Balloon Updates

It looks like there might also be some hot air balloon launches at the Provo balloon launch!

The balloons don't have to be red. Actually, according to Claire, Steph's favorite color is green and Christian's is orange.

If you are hosting a public balloon launch in your area, will you post your info in the comment section here?

Thank you so much.

Kisses.

Makes Me Want To Sing Lion King

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.

Fixing Links

For a Utah balloon launch gathering see Balloons of Hope.

Donation button to the right should be working now!

Read a tribute by Steph's best friend and Godmother to the kids here.

Another tribute by our Sister-in-law Lisa here.

I'll be posting more ways to help as soon as I can . . . thanks everyone for your willingness. We have been overwhelmed with service!

It Just Takes Some Time, Little Girl

Brother Andrew and Me, at the hospital, spreading no germs

Lucy and I are sitting on Steph's retro-ly awesome re-covered chairs each with a lap top on our (ahem) laps writing away. I love being in my sister's home, she left it spotless as though she knew she'd have visitors this week.

Speaking of visitors, this morning started out with a surprise visit from our brother Andrew. He was able to spend some time at the hospital where he played a little Jimmy Eat World for our favorite burn patients. After all, in the words of Jimmy himself,

"It just takes some time, little girl
you're in the middle of the ride. Everything will be just fine,
everything will be alright."

Thanks to Steph and Christian's Godparents, our kitchen is outfitted with Trader Joe's specialties--yes that means Joe Joe's--a long with one of the best brought-in Relief Society dinners I've ever had. Not to make anyone feel bad, but stuffed our zucchini, trays of fruit and homemade rolls probably beat out the dinner you had tonight. We're so spoiled.

We spent the day playing with the children. They love to be by Lucy who happens to be an exact replica of Steph. Even I have had moments where I could've sworn it was Steph in the kitchen making quesadillas. We count this as a blessing. As for me, I still look like I could be Steph's mother . . . apparently.

(Not over it.)

Christian and Steph had a busy day too. As you can imagine our patients are pretty much mummified from head to toe. Today their wraps were re-dressed and Christian has been out fitted with some fine new pig skin! He won't eat animal, but he'll wear it when needed. He looks so strong. I swear his arm muscles get bigger every time I see him. He'd like to have me post that. Muscles are his forte.

Steph looked so much better than yesterday. I tried to get her in-room cd player to work, but it wouldn't and we were stuck with a random Easy Listening station which I knew she'd hate. Mindy Gledhill was kind enough to outfit me with her albums which are beloved by my sister. We'll have to get a new player in both rooms. Music for the mummies!

Also new to their rooms, cards and pictures, an anklet made for each of Steph's ankles as well as a toe ring both made by the industrious Claire and Jane. Toe ring? Yes, every man with muscles needs one.

I hope if you are visiting this website that you'll find it a happy spot despite the circumstances. This is c jane enjoy it, you know. I don't intend to blog about the details--especially medical details--that we are seeing day-to-day. (Though it is important to say that doctors are focused on their burns right now, and they are still in critical condition. All other fractures and internal organs checked out to be fine. The burns are severe and will need surgeries, grafts and most of all, loads and loads of time. It is still very touch-and-go as it pertains to their survival and recovery . . . Steph being more critical than Christian.) Rather, I'd just like those who love my sister and her husband to have a place to check and see how their prayers are functioning. So far, good. But it doesn't hurt to pray harder. And be nice to your neighbor, or mailman.

(Did I ever tell you how much Steph loved her mailman? So much that he showed up with his wife to the prayer service last night. It was quite touching, I have to say.)

Am I rambling? I can't tell.

The Chief is blissfully sleeping--sometimes snoring--next to me. Time to join him in that state of rest. We'll see what tomorrow brings.



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More Ways To Help Update:

Check out this etsy shop.

Balloons of Hope

For the Mesa Peeps from Camilla Wright:
We are going to plan on meeting up around 4:45 this Saturday afternoon at the temple grounds to let all our balloons fly and to show our love and support for their sweet family. We hope all can make it, it will be short and sweet. Bring your own red balloons to let go with all the well wishes they could ever hope for!

Thanks for your donations and contributions so far. You all amaze me.

More to come . . .

More Newsreports

KSL picked up the story here.


Here is another news story with our brother Andrew.

