the situation. She is a beautiful wife, mother, sister, friend. I have been sick at heart since I heard. I have been thinking about her and Christian all this week and praying that all would be well for them and the little ones.
I absolutely love your sister. She has inspired me in so many ways, like so many others!
I think my favorite posts of hers- are naturally during Dec 2005 (check the archives!)- her love story between her and Christian. It is like the Disney production to top all other Provo romances. From the vera-wang inspired gown, to perfect invitations, the hot cider... the way she described it? Perfect!
My second favorite post is another old one from 05" when she talks about being proud and all the reasons she is so. I loved hearing what she had to say, how she was PROUD of her family, her body, etc... so positive!
I don't know if I can do the balloon thing, but I am planning on something special- maybe making a dinner for my family and thinking of Nie the whole time. I also am going to send ya'll something, but haven't found the right THING yet.
I am so thankful for these entries, CJane!
Hah! Found it!
I was up until about 2am last night reading through all of her blog archives - it is too hard to choose just one favorite post. The thing I love most about her is that EVERYDAY her LOVE for her husband and children shines through - it shines through the often mundane tasks of motherhood - you can tell that she lived a very mindful, present and gratitude filled life EVERYDAY with her family. We an all learn from that and inspire towards that grateful living that she exudes on a daily basis.
You all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
xo, jenny + fam
I love that she started putting "Spiritual enlightenment" at the bottom of her posts. I always loved the ones she chose. Always brought me to The Churches website and reminded me to read my scriptures daily. Major boost in my day!
So many times I wished I could comment on one of Nie's posts - I don't know why I didn't just email her! I LOVE her Friday faces. This is something we all should be doing - interviewing and recording and getting to know our loved ones just a little more. I love how caring and creative and special she is... and how it was SO apparent how much she loves and treasures her family. I was so impressed with her family theme - be prepared - and it was one of the first things that popped into my head when I heard about the accident. I'm constantly blown away by how much the Lord knows our needs and loves us and prepares us.
And the party for the girls? Completely delightful, as always. If only all the children in the world could be treated in the same way - respected, loved and treasured as much as Jane, Claire, Ollie and Gigs.
Love and prayers and hugs from Canada!
J
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2006/10/im-queen-look-at-what-i-just-did.html
more than a single post, it was her way of constantly showing how much she loved christian that struck me when i first came across nie's blog. i mean, i love my husband too, but it's been rough at times and i get really frustrated. when i came across nie's blog and saw how much she loved christian and her family, something kind of stirred within me and i started looking at how happy she was and realized that she DECIDED to be that way. i can't claim i know her, but what she has taught me has started helping me so much in my life and my relationship with my own husband. i appreciate him more, we get along more often and i compliment him more. our family life has dramatically improved because of what i read on her site. and it's that that i appreciate nie for: for teaching me how fun it is to be married and love others.
i've been reading stephanie's blog for about seven months now. i've spent the majority of the morning today reading the archives and i've fallen in love with the nielsen family all over again. you are all in my thoughts and prayers...i am sending lots of love.
I love Ticket City--that's one of my favorites. But like many others have said, I loved how she greeted each day with so much joy, and what a beautiful life she lived (and I don't mean to be talking exclusively in the past tense, since I've been praying so hard for their family that their lives will be able to retun to that joy and happiness).
Thank you for keeping us updated. Although I don't know her in real life, I've read her blog for so long that I've been lying awake for hours every night aching and worrying for this family. I look up to her so much, and I'm just realizing how much I've begun to emulate her and how much of her lifestyle has crept into my life when teeny little things throughout the day--like making tortillas throughout the day--make me choke up. I really appreciate the time you're taking to let us know how they're progressing.
I'm glad she never stopped blogging. She inspired all of us and highlighted the joy that is to be found in the ordinary.
Her blog will be a beautiful legacy to her children. as they get older and go back to read it, they will know how much their mother loves them and how much joy she finds in being with them.
Oh, C Jane. We are all fighting too, fighting for restored wholeness, with prayers and love and more fasting. I feel like I'm becoming a broken record and hurray for that—thank you for the heartfelt post with love and adoration spilling out everywhere.
My mind is remembering so many of Nie's excellent posts, hilarious posts, wise posts, sweet posts, move-me-to-tears, keep-them-with-me-a-long-time posts, turd posts(!), beauty, beauty, beauty. Don't know how i can ever choose, but your request gives me added incentive to go backward in time and enjoy Nie & Co. all over again (and again).
