Sunday, December 28, 2008

Christmas was unbelievable. We got 10 inches of snow. We could not leave our home unless there were chains on our cars. There were big beautiful snowflakes falling from the sky as we opened our presents. Tim got a Christmas village; I got a forschner knife and a beautiful temple picture. Jacinda got slippers, the elefun game, and other goodies. McCabe got a ton of cars and trucks.

It is our family tradition to feed breakfast to the missionaries in our zone Christmas morning. We had juice, cinnamon rolls, bacon, and hash browns. Again we had 6 missionaries. This bunch was a bit more reserved than last year’s guys. Nevertheless, we still had a good time and they were extremely appreciative.

Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention that I went to midnight mass with my friend Denise Nippert. I have always wanted to go and have the experience. It was really neat to see the similarities between Catholicism and the Latter Day Saint religion. I noticed a lot of overlapping beliefs but different methods of presentation (i.e. the sacrament, reciting prayers, talking and rejoicing in Christ). It was a nice experience and fun to be with a friend and not worry about kids (Tim was home watching over them).

Today was a hard day. Tim leaves early for church so I am left with the kids. I have to get them ready, feed them, and pack the diaper/activity bag. We made it to church on time, but McCabe was tired. He was a little fussy sitting in the pew. He entertained himself by throwing toy cars at the people in front of us. I quickly put an end to that activity. So he decides on doing something different like dumping out the crayons and putting the Tupperware container on his head and burst into song. By this time, our row was a mess and sacrament meeting was running over. I got him back to normal and kept him quiet for a little while. I thought he was resting on the floor. Next thing I know he had broken free and tried to run up to Tim who was on the stand. Other members tried to stop him which caused him to run in the other direction. I was mortified, my son was running around the chapel during sacrament meeting and I was trying to chase him. I finally caught him and then he lets out a big scream. I quickly took him out into the hall. I had been in the hall no more than 60 seconds when the choir went up to sing. Over the pulpit I heard the choir director ask if someone would watch McCabe so I could come back and sing with them. Tim showed up and I walked into the front of the room with about 400 eyes staring at me. I was really embarrassed, but I felt somewhat re-assured that other parents have had similar occurrences.

After sacrament meeting I dumped McCabe in Nursery. I wad so tired and I didn’t care if he cried the whole time in there. He did good. It is official, McCabe can attend nursery without crying.

I gave the lesson today in Relief Society. It was on Elder Bednar’s talk entitled “Pray Always.” There were a lot of good messages and reminders in his talk. Sometimes I feel like someone else would do a better job giving the discussion since I am not always perfect in what I am presenting. I guess that is why I encourage class participation so I can learn from others.

I am soooooo excited for 2009. In fact I was anticipating it since Dec. 31, 2007 the day I was diagnosed with cancer. This past year was really rough as you all know. I still have pain in my chest (underneath my sternum) which scares me, since the majority of the cancer grew there. I also have a little pressure at the base of my throat. I wonder if my scar tissue is growing. Jan 12th I see the oncologist and have a chest x-ray. The results should be good and show that I am still cancer free. I just want to obtain some of my goals with the least amount of pain possible. I guess I need to re-read proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Oh how I love the christmas season but it sure is busy. This past week was Jacinda's 4th birthday. She had a princess party. The party turned out to be really fun. The kids decorated crowns, wands, necklaces, went on a treasure hunt, banged up a pinata and then sang along with a princess video. Thanks to all who came and made the party so much fun. There were a lot of princesses. I also want to thank Jacinda for letting her dad and brother join in the fun. All week she kept telling me that no boys were allowed. In fact, she told her dad that he should be working during her party....well that did not happen for 2 resons. First, this was his little girl's birthday and second, he does not work on Saturdays.


Jacinda showing off her decorated crown and wand.


The princesses in their royal garb.

As christmas approaches there are santas everywhere. I love this picture of McCabe and Santa. It looks like McCabe has a thought about about pulling on santa's beard as he stares at it.



Unfortunately Jacinda does not look that excited to see santa. Don't let this fool you, she is containing her excitment for just the right moment.


Let is snow!! Yes you guess it, we got snow and the kids wanted to build a snowman. The snowman did not happen but the kids got the taste of cold out of their system. It has been about 33 degrees here during the day. (Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr)


Hooray!! Tis the season for a gingerbread house. My daughter is shirtless becasue she has an issue with being dirty. If something spills on her shirt then she needs to take it off, but she will not go upstairs to get a new shirt. So she ended up making a gingerbread house without her shirt. Now let's see what 2 kids and a daddy can do when it comes to making a sweet creation.

Well it looks pretty good, however, the back side is slanted in because McCabe was going for a candy and accidently pushed in the back side. I did not bother taking a picture of it. However, I should tell you that the roof now has a huge gap in it. I guess it slid apart during the night and then dried with a 1/2 inch gap.

