Birthday Party Pictures...Long Overdue

I promised you all pictures of the birthday party and FINALLY, here they are!!! As you could tell from the invitation I posted earlier, there wasn't much a theme really. I mainly just stuck with the color scheme and polka-dot theory and went with that. All in all, it was a great day! We had to push her party back to 3:00 to allow for some out-of-towners to make it and quite honestly, I was glad because it gave me more time to prepare.

We were blessed by the appearances of Nana & Papa Mundt, Nana & Papa Nielson, Great-Aunt Marie, Uncle Brad, Uncle Dave & Aunt Brandy, Jaycee & Jake, Wendy Kaschmitter and three of her kids, Ellie, Thomas and Sara, and Alaina, Tristan & Natalie Simons. After the party, my parents, two brothers, sister-in-law and my niece and her boyfriend all stayed and we ordered Fazzaris pizza and the UFC match on Pay Per View. It was a great get together!!

I would like to thank everyone who came and those who sent cards and well-wishes along. I still can't believe she's a year old but I guess I'll have to get used to it. Until next year everyone...

For My Little Birthday Girl

Wow, what an incredibly FAST year we have had. I honestly can't believe that my baby girl is one today. I have been sooo close to crying today that I'm not sure I'm even going to make it through this post. If only they could stay this little forever.

On Friday, November 16th, I went in for my 39 week appointment. My family had been struggling for quite a while with my Grandfather's health and several other issues that I asked my doctor if she wouldn't mind inducing me so that I could be with them just in case something happened and, I didn't want to eat Thanksgiving dinner in the hospital...Kierra was due on Black Friday of 2007. Anyway, my doctor told me that I was able for induction being at 39 weeks and she was scheduled to be on-call the following day and I could do it then if I wanted. I was so incredibly excited...until I got home and then the nervousness sunk in. This would be my first induction. Brad and I weighed our options and talked about everything. We liked that we would be able to get our house in order, get someone to watch the kids, call in for Brad's time off from work and be completely rested before the BIG arrival and so, we called the doctor and scheduled the appointment for the following morning, November 17th at 6:00am. Beforehand, the doctor had given me all the possible details, including the fact that I might not start pushing for 12 hours after the administering of the medication...but, oh well I thought. We called all our family members, made the arrangements for the other two kids, cleaned the house, packed our bags, called and told work and then settled in for a very needed yet uneasy night of sleep.

I'll spare you all of the "hospital" details but, we were finally blessed with the fifth member of our family, Kierra Lee Nielson, at 3:29pm on November 17, 2007. She weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs 1.5 oz and was 21" long.

She was soooo adorable, of course, which newborn baby's mother doesn't think that?? Right away, she was a mellow baby and yes, she even slept through the night the first night in the hospital!!! We couldn't believe it...unfortunately, that trait did not last very long. She has since been our mellow child, and people are honestly shocked if they ever hear her cry. Let me reassure all of you folks though, she does have a good set of lungs on her! We've been through so much with her the past year and rather than bore you with the "in-type" version, we'll guide you through it in pictures.

Those pictures pretty much get you caught up to the date I started my blog. I may have some more but would have to search through my box of CDs in order to find all of them. I'll post Birthday party pictures on another post. Well, I guess there is just one more thing to say...

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!!!

Where has the time gone...

It's hard to believe that in just two short days time, our little Kierra will be turning one!!! This year has flown by and honestly, I'm not ready for Monday to come. To me, she only feels 6 months old!! Anyway, today we are having her birthday party. I'll post more pictures from today on Monday but I thought I'd show you all the invitation for today's bash!! I was searching through blogs one day out of complete boredom and found this as the invitation for her daughter's first birthday. Since I didn't have a theme in mind, I decided to "steal" hers and viola, the party started taking shape. I had to recreate the invitation in Photoshop so it is a little different than the one I found but I still love it!! Well, look for more updates on Monday!!

Eight Years Ago Today...

Eight years ago today, Bradley and I were married. It was a very blessed and beautiful day. It's hard to believe it's been that long but look at how many changes our little family has gone through. I'm not sure how many people read this but I would like to thank each and every person who was a part of our special day, especially my parents for making it happen.

Mr. & Mrs. Bradley N. Nielson

Our First Kiss

Our Wedding Party

Maid-of-Honor

Dawn Allen, friend of the bride

Bridesmaid

Brandy Garrett, sister-in-law of the bride

Bridesmaid

Liesbeth Garrett, friend of the bride

Bridesmaid

Jodi Nielson, sister of the groom

Junior Bridesmaid

Jaycee Garrett, niece of the bride

Flower Girl

Shaundee Garrett, niece of the bride

Best Man

Korry Nielson, brother of the groom

Groomsman

Kasey Nielson, brother of the groom

Groomsman

Pat Laney, friend of the groom

Groomsman

Brad Mundt, brother of the bride

Ring Bearer

Christopher Garrett, friend of the bride

Pianist

Marsha Lance, friend of the bride

Vocalist

Jaycee Garrett, niece of the bride

Miss Kierra & the Blue Stamper

One of the downfalls of having a wonderful Halloween Bash which gives kids the choice of many different prizes (this was after we wiped her down a bit)...