Doug Kinneard

I am the sister in-law of Doug Kinneard who was the third person on the
flight with your sister. If it's OK I would like to share a little about
Doug and the wonderful family he left behind. Doug grew up in Canada and
loved camping, fishing, hiking, running, diving and anything to do with
the outdoors. He loved to talk, he could talk to anyone about anything. He
lived life enthusiastically! But most of all he LOVED his family. His wife
Roslyn is amazing, she has made us all feel at peace because of her sweet
example. They have 4 children from the ages of 25 to 13. The children are
doing well. In Doug's last few hours in the hospital the family gathered
around his bed and sang "God Be With You Til We Meet Again" many tears
were shed and much love was felt. We believe in a loving Heavenly Father
that has a beautiful plan for families to be together forever. Our family
takes comfort in the knowledge that this life isn't the end and that we
will see Doug again and what a wonderful day that will be.
Kim Beazer

Things You Can Do

We've been flooded with e-mails and calls, which we love to read and share among eachother. Many have asked what they can do. Here are some options:

Two donation accounts have been set up. As you can imagine, their recovery will be costly (well into the millions). You can donate by:

Visiting a Bank of America and donating to the "Christian and Stephanie Nielson Rehab Fund."

Or,

Visiting a Wells Fargo and donating to the "Stephanie Nielson Fund."

We will be setting up an online ability to donate, probably later today.

Although, visiting is highly restricted right now (only family members) we can post cards, pictures and well-wishes in their rooms (two separate rooms). Of course, they are heavily sedated at this time, but will make these hospital rooms Nie worthy regardless!

Send cards, pictures, etc. to:

c/o Stephanie and Christian Nielson
Maricopa County Hospital
2601 East Roosevelt Street
Phoenix, AZ 85008

Some of you may know that Steph and Christian have a family tradition of writing wishes on helium balloons to release them in the air (see:here.) On Saturday, we'd like to invite people anywhere, everywhere to write thoughts of faith and hope to be released at the same time. (Nie is going to love this!) Lets do 5:00 AZ time (6:00 MST/7:00/Central/8:00/Eastern). Will you all take pictures of the release where you are and e-mail me so we can post them on Monday?

Thanks everyone! We feel your love!

Last Word For Today

The best news of the day (and the result of prayers) was that Steph and Christian are no longer consider trauma patients, just burn patients. There was some worry about internal damage, but Doc Mario (Lucy and I decided to give him that nickname, because he looks like the more famous brother of Luigi, thanks Nintendo) told us that they have been cleared.

This is great news. Now we can focus on getting them thick skins.

Please tell me that my joke was funny (see above: thick skins). I need to know that my keen sense of humor and unfailing wit is still intact.

Mostly because a woman asked me tonight if I were Stephanie's mother. HER MOTHER. Are four year olds having babies these days? Cause that is how old I'd have to be.

Alright, the Mesa heat is getting to me!

Love to all!

Channel 3 Report

You can view the Channel 3 report here.

For Utah visitors, KSL picked up the story here.

Thanks everyone for joining in the fast and prayers today. We feel so much peace and know that they are going to pull through. I am with Lucy and my parents tonight with the children.

Angels are surrounding these children. They are in the best of spirits and cuter than ever.

I was able to talk to the Doctor today. Steph is in for a long recovery (months). Christian is doing better. They are hoping to have him home in weeks.

We are trying to limit hospital visits right now to just close family. I will post more tomorrow on some things Nie readers, friends and neighbors can do to help!

For now, just the prayers. They are making a WORLD of difference!

On the news

CBS AZ is here doing an interview.
Arizona Republic came over to do a story.
We will be on AZ channel 3 news tonight. Tune in if you live in AZ. KTVK.

A Small Update

For those just tuning-in: My sister Stephanie (Nie Nie) and her husband Christian were in a plane crash on Saturday evening. From what we can tell, the plane crashed shortly after take-off in Eastern Arizona. The flight plan was to refuel, side-skirt a storm and head home. There were three people on board, Stephanie, Christian and his flight instructor. The flight instructor's condition was most severe following the crash. We've been praying for him to pull through, but but got word that he passed away last evening. Now our thoughts and prayers turn towards his family.

Thanks to so many of you who are willing to join together with prayers and fasting. I like to imagine the day when Stephanie and Christian can read your kind words and know of the vast support that was collected in their honor.

My sister Lucy and I are headed to Arizona today. I will keep updating as much as I can, although by all regards it looks to be a long, critical process.


Thank you so much again, we are all aware of your goodness.

If You'd Like to Help . . .

We are having a combined fast tomorrow for Stephanie and Christian, Monday August, 18th. We'd appreciate anyone who'd like to join with family, ward members and friends.