Kids you did awesome!! I love your creativity. And McCabe it is ok if you licked every piece of candy before applying it to the house.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Happy birthday Natalie....my older sister.



Having fun watching Jacinda roller skating.


Jacinda striking a pose while dancing.

I am having too much fun. I love being a mom and a wife…shoot I just love being alive. I am approaching my 1 year mark of being diagnosed with cancer. I read a little story about a fellow who has experienced cancer 3 times in his life (something I wish never to have). He said that you need to look at cancer as a “detour” not a death sentence. That is a great perspective. Since going through the whole ordeal with cancer, chemo, and radiation I have definitely changed. I am a bit more daring in areas that were once lacking in self-confidence. Just this past week I auditioned for a print ad. It was exhilarating standing there trying to put the camera man’s words into a pose. I didn’t do great, but the experience was priceless. I left the building just giggling knowing that I did something I would never have done in a thousand years if I was the same person from a year ago.


A current picture of Sasha

Thanksgiving was really fun and a cold learning lesson. We spent it with Tim’s dad and fiancée in Vancouver. We decided to go to the zoo before eating the feast. After all the zoo was nearby and has free admission on Thanksgiving. I did not think that there would be a lot of people there after all it was thanksgiving and people should be with their families eating turkey. Oh I was so wrong. The parking lot was full. We drove around for minutes looking for a parking spot. Finally we found one. The kids were so excited until McCabe had to sit in the stroller….then he threw a fit (hence the picture). We decided to let him walk….yikes!! Tim and I spent 2 hours chasing after a 2 year old and constantly saying, “excuse me, I’m sorry” to the people around us. McCabe sure is fast for a little guy. After our few hours at the zoo I was frozen. I could barely move my fingers to snap my seatbelt. I almost had to take Tim’s offer to help me buckle up. Oh it was sure nice thawing on the way to Steve and Jo’s place…I am so grateful for heat.
A very unhappy McCabe at the zoo


Yeehaw...the kids riding a wood pony at the zoo.


McCabe's favorite thanksgiving food....olives on the fingers of course.

So Tim and I spent last night watching the classic eighties movie “Mr. Mom” with Michael Keaton. After being with Tim for 10 years you pick up some things from him. For instance, I notice the “oops” moments in movies (something I never noticed before). We were laughing because there are 2 moments where the editing was overlooked. One part is when Jack (Michael Keaton) just got done wrestling with the washing machine. He then comes upstairs soaking wet only to face the vacuum with a mind of its own. As he is running away from the vacuum the next shot shows him turning a corner and instantly his shirt is dry and tucked into his waistline. We were laughing at that “oops” moment. And then to add to that, just moments later the baby in the walker has chili on her forehead. Next shot no chili on her forehead and then the next shot the chili is back on her forehead. This occurs all in a matter of seconds. We were rolling with laughter. I tell ya, it is the moments like these that make these movies classics.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

I saw Twilight this past weekend with some ladies. It was a fun flick. Some of the scenes were filmed 30 minutes from the town where I live. Now that the sequel has the green light for production I think it would be a blast to be an extra in it. Unfortunately I do not look like I am in high school.....bummer.

I love that gas is just under $2.00 a gallon. Talk about making my day. Gas prices are more fickel than a woman. I should know since I am one.....a woman not a gas price.

I gave the lesson today in relifef society. It was about Pres. Monson's talk this past conference on "Finding Joy in the Journey." I loved teaching every minute of this talk because I was able to reflect on my life and see where I needed improving. I also loved hearing the comments from the other women. They have such good advice and lessons of life. The main message of the lesson is to show gratitude in word and deed for what you have and acknowledge God in everything. You have one life don't waste it lusting after things. Realize what you have and be grateful. I shared a story about my cancer. There were some positive things about having it (believe it or not). The part I shared went something like this: though I was stricken with a life threatning illness I still felt very blessed that I had hodgkins cancer....the one with the highest cure rate.

It is funny how we as mortals get stuck in thinking that life is miserable and that it would be better if I only had this or I only had that. I loved Pres. Monson's remarks and how he tells us to make the best of today by focusing on what is and not on an illusive wasteland. When we show thanks for the blessings we have, we are acknowleging the Lord's hand in our lives. I cannot add much more to that. He summed it up quite nicely.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

What can I say…..these are the days I love!! I feel very fortunate that I can stay home and raise my children. They bring much joy into mine and Tim’s lives. I am grateful that Tim is a great dad who loves to wrestle and be with the children. I am also grateful that the children have a willingness to help with the chores and are not afraid to show their silly side every once in a while.


Jacinda and McCabe clowning around.



Silly misters.....that is not a hat.



Jacinda helping with the dishes.

An incredibly precious moment that I had to snap.