I hiked the Y last night with Rob, in Nie's honor. It was a lovely walk. (I can't run it like she does.)
I, like a lot of others, have never met Nie personally. But, like many many others, I have read her blog for a long time. Inspired seems like such a small word for what she has instilled in me. But it is the only word my brain can think of, inspired. I am totally inspired by Steph and her family. The best part of it is that she never claims to be perfect, but she sure does try. It makes me remember that each day (though it can be hard with kids throwing toys at my head and food on the floor) is a true blessing. To be breathing, playing, laughing, dancing, frustrated, tired, happy or sad- to be able to feel those feelings, a blessing. Of course I am praying for this sweet family but I feel a gentle peace knowing how strong they are from the inside out. Also knowing how many people love and care for them, is truly amazing. XoXo
i just recently started reading nie's blog in the past month, and i was hooked. i love the joy she freely expresses about her life, her love, and her children. you can tell she is very real, honest, and not trying to be showy in anyway. she is truly a women who simply loves her life.
she's been a great example to me of the kind of mother i aspire to be.
as far as a favorite post, of course i really enjoy all of her crafty posts, but more i enjoy her real life posts where she expresses her love of life and being a mother. too many posts to name individually since there are so many where she does this. i also love her posts about her family traditions, especially the ballons. i'd love to adopt this into my own family traditions. she is so great at making every moment magical. i think we all have a lot to learn from this amazing person.
leaving many prayers with nie and family.
get well soon!
I love how she adores her husband and children. "Treasure" is one of my favorites... http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/treasure.html
Every post is pure perfection. Everyday I tell myself I'm not going to get online because I'll spend the rest of the day online but I always do because I'm always curious what she's going to post about next.
Every post is beautiful. It's hard to choose a favorite so I would have to say my favorite post is the only one that made me laugh so hard I thought I was going to wet myself!! It's called GET DOWN BOY! Remember? The post where Ollie is patiently waiting for a cookie, but the dog beat him to it.
I love the way her blog pictures life through rose colored glasses.
My prayers are with you.
I was going to pick the Oliver poop with the cell phone picture to document. Proves that she was real and had real children, too! But I also love the Perfect Day one, too. And a lot of others. Can't decide. Still praying.
Read this at 3:30am while nursing and couldn't go back to sleep...
I haven't met Stephanie but I'm pretty sure I saw her at the post office around Christmas...can't be positive cause there were no kids with her. But it was like a celebrity sighting! She probably noticed me staring but didn't act like it and was so sweet to help a stranger mail her packages.
I loved the entire week she posted their meatless living. Oatmeal never looked so good! Almost made me want to be a vegetarian...almost.
I think this might've been on your blog but your face cropped into her living room window when you were going to visit was the funniest thing ever.
This is the first time I've sincerely prayed for people I haven't met...my thoughts are constantly with your families.
I think that Stephanie's blog is an amazing gift to her family! It's like her personal journal! I LOVE it! I have a few favorites : Sleep in Heavenly Peace (so precious!), the Valentine's one where she names a few favorite songs of her and Christian... but I would have to say that my favorite is TREASURE.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/treasure.html
This puts everything into perspective and reminds me why we are here on this earth and the blessing that Families are Forever! I admire Stephanie for the mother and wife that she is!
Thank you for your updates! They mean a lot!
Love~ Amy & Travis Fago
any post with a picture of chubby-cheeked Gigs-y.
Especially the screaming in the car seat one.
Oh, this post...has me in tears. Maybe because I've been thinking about how even as a reader, it appears to me now that Stephanie was preparing her family, her readers, the world. Her most recent spiritual enlightenment seems to have a special meaning now, at least to me it does... "Broken Things to Mend."
Steph is Amazing.
This was one of the first posts I read of hers that taught me how amazing she is... Breast Milk for Life
I love reading all of the posts that show her decorating. She's so creative.
My dad spent 3 months in the ICU/cardiac floor after falling off of the roof in Sept 2006. The most useful thing the nurses said was to look at the big picture, because the little ones are too overwhelming. One bad day can just be an anomaly, so you have to look at the longer-term. I found that their advice made it easier to focus on the positive steps forward, which you seem to be doing quite well. Yay for open eyes!