To learn more about fasting please see here.

Thoughts on Nie

It's been less than twenty-four hours since we received word that Stephanie and Christian were in an airplane crash. We met together as siblings today and had a family prayer. Blessings were given and energies renewed. We're focused on the children and the healing of our darling sister and her husband.

We know that Heavenly Father knows us. We know he has a plan for each of us, that includes the sweet moments and the tragedies. We know that Jesus Christ is the center of that plan. That through his atonement we can be perfected. We are blessed to know that through the restoration of the gospel we are a forever family. This is the truth.

Your thoughts and prayers are so much appreciated. I'll do my best to keep everyone updated on the recovery. We have hope that Nie will be back to her lovely life, making her famous chocolate chip cookies and laughing at her adorable children.

Love,
c jane

Various and Tuesday

What our family room looks like every night from seven pm on these days.

Hi it's c jane.

You know me.

I've been a lazy little blogger lately. My head hasn't hatched an original thought all week and let's be honest, I haven't really left my house either. It's too hot. And I've yet to feel completely comfortable nursing my hatchling in public (I mean, I feel fine about it . . . but do you?) So we take it outside some days, stretch in the shade and look at the clouds. Plus, I don't have to dress chez moi. I swear, wouldn't life be so much easier if togas were more accepted socially? Or better yet, nudity?

But also, I need to admit that I am courageously battling some addictions that have kept me from heart-felt story telling. One obsession deals with dark chocolate peanut m&ms. It is so hard to find a another dark chocolate fellow in my inner-circle that most of the time I buy a bag only to eat by handfuls, alone, in the dark. Did you get a mental picture?

Don't forget my fixation with Micheal Phelps and his mother. His breaststroke makes for hyperesthetic strokes in my breast. Does that sound right? Don't twist that the wrong way . . . please . . . I am a self-actualizing addict of various and sundry . . . now is not the time.

Don't you think it should be various and Sunday?

Because what is sundry? No one knows, but Sunday is the day to keep holy. And eat waffles at night.

Speaking of drama queens, did you watch Alicia Sacramone get all gymnastically angry at the team finals and was it just the little piece of Olympic tragedy you were looking for? And speaking of chests, is she the only gymnast to ever have one? And shouldn't that be a medal right there?
Alright, you figured me out. My last addiction is looking for chests on female Olympic athletes. As I usually do this while nursing, it seems appropriate.

Appropriate, my middle name.

Happy Weekend.

I'm out.

Who Knew?

Who Uses The Term "Drama Queen" Anymore Anyway?

After blessing The Chief last Sunday I waited in the hallways of the chapel for my parents. The Councilwoman and The State Representative are well-known in these parts and they hold court on occasion. My mom was chatting with my bishop's wife about neighborhood issues while my dad was meeting family members of a woman who he had helped when he was in the Stake Presidency. I waited patiently (I am used to it) bouncing The Chief in my arms. Finally, just when the crowd started to thin around my parents I heard my dad clearly say to a man in my ward,

"Oh yes, our daughter is in your ward now . . . You'll have to keep an eye on her, she's a drama queen."

I was so embarrassed.

"Dad!" I exclaimed later as we took family photos, "I can't believe you told Brother Wood that I am a drama queen."

"Well, you are." He answered smoothly.

I used to be a drama queen back in the day when it was permitted to be one given changing hormones and social pressures. But now? Now I am a mature woman who keeps it real by using food to absorb any sort of erratic emotions.

Hadn't he noticed?

Seriously, my feelings are hurt so bad.

I'm going to hold my breath until he apologizes.

Until then, you can check out his re-election campaign blog designed by his favorite little drama queen.

A Memory I Don't Want to Forget

Moments before the fateful rainstorm!

Photo courtesy of Katy

I wished it to rain all week.

There had been rumblings on some days, low cloud coverings on others, but as of Saturday there had been no sustained wet droppings from the flirty skies. It was hot and humidity sucked in through my swamp cooler and spread throughout the house. It felt like I was living in a fish tank breathing in and out water vapor. I couldn't even finish my multi-grain cereal before it was enveloped in sogginess.

When Wendy showed up she looked sporty. Dressed in a ski-girl t-shirt ("black diamonds are a girl's best friend") and jeans that fit her body well. I packed The Chief into the stroller and said good bye to Chup as he attempted a serviceable gesture: mow the neighbor's lawn.