To the Jones family.....here is what you requested. Smartslenderweight@yahoo.com

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Well not too much has happened this past week besides the motherly duties of loading and unloading the dishwasher 2 to 3 times a day, taking Jacinda to and from pre-school, and changing a lot of diapers. I did learn this past week that I am not very good with oil based paint. I tried painting our front door which proved to be a disastrous deed. Not only was the texture rough but the wind blew the painter’s paper on the wet paint as it was drying. Needles to say we spent our Saturday stripping off the paint and prepping it as next week’s project. Oh! I just remembered something I did that was pretty amazing, I put away the Halloween decorations and help build more shelves in the storage room. Yeah!!!! Now I have a reason to buy more stuff. Isn’t life grand?

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Well it is time to get caught up. Beware there are a lot of pictures in this post, but a lot has happened in the past 3 weeks. Let me start with halloween. I love this holiday next to the 4th of July. It is the one time of the year you can dress up and not feel like a total dweeb....anything goes. Also the kids look sooooooo adorable in their outfits.


Jacinda and McCabe just before the ward party. McCabe is a lion and Jacinda is a princess (of course).


It is a family affair. Mom and dad joined in the fun. I am a nurse and Tim is a couch potato.

Now comes the pictures from our Las Vegas Trip. My side of the family was there because my dad was getting re-married and since Tim's side lives only 3 hours away, they came for a few days. It was like a family renunion with both sides of the family.


Tarra with a glamorous pucker pose.

Richard and Roxanne having a great time playing games at Excalibur.

The Johnsons having a friendly game of horse racing. Mimi was the winner and got a big stuffed shark.

Most of the grandkids on the Nalder's side of the family.

Dad and Gigi dancing at their reception.

Dad and Gigi during their wedding ceremony. It was fun to watch them. It took me back about 10 years when I got married. They were acting like young kids in love. At the end of the night dad and Gigi drove off riding a moped with pop cans tied on the back. It was a really fun night. Lots of yummy french cuisine. (Gigi is french.)

These next pictures are the Fisher's side of the family. We did a lot of walking and got a lot of funny looks. People would try to be discrete as they pointed and said, "look at all those kids." I guess people are not use to seeing parents with more than 1 child.

Taking it to the street.

Having a good time at the pool.

Grandma Fisher with McCabe and Jacinda.

Most of the Fisher grandkids in front of the fountain at the Paris hotel.

The Fisher gang. (Whoa!!! there are a lot of kids.)

Amy, Ethan, Soli, Lance, and Cade Stubbs.

Chris, Tricia, Ben, Jake, Lizzie, Caleb, and Aiden Fisher.

This trip was a blast. Thanks to everyone for making it so memorable.

For more photos of the Fisher side go to:

http://sprintindirectsales.com/Fisher_Vegas_Trip_08.wmv

For more photos of the Nalder side go to:

http://sprintindirectsales.com/Nalder_Vegas_Trip_2008.wmv

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Growing up birthdays were never exciting or special. I lived vicariously through my friends and what their parents did for them on their birthdays. As I got older, I carried this boring birthday attitude with me. However, that all changed this year. I was so happy to get a year older and to celebrate another year on this earth.

I had a great birthday. I was really looking forward to this one considering that at one moment I thought cancer (and now the chemo) might have taken my life. Tim surprised me with a 90 minute hot stone therapy massage (yesssssss!). It was fabulous. For any of you who really want to relax that is the way to go. It is so much better than a regular massage. He also took me to the cheesecake factory for a birthday dinner and did not embarrass me by having the serving staff sing. I swear each year with him gets better and better. I got lots of phone calls, e-mails, and cards. Thanks to all of you. It is nice to be remembered and recognized.

I saw the oncologist this past week. He is very excited about my progress and good health. I had a few minor complaints about pain but he said that it is normal and that even healthy people have aches and pains (one point for Dr. Nichols). I guess I am super cautious about my body. I am learning not to be such a hypochondriac.

McCabe is learning to pray. He does such a good job at folding his arms, however, if there is a yummy piece of food he will fold one arm and eat with the other. Oh he makes me laugh. When he repeats a prayer everything is, “ma.” “Thanks for daddy,” “ma..” “Thanks for the food,” “ma..” You get the picture. One of these days I am going to record it.

Can you say “viva Las Vegas?” My dad is getting married October 26. We will be there and make that trip into a family vacation. Vegas is not my favorite place, however, I found a bunch of kid friendly activities to do there. I just hope we don’t see any smut while walking on the strip. If so, I guess it is a good time to make it into a learning experience.

