This weekend my crew and I were followed by the Arizona Republic's Dream Team Jaimee Rose (yes, the Jaimee Rose) and photographer Cheryl Evans. To use a Jaimee term, we had a wicked good time. They even accompanied us to El Azteca for some Saturday afternoon burritos.Here is why everyone should have a reporter follow them all the time writing down everything you say: Suddenly all the smack that comes out of your mouth seems important. Like, oh that was good! Publish that little insight I just came up while I was putting Ollie's shoes on for the 400th TIME.
Look for the actual article to come out late in October. In the meantime, The Chief and I are headed to Arizona to see my sleeping sister and brave brother-in-law.
I've missed them.
73 Pieces of Opinion:
Enjoy your time here. I hope the visit is wonderful and inspiring. Still willing to help with anything you need.
Hello Courtney,
I am glad you had a good day yesterday and ESPECIALLY glad that you are getting some time to go see your beloved sister and brother in law!
Talk to her...she can hear you. Tell her stories of her babies and how much they love and miss their mommy and daddy. Tell her something funny that they said or did. Remind her of everything good that she has here waiting for her when her body heals. And let her know that sooooo many people out here care about your entire family and are praying and sending positive thoughts, doing whatever we are able to do from a distance.
And try to eke out some time for you... Time to rest and recharge. It's an uphill battle but you are one strong woman and I KNOW you can do it because you have done a beautiful job thus far! Hugs, Lori
I am so happy for you to be able to get a little down time and visit them. I'm sure it is hard while you hold down the fort and indians. I know you will not be able to but-- On Monday I will be passing an 'I Love Your Blog' award given to me, which I need to pass on to seven more ladies. Well being that I LOVE YOUR BLOG.. I have the award for you on my blog on Monday. If you want, you can stop by my blog and pick it up. Keep strong and keep faith! Wendy
I'm sure you said many insightful things. I know you do here.
I'm looking forward to hearing about your visit with your sister and Christian.
Prayers and Love your way!
I am sure Stephanie will be thrilled you're there even if she can't yet tell you.
Have a safe trip.
Thank you for sharing your hope and faith with all of us.
I spent several hours yesterday in a forest that caught fire a week after Stephanie and Christian's plane crash. The trees are black and bare and there are no birds singing or crickets chirping, but the forest is already bright with new green shoots and brave young grass. I thought of you while surrounded by that scarred-but-beautiful landscape. The forest will recover, and so will your dear sister and brother in law.
God bless you.
Just wanted you to know your family, Stephanie and Christian were included in our fast today! We constantly think about you and pray for you and admire you! I have enjoyed getting to know your family through this experience. I admire the way you share the gospel and make the most of a bad situation! Keep the faith! Love from Thatcher, AZ
enjoy your trip ... looking forward to the article!
Hi Courtney
So happy you are getting to see Nie and Christian- Your words to them will only inspire them to keep going and fighting to get back to their precious babies as soon as they are able- And while you sit an hold your gorgeous chief.... recharge your battery knowing that you are doing as your sisters would do for you- Nie is one lucky girl to have you supporting her-
Have a safe trip! We will (and are still) praying for you all!
I hope you have a great, great trip!!!
Hello C Jane--
You probably already considered this, but how about recording some of her kids talking to her and playing it when you get there? Later on they should be able to talk to her on the phone. I think of your family frequently and trust me, it helps me put any little problems I might have into perspective! You are greatly admired by lots of bloggers! God Bless you!
I am so glad you get to go see Stephanie and Christian. Maybe you could take recordings of the childrens voices for them to hear.
Please let them know how many friends and NEW friends they have wishing them well and praying for them daily.
Hugs to you Courtney. You are such a trooper and have such a BIG heart and kind spirit. I wish you a safe trip and can't wait to hear about your visit!
I wish you a safe and fulfilling trip. I'm your presence adds strength to their lives.