Ironically I just started reading last week and the back to school dinner was the first post I read. I spent the rest of the week peaking into her past blogs as they inspired me to love my husband a little more loudly and let my kids grow up with a little more jumping on the couch and being free. The back to school post got me hooked so it's my favorite one. I know I've only read her blog a little over a week but, I felt an instant conection and respect for Nie. In this terrible time my testimony has been strengthened and she is making me want to enjoy my life more and count my blessing more. I found myself singing "love is spoken here" and tears rolling down my cheeks while cleaning my bathroom yesterday! She is such an inspiration and I am praying hard that she will soon be back inspiring us all with her beautiful life.
I was thoroughly inspired by this yoga post:
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2007/08/weekend-i-pretended-i-was-yoga.html
Because I really love yoga, too.
And it made me love Stephanie.
xo
So sorry to hear about this accident through another blogger but also so glad to hear about it so I can add your family to my prayers. There is something very special (for me anyway) praying for people that I don't know, have never even laid eyes on. It is like I am giving a secret boost of energy to someone that needs it most!!!
My heart has been so heavy as I have learned about Stephanie and Christian. I can't help my thoughts as they wander and worry about their family and their survival. I have been reading NieNie for about a year and loved the uplifting thoughts she had. And her unabashed sharing of the gospel. I too liked her Treasure post when I quickly look back, but one of the things that stand out the most to me is that she nursed her sister-in-laws baby after she passed away. That is amazing to me. Nursing my own three kids was such a blessing, but I don't know if I could nurse another child that was not my own.
Of course, Stephanie and all her family, are in my prayers.
Courtney,
I don't know if you remember me...but I went to school with many of you and am Jesse's age...but I wanted to ask you if my husband and I could make a tribute video of Nie and Christian and the kids. We would like to take the pictures she has posted on her blog and put them to music as well as any other pictures you would like to include. Please let me know what you think of this idea...
Lots of Love,
Rebecca Goodwin-McConnell
streaker_22@yahoo.com
First one I thought of was Look at what the sun can do. Always love the pics of her beautiful home(s).
I found NieNie's blog several months before my first pregnancy and it made me that much more excited to be a stay-at-home mom someday.
I also loved her post about home birth: I'm a queen, look at what I just did! Someday...when/if I convince my husband...I would love to have a home birth. Way to go Nie for helping dispel myths about it. I love that she unapologetically advocates loving being a mother, wife, and homemaker. What a beautiful life.
I have so many Nie is truly inspiring and got me back into the things I gave up, because I was too busy with kids. My favorite post is "Im a queen look what I just did" oct 06. (and I've been in love with gigs ever since)
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/treasure.html
No doubt about it.
Stephanie is an amazing missionary. She is not just a great missionary of our church but she is an amazing example of the core beliefs of our church. She acts as a loving wife and an understanding mother to her family. She shows people that (regardless of someone’s religion) you can raise a family with love and creativity and that your children can be happy without expensive toys and pampering.
I love her posts about when she locked her kiddos outside so that she can get a few things done. So many people feel that we have to bubble-wrap their kids to be a good parent but its okay if kids eat dirt and fall down. That is what gives us character when we grow older.
I love reading about how in love she is with her husband. I also loved reading about how Christian took care of her during the crash and went with a broken back to go get help. Their love is so strong. I love how she posted in her “Proud Post” about how she was proud to have married him and how she was proud to have waited for the right man. Her love for Christian reconfirmed my desire to marry someone from the church and to wait for the right guy.
I am a convert to the church. There are few people that have strengthen my testimony through the years, like the missionaries who converted me, the families in my home ward in Pine, Arizona, some close friends along the way, and now Stephanie.
Please let her know that she is in my thoughts and prayers. But most of all, please let her know that she brought me (who was slightly drifting away) right back to the heart of the church. I feel that through her blog, she saved me. And for this, she will always have a place in my heart.
My favorite post is easy:
I found Stephanie's blog like most people find new blogs...clicking on a link of a friend of a friend's. I was taken by the bright look and her bright attitude. So I spent a late night scrolling through her
posts and when I came to the post Breast Milk for Life
I read it and wept. It was this line that did it to me,
"I knew somewhere Charity was happy knowing her son was being fed, cuddled close and loved."
I have thought of this post often since that night I read it first. Because I am mother too, and because I too am a "strong promoter and advocate of breast milk". But mostly because I was so touched by this sweet sweet act. Because if I had left behind a small child, having a kind sister in law hold them close and lovingly comfort and nurse them is exactly the thing I would have wanted.
And so now as your sweet sister finds herself separated from her babies, I imagine that she is comforted knowing that her family is there to cuddle them close and love them.
Because like she said, "I guess what goes around comes around...thank heavens!"
We are praying for you all.