Wendy and I walked to the park and she kindly debriefed me on her latest adventures. Intrigued by her stories, I accidentally walked to the wrong pavilion and barely survived the ugly looks from family reunion hello-my-name-is-sticker-wearing attendees. Good thing we weren't the long lost cousins of that crew.

Katy was in fine birthday form. I liked her cargo shorts matched with a purple t-shirt. I like cargo with anything besides cargo because one can get disappear if one is not careful.

First of all I chatted with brilliant Ann Dee about her forth-coming books. Then Millie to congratulate her on the success of her husband's pizzeria. Next up was Amber who, as it turns out, did so well with her set of triplets that God went easy on her and only sent twins with this current pregnancy.

Amber was eating a lovely croissant sandwich in a baggy, leaving me to believe that while she has five children, and is gestating two, she finds the time to home make the family's picnic dinner. No cold slaw and biscuits at KFC?

We started talking about babies and thumbsucking at which point I had to stop her to exclaim,

"Are we really at a park talking about our children?" Because when did we ever get out of her convertible bug, trolling for boys at Movies 8? How did we get from there to here?

Then the skies decided to lease a little rain, and so the kids on the slip-and-slide came to their relief under the canopy. We sang Happy Birthday to Katy and Ann Dee tried to get her to sing a begone solo from the Dixon Spectacular. But she wouldn't (which intensely disappointed us all).

Wendy and I have been to so many parties together over the extent of our lifetimes that we can feel eachother's social threshold. Whether she felt mine, or I felt hers, we both looked to Katy to bid farewell. Pictures were taken, The Chief--who had steadfastly held on to the Duffy cd Chup made for Katy--bestowed his gift to her, and a couple semi-final hugs sent us on our way.

Lindy was also leaving the party and as she is now my kindred neighbor and recent birther of a boy we pushed our strollers through the green of the park as Wendy wrestled with her older boy up ahead. We talked about the saga of appreciating the postpartum body and I apologized that I am a (very) lazy mid-morning walking companion. Also in discussion: the upcoming classes she is teaching at BYU and the importance of a fabulous wardrobe as it pertains to college students. Tricky, we know.

We said good bye to Lindy and her boys at the intersection where our roads meet. That is when the sky decided to purge. Lucky for The Chief, he was nested away in his water proof buggy, but Wendy and I pushed along as the torrential rains shot down all around us. It was so intense that we had no choice but to laugh at our plight.

So we laughed all the way home.

And there was Chup, ready to get in his car for our expedient rescue. Instead he just smiled at the sight of us, glad to see that his son was safe and dry (and perhaps equally as glad to see two girls with wet t-shirts?) in his driveway.

Wendy had to leave. So we hugged sopping wet hugs and I told her to save those jeans for her next date. Chup agreed.

Then I took my boys inside where--after I changed into dry pajamas and toweled down my curly hair--we snuggled to the sound of the Olympic golds at the Water Cube.

Bon Voyage Katy!

Eight Eight Oh Eight

It's only a matter of time now until I become the Olympic Harlot that I transform into every two years.

I willingly allow myself to dive into all the drama, gossip and NBC's ridiculously stacked stories of heroism and odd over-comings. I want it all, give it all to me. I can stand it, I am strong that way.

(Carly Simon lyrics there at the end.)

Pray for me my people of the blog.


P.S As Chup's luckiest number is 8, please take some time to wish him the luckiest day of his whole life. Of course, I think the luckiest day of his whole life was the day he met me. But there I go again, making it all about me . . .

The Eleven People I Think of Before Posting

I was just about to bake up a post about how sorry I am feeling for myself tonight because So You Think You Can Dance is coming to an end and because I couldn't really tell if Chup liked my hot tortilla soup tonight because he just said "I think I might go get a Hot and Ready . . ." then added " . . . it's not because I didn't like your soup." Which leads me to believe that it was because he didn't like my soup.

But just before I got all wound up and ready to spring, I thought about my sister-in-law Lisa who doesn't even have a husband at home to hate her soup. He's in London (or Paris) making jolly and eating sandwiches. Though I must say, she is an exceptional wife and seems to handle her household with aplomb, which includes her Hughie who reminds me a little bit of Rocky from Rocky and Bullwinkle.

Then I started to think of all the people I think about before I post every night. By my calculations there are 11 of them, all sitting in my subconscious before I write to the world what my heart has to offer. Think of it this way: I've got my own board of directors. Only, they don't know they are on my blog's board of directors. And absolutely no one is getting paid. All this sweet Google Adsense cash is MINE! MINE! ALL MINE!

