Friday, September 30, 2016

Six Reasons I am Happy this Weekend...

I am beyond excited about this weekend for six reasons:

-The first and foremost is that it's General conference weekend. 
 Conference weekend is pretty much the Super Bowl for Mormons.  
It is the worldwide gathering of 
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  
Church members gather to receive guidance and encouragement from
our leaders about gospel living based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
 We listen intently as we hear words of wisdom, inspiration, and counsel.
And it's awesome, and ANYONE can join us!
I'm really, REALLY, REALLY looking forward to 
about 10 hours of goodness over the next two days.
The second reason I am excited about the weekend is because 
we are hosting a few visitors with us at Fox Hill 
for this conference weekend.  
That's always fun.
The third reason is that we make and eat
(ebelskivers) all weekend long.

The fourth reason is because I can relax.  
Usually, I can get a few extra hours of sleep over the weekend, 
and I take a break from exercising.

The fifth reason is Utah is the most gorgeous place right now. 
 The leaves are amazing,
and the weather would knock your socks off.  
I am hoping to enjoy some wonderful time outside!
The Sixth and final reason, of course, 
the BYU football game....GO COUGS!

I hope you have a relaxing, beautiful weekend planned as well.
* * * *



Thursday, September 29, 2016

Pleasant Memories

Today, I spent the day preparing for weekend guests 
(Boss and GrandMary, who will be here for Conference weekend).
I hope they don't mind our life-size skeleton, Mr. Bones, who has been roaming
 around the house for about 2 weeks.  
Each day before the Little Nies get home from school, 
I put him somewhere in our house doing something different.
Today, he spent most of the day playing the piano. 
Yesterday, he sat at the head of the dinner table; 
and another day, he held the TV remote while sitting on the couch.
I will have to come up with some fantastic 
ideas for the next four weeks until Halloween.  Yikes.
Tonight, Mr. Nielson and I went up Provo Canyon
 to The Homestead for dinner with friends.  
It was gorgeous and brought back some very pleasant memories because
Mr. Nielson and I had our wedding dinner at the resort
almost 16 years ago!  

ALSO: It's the weekend EVE!


Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Never Let Your Arms Hang Down


(Claire with Lottie 2012, making a grocery list for a dinner recipe she planned))

"As a mother I have made mistakes.  Regardless of culture or country, 
we all make mistakes in our mothering. 
 But through repentance and the atonement
of Jesus Christ, and by continually communicating His love, 
miracles can happen, wrongs can be righted.  Never give up.
Never let your arms hang down."

I had a hard day.  
It was exhausting and frustrating, and I felt like I wasn't measuring up.  
Several times throughout the day, I silently excused myself and 
went into my closet to pray.  
It's incredible how prayer can bring instant peace.
Now, everything didn't magically get better.
I still went to bed that night frustrated and not sure how 
my day would be like in the morning.  
But the peace I felt while on my knees talking to God was so comforting
 and I could confidently go on knowing that 
He was on my team, and everything would work out.
And also because I know that "with God, all things are possible."

* * * * 


Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Hiking in Autumn

 Each day I wake up and hike the "Y".  Simply put: I love it.
Most days I hike up and run down as quick as I can, but sometimes 
when it's amazing weather, or when the light shines 
just right on the gorgeous mountains, I'll stop and take a few photos.
There is only one thing I love more than hiking the Y,
it's hiking the Y in the rain in Autumn...there is nothing better.
For those of you who have never hiked the Y,
Here's what it looked like last week during the most amazing rainstorm:


I feel so lucky to live here.




Monday, September 26, 2016

Jump the Gun

Over the weekend, we had a lovely rainstorm that lasted most of the weekend.
It was cold, cozy, and fantastically dreary.
Little by little this past month, I have methodically taken out 
fall and Halloween deco, books, and movies.  
Now, I told Mr. Nielson I wasn't going to 
jump the gun and do something crazy like
 ask for a fire in our fireplace until October 1st, so you must know how 
surprised I was when he suggested to build one for us as we
 watched Saturday morning football.
Don't get me wrong, Mr. Nielson loves over-celebrating holidays like me,
 (thanks to me) but he's generally down with it happening later.
You know, sometimes when I am alone in the car 
I listen to Christmas music- (but that's for another post).
 Also, my girls and I enjoyed a 
beautiful evening listening and watching the
It was inspiring and energizing,
and I felt the spirit pulsating throughout my body and mind.
I wanted to stand up and clap inappropriately, 
with tears dripping from my eyes after each talk.  I was feeling it.
After the session, my sisters, mom, girls, and I 
 went out for Thai food and ice cream.