I TOTALLY miss the goose. Many times I have thought about sending her neighbor one, just to get the goose back.
And I loved mom school.
I can't pick just one. I love every single post. I have been scouring her archives all morning, but every one is worthy of being linked to.
Stephanie is a beautiful woman. She loves her husband, her children, her faith. May the Lord bless you all through this healing process.
I loved it when the two of you were guest moms at Design Mom. So sweet.
I loved her story about girls camp and short hair, I knew her back then. She knew who shewas even as a child. I remember her quiet confidence. What a woman! Very funny story Oh my favorite part was when she explained then she got boobs and no one ever thought she was a boy again. I remember she got them a good 4 years before me and she is right no one would ever mistake her again. Her short bob (Demi Moore cut) turned sleek and beautiful (more Winona Ryder).
Her posts about the kids are always fun to read and make me want to hold on to mine a little tighter. If there is anything to be taken for me is the relationship that she and Christian have. They love each other so deeply. I have asked her on a few occasions if it is as sweet as is seems? and she always says I am so grateful for the relationship that we have. Nie tells me it is better.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2007/05/faces-of-ones-i-love.html
I am a frequent nienie reader. I haven't met her, but she is an AMAZING example to me of what I want to be as a "mother" & "lover" :0). My fav posts are "nie's friday faces" and everytime she wrote cute little letters to her kiddos & her beloved Mr. Nielson. What a passion for life, she has. She really is a beautiful and beloved person. She has had an impact on my life, by reading her posts I have found that I need to stop worrying about the troubles in life and start celebrating the small and precious things of life. I pray for them. luvs, vanessa moody
so many to love. favorites:
- banana peel on the couch.
- nie inside, kids locked outside.
as a mom of 4 little kids with a very jimmy-esque dog, nie is our superhero.
discovering her archives was like finding a great book that you can't put down. now, if only we can pray our way to write a happy ending for nie and christian and their joyful family.
I don't drink coffee, but the NieNie Dialogue posts are my "cup of joe". Checking first thing in the morning gave that extra boost that I needed to start my day of caring for 4 children, a dog, a household, a husband. Stephanie inspired me tremendously and I looked forward to her crafty-creative ideas and her spiritual enlightenment. I loved just about every post, but my favs were
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/08/bell-is-ringing-again.html
and http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/03/readn-me.html
All the happy fortunes her children wrote are exactly what describes her. I wonder if they were looking at her when they wrote them?
Heal fast Stephanie- this world needs you and your inspiration. You are absolutely beautiful and are such a great example of what a daughter of Heavenly Father should be.
I can't pick just one! It's too hard! There are so many to choose from...I am a first time mother and reading her blog every day inspired me to do better. She was not afraid to be herself. I loved her devotation to her family, how much she loved her husband and wasn't afraid to tell the entire world about him. She is an amazing woman and mother, I am in awe. I hope that one day I can be like her and have the support that she is getting through this hard time.
C Jane...you & Lucy are awesome!! sisters for being there for her kids through all this. I am grateful for my sisters. There is a special bond between sisters that you can't describe!
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/06/basket-head-mother-not-i.html
like everyone else, it was hard to choose just one. but this one is an example of the reason i keep reading. i need these good reminders often. mothering does not come easy for me, but nie has inspired me to be better in so many ways. thank you nie.
My heart has been very heavy since I heard about the crash. She's a chosen daughter of HF for sure. She reminds me everyday that I can be joyful in any circumstances I'm living in. Thanks for the update. I can't wait for her to post in her beautiful blog again.....hopefully soon! And I love all of her posts.
her blog has been such an inspiration to me--i am not a mother yet but her blog is like my own personal parenting magazine as i gather ideas upon idea from it. in fact, on saturday i was thinking how first thing monday morning i was going to email steph and thank her for sharing her ideas with the world via her blog. monday when i went to email her i found out about the accident.
your family is in my prayers.
favorite nie posts? i simply have too many, but:
i l-o-v-e the fans she made and hung in the girls' room. in fact, i made some my self to cover my bare poor college student walls.
The nienie porter IS THE BEST.
MNH
The biggest thing I learned from Stephanie is simply to appreciate the life I have and find the beauty in it. She inspired each of us to feel that our world is what we create around us and can be more romantic that we ever imagined. I love her for that.