Hi Courtney,
I've been checking in everyday from Western Pa. and bringing you imaginary dinners with pie. :)
I'd like to ditto what the first anonymous said, (I hope you don't mind, anonymous, you said it beautifully and took the words right out of my mouth.) and let you know I'm continuing to send good thoughts and prayers.
Warmly,
LisaJane
Still praying and wishing you well, have a happy trip to Arizona. Blessings, EB
I hope the trip here to Arizona goes well. Bring warm-weather clothes. It's still in the high 90's / low 100's.
Hi Courtney, you've been doing a tricky job so well. If I were in Stephanie's shoes the number one thing for me would to be to know that my children were coping and healthy, and that my husband was doing better.
I'm sure the right words will come to you. Could you leave a tape at the hospital that they can play to her of the children just having part of a normal day? I'm sure that will reach some part of her even though she is in the chemically induced coma while she heals.
I'm sure Christian could do with hearing something like that too. He must be going through such a tough time. Perhaps just hearing the children being normal and if you have a camera that does video that you could playback to him so he can see that they are ok. I'm sure it would help.
You have so much courage and love. It shines in your words and deeds.
Have a good trip Courtney! Remember to enjoy some of that Arizona sunshine while there too. Stephanie & Christian are going to be over the moon to see you again. Send them all of our cyber-love and best wishes.
Still praying. Still believing!
hugs!
Carolyn
Prayers for a safe & "restful" trip. May you enjoy this precious time with your sis & bro-in-law. Give them our love...
Excited to see the article! Have a good trip, will be praying for your time there to be sweet. And as always, praying for healing for Stephanie and Christian!
All of the comments and well wishes already posted in the comments before me said everything I was thinking and feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Have a safe trip and can't wait to hear the latest update when you can get a moment to share it with all of us.
Hugs,
Caroline
P.S. I have spent the last hour or so cutting 4.5" squares from my fabric stash to send to Candice for her quilt project for the kids.
http://www.quilt4nie.blogspot.com/
BTW, The Chief is adorable!!!!
I am soooo happy that you are visiting Steph and Christian. Please give them our love and tell them we are still praying and won't stop. God bless you on your journey.
Colorado sends Stephanie and Christian strength ...
I hope your visit is full of blessings for all of you.
I remember when the AZ Republic interviewed Stephanie and did a whole article about her cute retro house a few years back. I cut out the article to save for inspiration. Then sadly I got news of your sister's plight again in the AZ republic, and made the connection after looking at your/her blog (those silhouettes are her signature!). Hopefully there will be some more good news to share by publication date! I will continue to pray for Stephanie & Christian like so many others!
OOOOO, It will be such a comfort for Stephanie to hear your voice! I'm so happy you are able to make this visit...
I know that she would say THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH SIS, YOU ARE THE BEST....and in time she will....Gods Blessings on your time together.
GODSPEED! to YOU and the LITTLE CHIEF!!! I'm soOOOoo glad to hear YOU are visiting, YES, talk to and sing to Nie, she will hear YOU!! Love and prayers, for Stephanie, Christian and your whole family!!!
hey
I LOVE YOUR BLOG ! I always forfet to say that and your posts are always fun to read
Snowflake girl
yay, so glad you get to see them!
What am I chopped liver? I've been following you around for years now thinking all the smack from thine lips was noteworthy and quotable. Ha! I think you should bring some red lipstick to AZ for Stephanie. I'm sure she's missing it. If she wears it to the grocery store I'm sure her subconscience is yearning to make a splash of color in the burn unit! Seriously though, have a safe trip and let us know how she is!
so glad you are coming to see your sister and brother-in-law! i found nienies story thru jaimee rose; i love her style column. i look forward to reading the article and am continuing the prayers for your family. also,everytime i am on the 202 and pass the burn center i say a quick prayer for nienie and christian:)
I'm so glad you will be able to visit your sister and BIL. You have been busy keeping the home fires burning. Stay safe and know you are thought of often.
Are you going to keep your eyes peeled for the missing luggage?