Love these traditions we continue to carry on.  
Mostly, I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and because of Him, the ability
to change, grow, and develop into a more charitable and wise
mother, wife, and woman.

"God rewards those who earnestly see him, 
but that reward is not usually behind the first door. 
We need to keep knocking .  Sisters, don't give up.  Seek God
with all your heart.  Exercise faith.  Walk in righteousness."
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf









Thursday, September 22, 2016

Devotional

I know these leaves will be dead and crumble off their branches tomorrow, 
but bringing that fall color inside my house.
It was the best decision I've made all day.

I have been sitting at my desk for a few hours now- thinking
and gathering my thoughts.
I am giving the devotional address to the students at
I am honored that I get to share my story, and so wish to share with the students
that happiness can still be found in trials.
I will probably write and re-write my talk 
several times before I have to submit it.
So tonight, as I sit in front of my computer, 
I am relying on the Lord for inspiration,
 on what He would have me say- and I know that 
if I am prayerful, He will tell me because He loves
me, and He loves the students I am addressing. 

Mr. Nielson and I plan on taking The Little Nies to Idaho 
for the devotional, and after, we will explore Yellowstone National Park. 
 The Little Nies have never been.
We live in a beautiful part of the country, and our children need to 
see and experience it-especially in the Fall!



Wednesday, September 21, 2016

I Only Get One Chance


As I was making dinner this evening, the thought occurred to me:
I only get one shot at life.  I only get one chance.
Am I doing the most important things?
 Then I looked over at Lottie barefoot on top of the counter
 (that I had just set for dinner).
She was talking to herself and slathering butter on the tops of our straws 
pretending the straws were girls, and the butter was their long hair. 

That confirmed my answer:
Yes, Stephanie, you are doing the most important things.


I am chatting today!  Join me!




Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Sticking to my Guns

After our meager Family Home Evening tonight, 
I told the Little Nies I would take them to get ice cream.  
(Also, Mr. Nielson is at the ranch).
Well, for one thing, we couldn't agree on where 
we wanted to go get ice cream, and that caused contention. 
Then, I made an executive decision and chose 
Provo's slowest, busiest place.
Bad choice.
We persisted and waited- but the boys were losing it.
You know how little boys are; It starts with a tiny punch,
 then a few slaps, and then, before you know it, there is
 pinching and scratching followed by tears.
Just as I stood up to the line to order our ice cream,
my boys were wrestling each other in line.
I got up to the cashier, turned around, looked at the boys, and turned back 
to the young cashier and said, 
"Thank you, but I think we will go home now."
Five very unhappy children followed me out and in tears.  
As I tucked each child into bed, 
I told them all how much I loved them and then 
told them we could try getting ice cream again tomorrow.
Sometimes, I hate "sticking to my guns,"
  And I really, REALLY wanted/needed that Oreo malt tonight.




Monday, September 19, 2016

The Weekend I Took the Little Nies to Heaven.


 I took the Little Nies for a ride through 
the gorgeous Utah mountains to see fall color.
I told them to keep their "eyes peeled" (that is what my dad says)
for the most magical spot off the road where we could stop.
Once we came upon a little turnoff alongside the road,
the kids screamed for me to pull over.
I parked the car, and we jumped out and
 began exploring and hiking- it was incredible!
 I felt like my little family was in a snow globe scene-
except with beautiful fall leaves (and not snow).
Idyllic is the best word to describe the moment.

On our ride home, we listened to Claire's "Fall Mix."
Claire reminds me of myself so much when I was her age, and
every day, I am more and more convinced that if I were 14,
we would be best friends.


Happy Monday!



Friday, September 16, 2016

Weekend Plans

This weekend, I am going to:

Go for a fall drive in the mountains to see the Autumn colors
Watch the BYU football game
Put pool furniture away
Drink a Dr. Pepper
Pull out flannel sheets/comforters (It's time)
Get a few Halloween books out
RELAX
Hike
Church
Hot date (ehhhh Mr. Nielson?)
How about you?

Spiritual Enlightenment: Refuge from the Storm






Thursday, September 15, 2016

It's Friday Eve!