Of course it's next to impossible to choose a favorite post, but I love the birth story she posted after she had Nicholas. Our culture tells so few positive birth stories these days, and I felt she really put into words the power and divine nature of women in birth.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2006/10/im-queen-look-at-what-i-just-did.html
If you all want a good pick-me-up, read Stephanie's classic humor in the beginning of her blog world. The comments are hilarious as well.
http://graciejbrunswick.blogspot.com/2005/05/introducing-gracie-brunswick.html
What a fun sweet spirit she has.
I have so many favorites but these are two that stand out for me.
I love when she discusses complete fidelity...such a wonderful reminder.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2007/06/father-week-day-two.html
I adore the photo of the family dancing on a weekday afternoon...good example of their ability to make the mundane magical.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2007/06/father-week-day-two.html
After reading Nie's blog, my desire to be a mother became overwhelming and I am now expecting my first baby in November. Whenever I think of what kind of mother I want to be...I always think of her. My prayers are constant for her.
I found Nie's web address almost a year ago, when my sister in law began blogging. At first, I thought it was a strange thing to do, opening up your life in such a way. But then my husband took a job in Texas, our house was for sale and our family was going through complete upheaval, living without him and expecting a new baby. A year later, we are settled, together again, a family of five, and I look at the blog I began one year ago and I know that many of those days I was inspired to write because Nie had set the pattern for me. I knew that everyone moment of her life couldn't possibly be filled with such tremendous amounts of joy. But after reading, I realized that she truly created her own joy, and she did so, in so many moments of her life, it was captivating. She is inspiring and she has hundreds of times made me think to treat my children with greater patience, to extend greater love, greater imagination and greatest of all - faith. I read her blog for about two weeks, before I became utterly convinced that she must belong to the Church of Jesus Christ, and I felt and connected to another mother far away who was striving to shine with the light of Christ that is within us all. And few people have shined brighter than her, our Arizona stranger.
I never read a post that I didn't love from her sweet blog. The ones that really stand out are the love notes back and forth from her and her beloved Mr. Nielsen. I loved how they kept the romance in their relationship alive even with all of the little ones running around. I find her embracing her husband at a stage of life when so many of us complain about our spouses to be so refreshing and lovely.
All of you are in our prayers. Stephanie's blog is such an inspiration, always so happy and cheery! We will pray that she is back at it soon. Thank you for keeping updates coming.
Sara Price
dspricefamily.blogspot.com
I found NieNie's blog while searching through a cousin's blog. I've never met your family, but I instantly fell in love with this blog. I really was impressed with Nie's Back to School family feast. I was hosting my own version when I found out about the plane crash. You are in our prayers and your button is on our blog! http://BennettBlogOut.blogspot.com
darling cjane: we are continuing to pray and think about you and yours daily. today, when we walked by your house, anders said, "hey! there's our friends, courtney's house! let's go in!" i think he has a major case on you.
but, back to nie's blog. every post was so full of style and grace. but, the ones that made me laugh the hardest were all those pictures of that goose in various holiday garb!
I took me three hours after I put the kids to bed, but I read every post on her blog. Her love and devotion to her husband blows my mind. I turned off the computer with the goal of being a better wife...and to buy a new red lipstick!
My prayers are with you and your family.
My heart had been full all week since I heard the news of Christian and Stephanie. I know and they know, that Jesus is near. My favorite post was just this week with the be prepared back to school feast. Once again I was inspired to live better then I have been living - be a more tender wife, a more fun mom. One that celebrates the little moments. Thank you Stephanie - we're gonna pray you through.
You even inspired me to blog, that not nearly as well as you!
http://thepaben5.blogspot.com/
I love all her blogs... I only started blogging in Feb and found her blog on a blog roll of a few people.. I pretty much read her entire blog in two days...and have checked it daily ever since!
I was just saying to my husband people might feel her love in God didnt work for her to be hurt like this.. I was thinking it is lucky she was blogging as we are all able to help - give money - so many things that other people who are in acccidents are not able to receive
it is truly a blessing that she was such a wonderful "famous" blogger!!
i don't know stehpanie & christian; {i am a friend of lizzy's.} but it's been a pleasure to e-get-to-know the nielsons over the passed year or so that i've been blogging.
stephanie lives a beautiful, colorful, and passionate life. her devotion to her family & the gospel is inspiring.
i can't choose a fave...but i loved family proclamation week. {a lot}
many prayers from our house to you...
Anytime Stephanie cussed. Those are my favorite posts, they had me almost fall out of my chair, even when she was just repeating what Christian had said. It is just so unexpected from her.