The product of a mini blue stamper & Kierra's ever-loving "hand-to-mouth" motion!

Halloween 2008

Witches, goblins, ghosts and more...

Left us with candy galore!!!

This was Kierra's first Halloween and we had a blast!!! Not only that wonderful milestone but also, Jordyn did not dress up as a princess this year, talk about drastic changes in the Nielson household!

Our Halloween started on Thursday the 30th with the Halloween Bash at the kids' school. This is done every year and it is fantabulous!!! The gym is open for a two hour block and it offers so very much. Kids of all ages as well as parents and this year, grandparents (wink, wink) dress up and celebrate. You buy tickets at the door at a wonderful 5 for $1.00 price (proceeds went to the youth group) and scattered all over the gym are games for the kids to play. You receive prizes for participation and even better prizes if you succeed at the game's purpose. There is also a cake walk. Father Tom is a very talented man. He once worked in a flower shop with I believe a family member and he learned to make gorgeous gift baskets, flower arrangements and somewhere along the line, picked up baking and decorating cakes and such. I guess when you plan to live your life in celibacy, you have to know how to feed yourself and why not go all out. Anyway, there is a cake walk at this Halloween Bash and Father Tom makes all the cakes for the prizes. The first year we went he had a cupcake walk and there were over 100 fanciful decorated cupcakes to give out...they were amazing. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of that.

After about an hour into the party, Trunk-or-Treat starts in the parking lot. Parents pull their vehicles into the parking lot, decorate them up (there is a contest) and then distribute goodies to the "trunk-or-treaters". It really is nice not having to trudge door-to-door on an incredibly packed street. This year, they had a costume contest and Little Miss Kierra won her age group...when you see the pictures, you'll see why. My mom and I dressed up this year when we took the kids. She was St. Rita (fitting since she is named Rita) and I dressed up as a witch or according to some, dressed down...either way, it was fun!!

Halloween night, Brad and I took the kids to downtown Clarkston to go to the area businesses and scavenge for candy. They block off all of 6th Street and you just have a great time going from one place to the next in search of the mother load. We were about 3/4 of the way done and it started down pouring but that left us with a beautiful rainbow to enjoy! We decided we had had enough and spent the rest of the night seeing my Aunt and Brad's parents. All in all, it was a very fun holiday. So, without much further ado, I give to you our crazy bunch...

Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Sale

Hello everyone! It's that time of year for us...you know, the never-ending fundraisers!! We started our Cookie Dough Sale today and order forms and money are due November 4th. This fundraiser is going towards Holy Family School's general fund which helps pay teacher salaries, buy supplies and help with other bills the school has.

We are offering the "Original" gourmet cookie dough and other outstanding delectables from Otis Spunkmeyer and Red Apple fundraising families. The Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough comes pre-formed for your convenience and packaged in a resealable tub. All Otis Spunkmeyer products may be kept frozen for up to 12 months.

The ease of preparation makes these perfect for afternoon snacks, holidays and just when you need a little bit of comfort. There are 12 irresistible flavors to choose from and each tub makes about 36 delicious cookies however, I have known people to cut them in half and therefore make 72. We are also offering thaw and serve brownies and gourmet pretzels. Each tub is $15.00.

CHOCOLATE CHIP

Loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips

PEANUT BUTTER

Creamy smooth peanut butter for a moist, chewy cookie

WHITE CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA NUT

Macadamia nuts and white chocolate chips

CARNIVAL

Our signature chocolate chip cookie with milk chocolate candy coated pieces

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

A unique blend of strawberries, cranberries and white confectionery chips

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE CHUNK

Milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chunks and white chocolate chips

BUTTER SUGAR

Sweet creamy butter makes this a classic

CRANBERRY OATMEAL

Plump, juicy cranberry bits with chewy oatmeal, sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon

WHOLE GRAIN CHOCOLATE CHIP

Less than 30% calories from fat, less than 10% calories from saturated fat & less than 30% sugar

OATMEAL RAISIN

Bursting with plump juicy raisins

NEW CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHIP

A chewy chocolate cookie mixed with mounds of white and semi-sweet chocolate chunks

NEW CHOCOLATE & PINK

Chocolate cookie loaded with pink candy-coated chocolate pieces.

Purchases of this cookie help to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

ORIGINAL BROWNIE

These fudgy, dense chocolate brownies are topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Specialty chips are melted throughout the batter to create an extra-moist brownie. Comes frozen, just thaw and serve!

GOURMET PRETZELS

Comes frozen with salt and cinnamon packets. Just bake & serve. Makes 12!

You may purchase any of these items through me by sending me a message or giving me a call. All money must be submitted to be so that I may have it it to the school no later than November 4th. If you are interested in purchasing on-line, that is also available. To order online, follow these simple directions in order to credit Holy Family with your purchase...

ON-LINE SHOPPING

Please click Here to purchase items that contribute to our fund raising efforts.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP!

You're Invited!!!

Please join me at my Josie~Girl Bowtique bow party.