I have a few speaking events coming up, and today, I spent half 
of my evening preparing for them.
They are very different events, and while my story is the same 
(spoiler alert: I crash in an airplane), the messages I share are different. 
It's incredible; I still get so emotional when sharing my story. 
 I always cry.  And to be honest, I hope I always do.  
If I don't, I will worry the story isn't sacred to me anymore, and I 
am afraid I have over-told it.  I don't want that to ever happen.
Mr. Nielson and I took the girls to the bank today, where they got a debt card. 
(They are making the big bucks babysitting).
 While I stayed at home working on my talk,
Mr. Nielson took The Little Nies to Target, where 
Claire bought herself some gum and a new folder (with her new debit card).
Jane used her card to buy her favorite juice and 
bought the boys black duct tape and rope.  

I made the Little Nies tomato soup and cheese sandwiches and then 
Mr. Nielson and I slipped out to dinner together, just the two of us.
Every Thursday morning, as I drop the Nies off at school, I yell,
 "It's FRIDAY EVE!"
It makes the day seem better.
So, on behalf of me to you, Happy Friday Eve!



Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Creeping In


Fall calmly blew through my windows today.
Although it is still a little warm, I feel autumn creeping in.
The sun sits differently in the sky,
and the leaves on the mountains are vibrant with color.
I worked in my house all day, cleaning up "The Big Mess." 
and organizing cupboards and closets.
This evening, while Clane did homework at the table
Lottie read books at my feet,
and Mr. Nielson was with the boys at football practice, 
I made a big pot of garden veggie soup.
Fresh tomatoes, zucchini, squash, basil, and carrots 
filled up tummies for dinner.
My dear friend Randall gifted our family a lovely box of 
 delicious Utah peaches from his farm.  The peaches were for dessert.
I am most happy when I am in my home and 
when I am physically and mentally present.
(like NOT yesterday).
I guess I am not much of an adventurous spirit
because I am most content when I am home.
(Although home is pretty adventurous ="THE BIG MESS"!!)
Some people call me a homebody- I prefer the word homemaker.
I understand that there are seasons in my life, and
my season right now is in my home, where I can raise and rear my children.
I am grateful I can be in the home full-time.
It is where I want to be, and I am grateful that together
with Christian, we can make that possible for our family.


Come one, come all!  Chatting today!

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

The BIG Mess

Today was not my favorite day.
It started off fine but progressively got worse.
I have days like that... We all do.
I was on the phone about 50% of my morning talking
about things that were difficult for me.
I was so immersed and focused on the conversations that I pretty
much ignored and neglected Lottie, who decided to act out (probably)
and create what she calls "The Big Mess" in the living room.
"The Big Mess" is when she gets every pillow on the couch and along the 
built-in seats and throws them on the middle of the floor.
Next, she gets out all the blankets, throws them in the pile, and finally 
sprinkles in some toys, dolls, and maybe a few books.
It's horrific to clean up.
Turns out that while I was on the phone, she also created "The Big Mess." 
upstairs in the linen closet, throwing every single blanket,
 sheet, and pillow in the closet on the floor.
I am typing this at 10:00 pm, and "The Big Mess" is still "The Big Mess".  
I will have to clean it up tomorrow. 
We didn't do homework, we didn't have family scripture study this morning, 
we woke up late, and I forgot to call the elementary school Ollie 
attends to let them know he would be missing school because he is sick.

So Lottie and I went for a walk down by my childhood home where
my brother Matt lives, and we picked his cherry tomatoes
popping them into our mouths like candy.
By the way, Lottie stayed in her pajamas THE WHOLE DAY.

Hoping tomorrow, we can all make a full recovery.

Monday, September 12, 2016

It's for my Violin

Yesterday, I posted this photo on my Instagram
as part of my ongoing #afterchurchnies series.
A friend of mine texted me later that evening to 
let me know that my brother Topher, 
had written the funniest comment, which said:

@topher_clark:
"Hey quick question.  I left a shirt at your house last week.
It's blue-ish, kind of a pioneer style.
It has an enormous bow on the shoulder (it's for my violin.) 
Anyway, let me know if you find it, I only got to wear it once."

Topher usually never comments on my Instagram.  He must have really, 
and I mean, REALLY loved my shirt.