I'm a sucker for love stories, consequently, I'm a nienie addict! The love that she shares with her husband and with her children is inspiring. It's a treat to read a fairy reality (as opposed to a fairy tale) every day. It gives me hope as a young single woman to know that a love story like theirs exists. While I've never met her, I'm inspired by her. I wish that I could return some of the positive influence that she has provided me.
My favorite blog is on her original blog: http://www.graciejbrunswick.blogspot.com/ . I love the blog about nursing her sister-in-law's son. It gave me a real insight into the kind of person she is.
I look forward to sending off my balloons in SF. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
-Sarah in SF
I am so grateful for having found Nienie and your family. I feel so moved by witnessing the grace with which she approaches life and it has deeply transformed and inspired me as a mother and a wife. I have a million favorites but I loved the post "Ticket City" when she kept Claire home from school for a "personal day" to play.
You are really all tremendous for allowing us to continue to share and to pray with you. My little one and I will be releasing balloons on the lake in Chicago. Will try and take pictures. Will also need to have backup plan because no 2 year old is going to release a balloon without protest, so one for Nie, one for Christian and one for my little guy!
hi. i dont really know how to begin, but your family is on my mind constantly. even the late night olympics cannot distract me. i haven't read nienie's blog for very long, but i was initially drawn to how much she loves her husband and her kids and how they are so happy enjoying each other and life. i tend to focus on the negative so its a good reminder to cherish the moment. my heart hurts when i think about her and mr. nielsen and especially the 4 little ones. each day this week i have taken the time to tell my boys and my husband how much i love them, how proud i am of them, and how i appreciate them. her post about treasure and the various love letters have resonated the most with me. i'm not mormon and not big into praying, but stephanie and your entire family have been in my prayers. and will continue to be. i wish i could do more.
Every post is a favorite, and make me laugh, cry, and change for the better. Her "Treasure" post encompasses the motivation she instills in me. Her love and light for her family. I want to love as big, and live as brightly as she does.
She inspires and motivates me. I am so thankful for her in my life. We don't even know each other, but as I have been welcomed into her home through her Dialogues; she has filled mine with more love. Right away I was hooked by her spectacular love for Christian, her confidence as a mother, and her personal strength. Her example has changed and improved me, and my own family life. I am no Nie, but our home and family are more wonderful in every way because of her example. When many of us don't know exactly what impact we are to have while we are here, she seems to so wonderfully know exactly what her calling is. She draws you in and makes you love her whether you like it or not, and it's a welcoming place to be.
As she inspires others; she is truly inspired herself. In true Nie Nie fashion she celebrated her children and made going back to school special, even chosing a theme for their family. Then as you said C Jane, she was already living the principle in her home. Because that's Nie... Life. By example.
I find myself obsessively thinking and praying for everyone involved. Thank you for keeping us posted.
Rebecca
When I read the paper Tuesday morning - my life changed. I'm a new blogger, therefore, when the article mentioned that updates would be made on cjanerun - I immediately went to the computer. I have been so drawn into this wonderful family. I have shared the blogs with friends and family...thank you for sharing with us. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all. My daughter and I will be sending off some balloons on Saturday in Arizona. God bless...
My favorite post was when I won the free popcorn give away and she emailed me and told me to thoroughly enjoy it. And in true Nie fashion, I REALLY ENJOYED IT. But I can't make myself fully enjoy the popcorn knowing she can't. GET BETTER NIE!
I always remember the post when she showed off her kids covering the ENTIRE hallway with their drawings. It reminds me to let my kids me kids and go crazy with fun.
One of the things I love best about reading Nie is her sense of humor. She has a knack for keeping it short and sweet, and let the pictures do the talking sometimes. One of my favorite posts was this one:
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/02/utah-run-down-day-2-little-critter.html
I must have laughed for a day when I read it. I also loved the story about Gigs eating dog food and Auntie taking pictures instead of stopping him......the fact that Nie could talk about the "load that afternoon" in the baby's diaper kept it real for me. Helped me realize that she is, in fact, human. And funny.
I also appreciate her artistic eye and beautiful photos.
And even when I couldn't contribute anything but a lame-o comment about Lynn Wilson Burritos, when she did her Mother's Day Week, I read each and every entry, making mental notes about the kind of mother I am striving to be.
If we don't learn it from our own mothers (me, for example) we must learn it somewhere, and I'm glad to say that Nie is a beautiful example of what motherhood should be, that I didn't exactly have.
The best husband birthday gift ever!!