Have a great trip!
Courtney,
I am the oldest of 13 children. I have 6 brothers, and 7 sisters. I cared for 8 of them for a week when the youngest was an infant. My mom was in the hospital having a breakdown of sorts that had to do with hypoglycemia and being the mother of 13. (You can imagine the stress) I've cared for them when my parents have had vacations or had to leave town for other reasons. I am also the one who will take over the care of the 4 remaining at home now should something happen to my parents. The responsibility and love that I carry on my back constantly for my siblings weighs heavily on me and I often wonder if called upon for a more permanent assignment, could I really come care for my siblings as my mother would have, and still be there for my 3 children. As I have followed your blog I've been touched and pained and overwhelmed with the sense of loyalty and devotion to family. You exemplify that in all you do. Through sharing your journey, you have given me, and I know many others, an inspiring example of sisterhood and charity. I know we are strangers and this may sound so creepy...but I love you and I love your family. I feel we are all the same family.(I know, you already know this.) Keep the faith and say hello to the champion patients. Praying for the Nielsons in California.
Gorgeous Girl - enjoy your time away and love to S & C.
xxx
I'm so glad you'll be able to go down and visit. I'm sure Stephanie and Christian's recovery will be so much helped by feeling your presence and hearing all about their dear sweet children. Keeping your family in our prayers.
I thought of you and your sisters yesterday as I watched the Relief Society Broadcast. I wondered if you and your sweet family were in the audience, as you've said that it's a tradition. Just thinking about it made me smile.
Have a great trip to AZ. Please take our love and prayers with you for Stephanie and Christian.
I am so glad that you are able to go and visit your sister and her beloved. Please send along the love of all of us (I know you will). I have been reading Stephanie's blog and feel that I know her. My heart just breaks for all of you, but at the same time, I rejoice in the Gospel and know that she and Christian will make the absolute best of this terrible situation.
Courtney-
Oh..what a blessing to be able to come visit Christian & Stephanie. They will feel of your spirit...and feel of your children...their children as well! Our thoughts and prayers remain with you...even in the upcoming days....weeks....months.
Im sure it will be an emotional visit...however breath taking and heart warming for all of you!!
Hugs!
I hope you have a wonderful trip. I will be excited to hear about your visit. I was able to go to the benefit sale yesterday here in AZ. There was such a huge turn out! It was great!
Hi Cjane-
I purchased a pair of the Nie earrings on darlybird and just love them- they make me think of you and your family. I've already gotten some compliments on them and today is my first day wearing them- it's makes me proud to wear something Nie-inspired. Still sending lots of love and prayers your way. Have a safe trip and be well.
Love,
a gal in NYC
I'm sure I'm not the only one...but I put The Nielsen's names and all of yours on the prayer roll at the Temple every week. It's the least I can do for the hope and strength you share with us through your beautiful writings.
Have a safe trip. Take some time for yourself between visiting with family and friends...you deserve a respite too. God Bless!
Here is an idea. Maybe you could get an audio tape recorder and record a normal day of the kids playing or singing songs; the kids talking to each other and playing with each other. Then play the tape in the hospital rooms.
I was just thinking that maybe the sound of the kids being happy and singing and the things Stephanie loves would make her happy and it could help her a little. A little sound from home and of those cute cute kids.
I will be praying for you. Be strong. God bless you.
dear courtney
i just wanted to tell you what an amazing sister you are. talk to your .beloved sleeping sister and share some of heartfelt admiration and love that is being sent to you and your family from all over the world. I would just like to send my special love to your mum and dad , this must be devastating for them.also look after yourself you are doing a wonderful job.
much love Karan
So happy you can go for a visit. Safe travels.
Meghan
RI
Ahhh, Jaimee ... love her. I wish some of her writing genius would have rubbed off on me when we were roomies at the Y. Can't wait to see what she pens about your family!
I hope the trip is a good one ...
Enjoy your visit!!! What a blessing families are in our lives.