Friday, September 09, 2016

The Shower Can Wait

Sometimes, when I shower, I put a show on for Lottie to watch.
Today, she requested to watch "The Pony Movie."
AKA the fantastic cartoon Fantasia.
 It is a mythological Disney cartoon with flying ponies, 
unicorns, rainbows, flowers, and beautiful Centaurs.
I put the show on and watched about five minutes before plopping
on the couch to watch the rest with Lottie.  The shower could totally wait.
This cartoon is amazing, and I remember
being (and still thinking I might be) as obsessed with it 
when I was four, just like Lottie is now.  It's so fascinating and colorful!
Besides watching The Pony Movie this weekend, 
we will swim as much as possible.  These hot Summer days
are fleeting, and soon, the Fox Hill pool will be closed for the Winter.
Welcome Weekend!


Spiritual Enlightenment: "What's in it for Me"






Thursday, September 08, 2016

Hope is Born

While I was in Arizona last week for the BYU football game,
 my brothers Jesse, Andrew,
 and my mom wanted to see the burn center where I stayed 
for several months in a coma for burns over 83% of my body.
(Remember that? Blahhhhh).
They hadn't been back since 2008.
When we walked in through the sliding doors, they immediately began
 reminiscing about the familiar smells and sights.  
It was a little emotional for all of us.
We walked the long hallways to the very corner of the 
hospital where the Burn Center sits tucked away.
My brothers remembered the long visits and hours of waiting for 
news that sometimes was really bad.
 They talked about the hours of pacing those familiar areas, 
the crying, and the prayers offered to God to relieve their heartache.
On this hot September day,  I walked into the Burn Center 
and could walk out.
I recognize and realize that many who enter don't make it out.
It's heartbreaking. I noticed another family in the waiting room, 
and my heart hurt for them. I wanted to reach out and 
assure them that somehow everything was going to be alright.
I wanted to tell them they were in an excellent Burn Center 
with wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff.
I wanted to tell them that with God, anything is possible.
Instead, I smiled at them, hoping that if they saw me (and my scars),
I could be a physical testament that miracles
 happen here in the Burn Center. I wanted to tell them to HANG ON!
The Burn Center is a sacred holy place where hope is born
among so much disappointment, suffering, and grief.
And sometimes, it's almost like magic.


Wednesday, September 07, 2016

Pretty Art




I love this gorgeous "Good Day Print" from Robert & Stella
The gold foil print is perfect in my kitchen.


 This is happening today!  Come join me!



Tuesday, September 06, 2016

Cougs For The Win!!

We made it home late last night from our wonderful trip to Arizona.
Our main objective in the Grand Canyon state was to watch our beloved
 BYU Cougars play (and my big brother Steve coach) their first game.
It was a wonderful, intense WIN!  
We also got in some quality time with the Jones Family.
Coming home from the heat to Utah's amazing September weather is
so refreshing and wonderful!  
It's always good to be home.


PS...while emptying our suitcase I found a SCORPION
clinging to Oliver's swim shorts.
Awesome!



Friday, September 02, 2016

Beautiful Bride


Yesterday, my niece Olivia had a beautiful wedding celebration 
with her friends and family. She was a stunning bride 
in a beaded gown and a long veil, and Lottie was captivated. 
On the way home from the party, I shared with the Nies 
how much I love being married to their dad
and the happy memories of our wedding day.
They listened intently.

Today, I am packing up the car and headed to hell
Arizona, where it will be at least 106 degrees, probably, at all hours.
We are going to be cheering on the BYU Cougars, and my oldest brother 
Steve, who is the Tight Ends coach.  
I am also VERY excited to be reunited with 
Mr. Nielson, who has been at the ranch all week. Yay!


Happy Weekend (and Labor Day!)

Spiritual Enlightenment: The Eternal Family



Thursday, September 01, 2016

The Colored Parts

During a meeting with my publishers on a Summer evening in 2011, 
we discussed ideas for the cover of my memoir 'Heaven is Here'. 
I expressed my desire for the cover to resemble a 
half-finished painting, as I believed it reflected the 
incompleteness of my life and the untold stories that awaited me
especially after my accident.

I've often considered writing another book because I'm living 
my favorite parts of my story: the parts that are colored in, 
like surviving, healing, creating, mothering, loving, and celebrating. 
Someday the whole picture will be colorful and vibrant!


Happy September!



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