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2005/11/all-day-pass-for-my-birthday-prince.html
Locking the children outdoors or the sexy fishnet valentine for Christian. Everything you've said in this post I've said to others this week. The Be Prepared motto, the way she cared for her body, the way her blogging friends are hopefully bringing her a portion of the help she's offered us all (on vintage china of course!). I broke out in full-blown "ugly cry" in the chicken express drive-thru yesterday. It was then I came to realize Stephanie's impact. It goes deep. My prayers are as deep as her burns and then some. I know our prayers will be heard and will help her....
My heart just aches for you all right now. Stephanie, Christian and those precious children are in my thoughts and prayers all day long. I'm praying for strength for you and your wonderful family as you help them get better.
I'm a long time reader of Nie. She's an inspiration to me as a wife and stay at home mom. I feel as though she's been a close friend of mine even though we've never met. As for which post is my favorite: (I love them all, but this is one that will always stand out for me) Ticket Time. What a great mom!! I want to be that kind of mom!
Hugs and prayers are being sent your way! Karanena
Thank you for the update, with each passing day I think about Stephanie and Christian and their precious family often and have a little prayer in my heart that today will be better than yesterday. I have so many favourite Nie posts, its hard to narrow it down, one of my favourites was from her Gracie J Brunswick days (once I discovered her blog I went back and read from the very beginning)where she spoke of breastfeeding her sister in laws precious baby on the day of her funeral, I cried when I read that post. It really helped me see the sense of togetherness as women we all share as we nurture and love children, whether our own or someone elses. My second favourite was when she locked the kids out of the house to clean up, whenever I send the kids outside to play and won't let them back in till I've restored my sanity and that of my house I tell myself over and over "Its ok, Nie Nie did it too, you're still a good mother."
Clearly evident in many, many posts is her devotion to Christian and their marriage. She put him above all. Not the norm in modern society and especially with young children.
I've read Nie for 2 years now, and she has reminded me of that many times. In fact, she inspired me to write more love letters to my cute hubby of 20+ years!
I love these words of Steph's:
"Our children make me happy. They fill my life with the most beautiful colors of all.
But YOU Mr. Nielson, you make me the happiest.
You are the unspeakable color in my life!"
Get well Nie!
I think one post that has really stuck out in my mind over the last couple of years for me is one of her earlier posts, Nie Nie: on being Proud
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2005/09/nie-nie-on-being-proud.html
Stephanie is confident in herself as a woman, and her role as wife and mother. In fact, she glories in it. Stephanie encourages me to be true to who I am and to never apologize for being me.
I'm not sure what first drew me in to Stephanie's blog, or even where I found it. I don't share the same religious or political beliefs, I don't have children, and most of my days are taken up by my career in a state clear across the country from their lovely household. I just like her light & her optimism, and that is what I am wishing back upon her, a hundred-fold.
She convinced me that avocado would probably be tasty on a homemade pizza (it certainly is) and that unusual things can look great on a mantle (they do). :)
dearest nie,
thank you for sharing your beautiful/colorful slice of life with blog-land. my heart is full when i think of how you spent your days playing with your babes and loving mr. nielsen good.
++++
the first nie post that came to my mind was a picture of the entire nielsen family dancing/marching in the living room. i spent the evening tonight searching through past posts for it:
father week day two
i imagine that the nielsen family danced like this quite often!
++++
prayers and thoughts being sent to you all day.
love, lindsay
here's mine:
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/mother-heart-essays-on-motherhood-day-1.html
My love and prayers go out to you.
I re-read my comment from earlier and meant to say that my hear tis heavy, but somehow it came out 'full'. I guess where this family is concerned, a heavy heart still looks full.
alright -- the one about locking the kids out. I'm still pondering how she is doing it so lovingly in those photos. by the time I implement lock-out (or lock-in) it's a matter of safety (for us all). I've spent the past 2 years trying to be more like nie. well, trying to be me in a more nie-ish way. I may still get impatient way too often, but our dinners have certainly improved. and that is something.
ok, I've just been going through Nie's archive's...
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2005/10/neck-brace-man.html
neck brace man = hilarious
(I promise I won't keep doing this...)
My favorite Nie Nie post is called Treasure. She talked about her treasure being in heaven and her family as her greatest treasure (in may of 2008)
ever since I started reading Nie Nie at the beginning of the year these are some of my favourite things
I made silhouettes of my family - I just love hers!!
I am still scouring second hand stores to find Glass Cake Stands - I just love her photos of her cakes
I stated having more dinner parties because I just was in awe of her ability to entertain
Her fun style of mixing mothering with chic elegance and reality is what makes us read everyday!