Of course, I write for myself first. But sometimes when I write iffy stuff I mentally consult my BBOD (blog's board of directors) and think before publishing. Like "will so-and-so get that joke?" or "have I already told so-and-so this joke?" And as a last reminder, please don't' beat yourself up if your not one of them. My readers drop like flies, I can be so offensive. Have you heard that joke?

1) Chup
I started blogging for Chup, you know. I hoped my writing would be a turn on. Most of the time it just embarrasses him. So now we have a little ritual where I alert him just before I post. If he likes it he cryptically says "Post. Dogger." But most of the time I ask, "Did you read my post?" and he says "Yep." And not another word. So I just assume it's because he's jealous. Isn't that always the best explaination in any relationship?

2) Azucar
She corrects my typos via e-mail. As a writer I rarely . . . what is the word again . . .uh . . .seriously can't think of it . . . check for errors before I publish . . .

3) My Mutha
Cause she always follows up.

4) My Mutha-in-Law
She probably reads and wonders what her good little boy sees in me. And what kinda mess The Chief has gotten himself into. And should she drive down from TF to save them? Most likely.

5) Stephanie
"Mesa's Beloved Blogger" and I sometimes communicate secretly through our blogs. Hey Steph, take time out for sweet cheeks and cookies that melt in your car! Love, Marshon Brady. (She'll know what that means.)

6) The FBI
Always, they are always watching us. From a distance.

7) Scott Wiley
The record producer who--for some reason--represents my small, male readership. Not that all the males who read my blog are small. Not that Scott isn't small. But let's say this: it is a small world after all.

Totally just dodged a bullet.

8) Emmie
We share an extreme interest in chocolate covered cinnamon bears (among the many things we co-experienced) which I tend to eat while posting. Right now Chup and I are eating Nutty Guys corn nuts in bed, and chewing loudly. Wait, a minute. Now he is eating a Little Debbie Nutty Bar which I thought we banned since my pregnancy. Is there no respect for my diet? And that brings me back to Emmie, who I think should post on her own blog more often. She is also in the Emma: My Story movie. And she is good.

9) Chelle
She's been with me from the beginning. Now we meet up for lunches. I like to think that she is at her computer reading and thinking, "Next time I lunch with c jane I am going to tell her how grown up she is getting!" or "What a big girl c jane! You posted about a book you read!" or "c jane, I remember when you couldn't even conjugate correctly!"

10) My Bishop
Judge in Isreal

11) God
I don't want to have to repent for blogging.

That is almost as ridiculous as feeling sorry for yourself.

Smells Like Art

Tonight I made fish for dinner.

And when all was done and devoured the smell of my kitchen was reminiscent of Pike Place Market.

"Chup" says I "Lets stroll over the the Art Museum and see the Victorian exhibit and air this place out."

(Chup fancies Waterhouse, I am a swooner for a Pre-Raphaelites in a gilded frame, and The Chief hadn't seen nothin' yet.)

When our baby was strapped into his carriage properly away we went.

Upon our arrival at the museum we were tantalized by the modern art, so we spent some time Googleing various pieces on Chup's Blackberry. Because what does it all mean? Can't someone just tell me what it means? We worked on our artistic investigation skills until our brains hurt as much as our feet.

But Modern Art, I'll always love you.

So we took the elevator down to the (easy to interpret) Victorians. And there we saw this gorgeous Waterhouse:
Which was my favorite because it was about a powerful and tragic heroine Mariamne.

Powerful and tragic? Remind you of anyone?

Anyone you know?

(Hint: not Hillary)

Moving on.

Chup's favorite was Linell's The Return of Ulysses:

"Because the Odyssey is the master of all epics and you read along wondering when Ulysses will ever get home. This is the scene that ends it all." Emoted Chup.

And I added dryly, "Yeah. He gets home and his wife is married to someone else."

(Like Cast Away?)

"Oh no, no no." Chup quietly corrected me. "She . . . waited."

Want to see the romantic side of your English-Major husband? Try a little Victorian.

Apparently.

The Chief liked this painting best of all:

I thought it was because he wanted to grow up to be a valiant knight who saves the fair maiden.

But no.

"It's because the lady looks like you."

"She does?" I asked confused.

"Yes right before you feed me my dinner."

Speaking of dinner, when we got home from our colorful family outing the kitchen still smelled like food from the sea. So we drove out and bought ourselves a lemon candle.

A scent we all understood and agreed on.

What does your candle smell like?