I am praying for you family.
Enjoy seeing your sister and her mister.
Good luck... we'll be waiting anxiously to hear your thoughts.
How neat, sounds like it should be a good article. I hope your visit goes well, I'm glad you get to go see them again. :)
God Bless.
Sending you all lots of prayers from Tennessee.
And sending those sweet kiddos tons of hugs and kisses.
very cool that Jaimee Rose was there... I hope I see the article when it comes out
and... so nice that you will be coming down here to visit them.. I'm sure Nie Nie will love it too
Jaimee's the best. She'll write you a wicked good article and make all of you a little more famous.
Drive safely!
have a much needed and wonderful visit with your family.
Please give your sleeping sister all our love! Oh, and tell her we are all praying for her and to remember that God is in the business of miracles!
hi, c:)
God speed!!!
l,
d
I am afraid a reporter following me would put them to sleep, and not be much of a story that is for sure.
Your family remains in our prayers
today is the jewish new year where we open the book of life and examine our soul until the highest of holidays -- yom kippur, next week. here is wishing that you and your loved ones are inscribed in the book of life for a healthy new year.
we (your blog readers) will miss you while you're gone and will anxiously await news of stephanie and christian
I hope you have a good visit. I just found this blog but remember hearing about the plane crash when it happened.
Courtney -
I've been reading your blog for some time and just love it. I realized only recently that I know Christian's brother Steve here in Bellevue, WA. In fact, my husband and I were sitting next to Steve and Leone at stake conference on August 16th. Thanks for the updates and we send our love.
Have a safe trip and if you find any animals using your babies' blankets along the way, be sure to stop and pick them up! :)
Have a safe trip and be looking for updates of Stephanie and Christian.
Your family's story has touched many people. I just want to send you and your family some sunshine from Northern California. We are praying for you all. Heavenly Father is with you, walking beside you everyday. He has his hand on your sister, Stephanie & on Christian. We will continue to pray, fast & donate as long as we need to. I wish you strength, peace & happiness in the days to come.
Big Hugs,
Christy
Courtney,
Have safe travels to be with your sister and brother-in-law. All of you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. My sister is my dearest friend and I'm sure your sister is yours. I love my brother-in-law dearly, as I know you love yours. My sister was born the summer I was 13. I cried for the first few months when I returned to high school; I didn't want to leave MY baby. I checked to make sure she was breathing every night before I went to bed for five years, and only stopped because I went to college! My sister traveled with me to China twice, while I adopted my daughters. I believe with all my soul that while your precious sister may not be able to communicate that she knows you're with her, her soul will be comforted by your presence. I want you to know how much I admire how you are supporting your family during this very painful and challenging time. I will continue to pray for healing and God's peace for Stephanie, Christian, you, and your family. I think of all of you daily and will continue to hold you up in prayer.
Jeana
Oswego, IL
hiya! happy tuesday!
i hope everything is going well on your trip. sending you lots of love and positive thoughts and prayers always!
ok. i really love you and your sister's blogs. I'm a 14 year old and i'm a member of the church too. i have recently started a blog (thinking4thoughts.blogspot.com) and you two were my inspirations. I really hope your sister recovers and continues on nieniedialogues. both of your blogs are amazing and i'd love it if you would look at mind and tell me what you think. thank you so much!
I read the article and from the first sentence I was balling. Not only because of the crash and how much Nie Nie meant to you, But also because i wish, oh how I wish I had a fraction of what you sisters have with my own sister. We rarely talk, and we never visit each other. The last time we saw each other was for my wedding two years ago. I pray that one day we could be closer, but I don't think that will happen. My sister has a completely different lifestyle than my own. Drinking, partying, drugs, men. I chose to live the straight and narrow. Candace chose the fun life.
You are so lucky to have each other in this time of need. When my dad died in a car accident, Candace and i barely spoke. We didn't even hug each other.
Never let anything get in the way of your relationship with your sisters!
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