Conference was great!!! The older I get the more I enjoy it. I was really touched when the children were singing during the Saturday afternoon session. I lost it as they sang “I Am a Child of God.” It made me think about my infancy state in the sight of God. Yes I think I know so much, but I am just a child when it comes to God’s knowledge. The words really touched me. I need moments like that. I also enjoyed the talk about angels sent to help us whether they be mortal or spiritual. This talk made me reflect on the moment where Christ was suffering for all the sins of the world. He was in agonizing pain and our loving Heavenly Father sends an angel to comfort him. I am grateful that God really loves us and will send us help when we need it. I am so glad that God is in charge.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Happy Birthday Mom!!! We love you.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Ok so it is time to catch up with the Fishers. It has been two weeks since my last posting. I didn't think that my weeks were that exciting or that anything new had happened.....until I looked at the pictures. McCabe has started sleeping in a toddler bed. He is very wiggly, thank goodness for a side guard. He still likes to sleep in his crib from time to time so that remains in his room also.

McCabe originally was put to bed with his head in the opposiste direction.

The kids like to help me with the chores, especially cleaning the lint screen. They have their own special way of doing it.




(monkey see, monkey do!!)

Yes my kids keep me laughing. McCabe discovered a new trick all by himself.

I pray that the pretzel never breaks.

The week ended with a little beach/camping excursion. Okay so it is only the Columbia river and not really the beach, nevertheless, we had a great time. We made ice cream and peach cobbler. (yummy!!)

Tim doing a little reading while Jacinda smiles for a quick picture.



Myself and the kids exploring and playing on the sand.


Denise and I are intrigued by a story told around the campfire.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Jacinda and McCabe eating a cookie on the deck, chatting, and looking at the birds.

I am glad this week is over for busy sake. However I had some incredible experiences. First off my kids are....well I am at a loss of words. They have this magical charisma about them that makes me constantly smile. First off, Jacinda impresses me with the things she says and what she picks up on while overhearing a conversation. She is asking a lot of questions. The other day while watching Legacy, Tim pointed out early saint missionaries. She asked, "where are there name tags?" Jacinda is much smarter than I ever expected a 3-year-old to be, and McCabe is at a wonderful stage in life. He is absorbing everything and making connections and expressing who he is. Lately he is big into saying bike ("bi") and spider ("spi"). His reactions are full of excitement and shrill (a lot like his mother).

We like to take full advantage of the good weather. One of our favorite past times is to feed the ducks at the lake. McCabe gets so excited and then overwhelmed. By the end of the feeding he is clinging to my legs trying to kick away all the ducks.





The second incredible experience this past week was realizing that I am a spiritual being having a mortal experience, not a mortal having spiritual experiences. I have heard this pearl of wisdom in the past but never really cemented it in my mind until yesterday.

So what does this pearl of wisdom mean to me? I will tell you. I will go through this life encountering social pressures, physical ailments, financial ups and downs and other occurrences that will try to throw my character. However one fact remains, I was a spirit before this life and when I die that same spirit will separate from my body and continue to live on with other spirits. Having this knowledge makes me realize that there needs to be a strong emphasis on developing, cultivating, and perfecting the spirit rather than mortal issues. Yes I believe there should be a fine balance of living in the world also, but sometimes too much emphasis is placed on being of the world (i.e. having a fast car, being beautiful, making lots of money, etc…). I am grateful for the perspective of being a spiritual daughter and recognizing that the “work and the glory (of God) is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Moses 1:39

I must never forget that I am a child of God!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

This past week was busy. First off, Jacinda burned her chin on a tray of rolls. She was so curious to see them but got too close. Well it is nothing a band-aid can't fix right? Then McCabe accidentally head butts her in the nose. There was no blood just pain. Once again it is something a band-aid can fix. So after applying the band-aids I had to get a picture. I am surprised I could hold the camera still while laughing.


(Future beauty queen here!!)



Jacinda also had her first day of pre-school this past week. She loves school. The first picture is her before school; the second picture is Jacinda displaying her hat she made in school. I hope she never loses her zest for learning. She is still asking for homework. At the moment, she is learning her letters. I hope she can spell her name by the end of the school year. I don't think this is a huge expectation right? You seasoned parents will need to let me know.

One item I should mention, Jacinda does not have separation issues. She went like a champ to pre-school that first day. Now McCabe, we are working with him. Though he is only 19 months nursery is a little tough for him. He cries every time the door opens and closes. He also gets so tired even though he takes a 2 hour nap before church. I don't know how long this will last but I know it will end all too soon.




Today was a special day. Tim was ordained a high priest by Dennis Barkley (next to Tim in the picture) and set apart as second counselor to the bishop. I am very proud of him. He is a hard worker yet is well balanced with a great personality (fantastic features) and an incredible amount of spirituality. He is going to do a fantastic job.

I learned how to can this past week and I love it. My first project was peaches. It was so exciting. (Pretty sad when canning gets me enthused.) I am canning raspberry jam Thursday and hopefully get to do apple pie filling over the weekend. Canning rocks and it is the season. I guess I have the domestic bug!!