Josie~Girl Bowtique specializes in custom handmade hairbows and accessories. At my party, you can shop from a huge selection of pre-made hair barrettes, boutique quality hairbows, headbands and other accessories for girls of all ages.

I encourage you to bring outfits to match-up with the hairbows and accessories that will be on hand. If a pre-made bow or barrette is not available, we can create a custom order just for you at the same price.

Please join my friends and I, for a fun time of mixing and matching ribbons and bows for that special girl in your life. Bows and barrettes can be purchased on-site and customorders will be handmade and delivered or shipped to you in 3 weeks or less.

Check out the josie~girl Bowtique website and blog for information on styles, colors, ribbons and upcoming events. For those of you who live out-of-town and cannot attend but would still like to purchase items, let me know and we'll get you accomodated!!!

http://www.josiegirlbowtique.etsy.com

http://www.josiegirlbowtique.blogspot.com

Looking forward to seeing you!

Date: October 25, 2008

Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Place: 1548 5th Street; Clarkston, WA

Hostess: Brandi Nielson

RSVP Please: 509-758-2676

Don’t forget to bring a friend or neighbor!!!

Holy Family Annual Bazaar & Turkey Dinner

It's that time of year again. Get ready for this year's Bazaar and Turkey Dinner for Holy Family School & Parish. Come enjoy the best turkey dinner in the valley, stick around for the wonderful raffle drawings and don't forget the Game Rooms including the cake walk sponsored by the PTA.
So come join us for good eats, good fun & great company, October 26th from 11am-5pm in the Holy Family School Gym.

For those of you who aren't aware of how the Bazaar raffle works, here you go. Each ticket is $1 and puts you in the drawing to win one of 27 grand prizes!! For those of you who live out of town, winner need not be present to win! The drawing will be held following the turkey dinner around 5:15pm. Anyone interested in purchasing a ticket, please let me know. If out-of-towners would like to purchase them, simply tell me how many you would like, I will tell you your ticket stub numbers, mail me your money and I'll return your stubs to you. It's simple, easy and is supporting a good cause!

Here is the list of the 27 grand prizes....trust me folks, these are GREAT!!!

1. $2,500 CASH
2. A PIZZA A MONTH FOR A YEAR FROM FAZZARI'S FINEST
3. $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM FUCHS FLOWERS
4. $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM SCHURMAN'S HARDWARE
5. GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR PENDLETON THROW FROM LEE MORRIS COMPANY
6. $500 GROCERY CERTIFICATE TO CLARKSTON HEIGHTS FOOD CITY
7. QUILT STAND AND AFGHAN
8. $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM HAY'S PRODUCE
9. $400 CASH
10. AFGHAN
11. $25 SAVINGS ACCOUNT FROM THE LEWISTON CATHOLIC CREDIT UNION
12. $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM CLARKSTON HEIGHTS FOOD CITY
13. $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM RICK'S FAMILY FOODS
14. $300 GIFT CARD FROM HOME DEPOT
15. $100 CASH
16. $ALL SPORTS SEASON PASS FROM LCSC
17. $300 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM SKELTON'S CARPET ONE
18. 20#'s SAUSAGE
19. $100 CASH
20. $100 CERTIFICATE FOR SCRIP (If you would like to know more about this, email me)
21. $200 GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR HAY'S PRODUCE
22. $400 GAS CARD
23. $100 CASH
24. $250 CASH
25. $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM EARLY BIRD SUPPLY
26. $125 GAS CARD
27. $150 CASH

Remember, if any of you are interested in attending or purchasing tickets, please let me know. Admission for the dinner is $9 for adults, $5 for grades K-8 and Pre-school age and younger are free.

For those of you wondering what SCRIP is, this is a WONDERFUL fundraising program which costs you no more out of pocket than you would normally spend on everyday purchases such as groceries and gas. In cooperation with hundred's of nationwide businesses, the SCRIP program allows you the opportunity to purchase gift cards from these businesses and they donate a percentage of your purchase to our school. For example, when I am heading to Albertson's to buy groceries, I pick up a $100 Gift Card from the school for $100 and then Albertson's donates 4% of that back to Holy Family. This is incredibly easy to do and also think about your Christmas list this year!! Gift cards make great stocking stuffers so why not give back to our school when you purchase them!! For anyone interested, let me know and I will send you more information.

Thanks to each and every one of you! It's with your support that we are able to keep this wonderful learning environment open for our children.

Kierra's First Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Where we live, we are fortunate enough to have a nearby produce farm. Every fall, they open their pumpkin patch to the public and invite all to share in a wonderful opening day of celebrations, fun and games. This year, we skipped all the busy times and opted to go for a little quiet time since it was Kierra's first trip. It was nice since besides one other family, we were the only people there. The kids had a blast in the "straw" fort and they absolutely LOVE picking out the largest pumpkins they can find and of course, who can go to the pumpkin patch without grabbing a nice cup of their own freshly-made apple cider??? It was a wonderful family afternoon. I've posted some wonderful pictures of the event as Kierra was happy as can be with all the new things to discover. Happy Fall everyone!!

WILSON-BANNER RANCH

OCTOBER 12, 2008