I love Stephanie’s enthusiasm for life. The passion she has for her family, the gospel, and happy living are inspiring to me all the way up in Seattle. I have changed the way I interact with my children and husband because of her posts. I am more fearless with my desire to share the gospel. I love her style and the bright colors that make her home so cheery. I am truly grateful for the time she has sacrificed to share her life with us. I pray that Stephanie and Christian will see that their lives bring happiness and love to countless families, and find joy in that. God bless their little family and all those who love them.
pretty sure the entire cuisinenie blog delighted me to no end. i still use her zucchini bread/muffin recipe all the time.
I always started my day w/ a Nie post...It was so fun stumbling onto her blog - to find that I knew her husband's family (growing up in Mesa) and to see the amazing person, mother, lover, sister etc. that she is. She's inspired me, and many, to be better wives and mothers - to celebrate the mundane. I cry every day for her and Christian. My husband's legs were recently burned in an accident and I know how much pain he suffered - so I can only comprehend minutely what they will be going through & their caregivers w/ the extent of their injuries. I constantly think of Nie...and I can't help but think, not her...But it is beautiful to be a recipient of so much love and the goodness of people - which I felt when my husband got hurt. So I am happy that they are surrounded with that. She has done so much for others... it is nice to be given an opportunity to give back.
As far as a favorite post - they are all swirling in my head...
some from the archives....'Happy February' 2007 - A Valentines Poem for her husband.... H O T !
-Homemade *heart* marshmallows, "Paper Wall's' in Jan. O7 - gorgeous - out of a magazine...I always felt like I was flipping through a beautiful magazine full of eye candy looking at Nie's blog.
Hugs, loves & prayers.
Nicholas's birth (October 2006) and the latte bowls (December 2006) are my favorites. Can't stop thinking about the Nielsons. What a wonderful family. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. You're in my prayers.
My all time fave is when Stephanie locked the kids outside...I want to do that almost everyday. I also love her relationship with Christian. It reminds me of my own marriage. They spoil each other rotten just how they should. I also loved the recipe blog she started up. Yum!
I stumbled upon nienie's blog, happily, a year ago. Upon reading her archives, happily, I felt she might be my better half's kindred spirit---like the half I really hoped to excavate soon. What a beautiful life she leads--it is funny and bright and simple and real---. This was my(ahref="http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2007/06/summer-skin-and-other-warm-images.html") first glance(/a)at NieNie-- it was a breath of fresh air and I've been inspired (and excavating)ever since.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2007/06/summer-skin-and-other-warm-images.html
Anytime I think of NieNie and Mr. Nielson, I can't help but think of My lover and our "thing" and how much she loved (probably still loves) her
Anthropologie latte bowls from way back in her Gracie J. Brunswick days! It's my favorite post because it gives you just a little insight to Stephanie and Christian's quirks as a couple. You can tell that they are truly in love with each other, and I know that their love for each other and their children is what will help them get over this hurdle in their lives. :0)
I don't know them personally, but through reading The NieNie Dialogues I have come to love them, and I hope they will be well again soon.
Hi, I don't know you or your sister, but I am praying for all of you. I just read a book called the PH Miracle by an LDS author. It has a story of a man who made a miraculous recovery from an explosion. He followed the author's instructions and made a speedy recover, leaving the hopsital with NO SCARS! Please look into it, I think it could really benefit your sister and brother-in-law. (o:
Hi! I'm new to reading Nie and your blog. I read about Nie & Mr. Nielson's (did I spell that right? sorry if I didn't) accident on 5 Minutes for Mom.
You asked for us to comment about our favorite post from Nie. Mine would have to be the one titled "I Love My Life". It's such a simple and pure post showing the heart of the woman you wrote it. The photo's are amazing and the love pours through each one of them.
Thank you for sharing the story of your sister and her Mr. Nielson. My thoughts and prayers are with them both and to the family of Doug. Times like these make you truly appreciate everything you have and the one's you love. I hope my pilot makes it home safe and sound.
All the best,
Sarah
I would really like to read nie's post "breast milk for life" that she wrote about nursing her nephew but the link people have posted is to her old private blog. Can you share that post with us?
I don't know if you're still checking this for re-posts but I love the post "Dear Raechel" (sp?). Who of us hasn't thought about someone to look after our kids if something happened to us? I love how she shares her family's "secret code".
Also, it's kind of silly but it would be really funny if you re-posted all the pictures of her NJ neighbors' goose in its different outfits. Those kill me!
Post a Comment