Sunday, December 14, 2014

      This week has been very busy.  Jacinda celebrated her 10th birthday.  We had pizza, played games, and did jib jab.  The kids had a great time but I really think they liked playing in the ball pit the best.  I am very surprised at all of the candy she received, however, I am glad they did not get her any of the items I got her for Christmas.
     Speaking of Christmas, I got my shopping done a few weeks ago.  Amazon is amazing.....I totally love it.  Now I deal with kids changing their minds.  It seems like each week they want something different for Christmas.  It is nice they share, but nothing is changing.
      I have been busy making lots of treats for the neighborhood.  For the first time this year I made buttercream chocolates.  It was a lot of fun making different flavors such as strawberry and orange.  The only problem is that I can't keep my family from eating them.  I have learned to make the candies and then freeze them immediately until it is time to compile the plates.  People wonder how I can make the treats and not eat them.  The secret is to make so many treats you get sick of them.  So I made caramels, turtles, buttercreams, coconut mounds, truffles, and toffee.  There is so much sugar it is repulsive.
      The church has put out a great program this year, "He is the gift."  What a great way to remember a loving Heavenly Father giving us his first born son, Jesus so that we can have everlasting life.  The church has a sweet  3 minute clip worth watching to remind us that Jesus is the gift.  We had an opportunity to see over 100 nativity sets and drive around the Bountiful temple.  There is a lovely display of of Jesus' birth from Luke chapter 2.  It is a combination of scriptures and beautiful paintings.  It is a great family tradition.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

     This week is thanksgiving.  We are very excited.  Tim and I keep going back and forth between getting a turkey.  Turkeys are so big. I want to get a chicken so we don’t have a lot of left overs.  However, last year we had chicken tenderloins so I guess it is only fair I get a turkey this year.

     It snowed last night.  The kids are so excited but not as excited as my niece Katie.  She has come to live with us for the next year.  Being from San Bernardino she is not that familiar with snow so this is a new adventure for her.  

Tim has made the ultimate sled from a camper shell, two water skis and a pair of snow skis.    It is meant to be pulled by the blueberry (ATV).  I don’t know who is going to have more fun, Tim or the kids riding in the sled.

     Jacinda is loving basketball.  I can’t believe how charged I get watching them play.  They are a great team, no loses so far.  Jacinda likes to throw in the ball to start the game and also likes to take the ball down the court.  Just recently she participated in a school hoop shoot.  She got 2^nd place among the 4^th grade girls.  I hope she continues to keep up the good work.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

We had a busy weekend.  Our family got together to perform the annual leave collecting project.  It started out with the young men and young women performing this service but we joined because we had nothing else to do and also had a trailer to carry the leaves.  The sister missionaries joined us for the project.  It was tons of fun.  The younger kids had the job of crushing the leaves so we could fit as many as possible in the trailer.  They loved playing in all the leaves.  My back today is feeling the aches from raking.  As we say in my family, "it is a good kind of hurt."

A few weeks ago we went to California to celebrate grandma's 70th birthday.  It was loads of fun.  She was completely surprised.  Seven of her eight children were able to attend.  I took some pictures and made a little video of those who attended.   You can watch the video below or go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dfs65_p-AE

Sunday, October 19, 2014

It is party time at the Fisher house.  Xadia had her 5-year-old birthday party on the 11th.  It started out with decorating haunted houses then playing games, breaking the pinata, making bracelets, opening presents and eating cupcakes and ice cream.  Xadia had a great time.  She loved her party and presents.  It was a lot of fun to watch all the kids and see them play so well.  I am so glad she is with our family.  She is getting to be a lovely young lady.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

       Just got done having a birthday dinner with Mimi's family and Margaret.  It was so fun.  We had baked potatoes, chili, grapes, and cornbread.  We watched the last session of conference together.  It was a little noisy but we managed.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

        I love how beautiful September has been.  As we prepare for fall we try to fit in a few last fun activities.  This past Saturday we went to the fair.   I love going and seeing the exhibits.  It has always been inspiring to me to see what people can do at all ages.  I took the kids into the 4-H exhibit and showed them drawings, artwork, and sewing creations that people their age did.  I hope one of the kids were inspired.

      We saw goats, rabbits, cows, pigs, butterflies, and many other things.  In the pig exhibit, a bunch of kids had tied a big toy spider to a string and occasionally would let it fall from the rafters.  Teagan had a great time with the "big spider."  He kept his on that toy.  Even as we walked by he kept looking over his shoulder at it. 

     There was so much to do there.  The kids got to go on some rides.  Their favorite was the "Starship 4000."  This ride entails entering a large enclosed circle and everybody standing in their own space then it starts to spin.  The centrifugal force causes the person to stick to the wall.  No matter how hard you try, you cannot move until the ride slows to a stop.  To me it looked like a big barf trap.  I waited patiently outside for the kids to finish their ride.  Afterwards they played some games and then we went fishing in the pond.  Teagan won a fishing pole.  Jacinda caught a fish.  McCabe was in his element (all he wants to do is fish every minute of the day).  And Xadia, she was happy to be there.  It was hot so after our day at the fair we stopped a McDonald's for an ice cold soda.  Of course mom had ice water but to everyone else it was a real treat to have a soda.

      Today we took a blueberry ride up the mountain.  The leaves are starting to change colors so we went to explore the beauty.  Not too much color change for the oaks and aspens, but the maples were looking beautiful.  They were such vibrant reds and yellows.  I just love this time of year.  As we drove up the mountain it got cooler and the smell of pine and fresh wood consumed us.  It was a lot of fun.  We found a spot and had a little picnic and then went walking on the trail before it got too cold.  Then we headed down the mountain and the sunset was stunning.  We live in such a beautiful world.  I love it!

Sunday, August 3, 2014

       Jacinda is so big.  Today she got up and shared her testimony in sacrament meeting.  She helped watched the kids while I took a nap.  Did a fish bone braid for the first time in Xaida's hair and made chocolate chip cookies.  She is also becoming a great little helper for mom.  We went swimming yesterday and she took Xadia and Teagan down the yellow slide at the rec. center.  They had such a good time with her that they did not want to go down with me.  I had to take Teagan down the slide kicking and screaming. It was really embarassing.

      Yesterday we got some school supplies.  The kids got their pencil boxes, hand sanitizer, crayons, folders, glue, and everything else needed for school.  Next thing is clothes shopping.  I had the kids go through their drawers and pull out all the clothes they don't wear anymore.  Xaida became a big winner in the clothing department.  She got a lot of hand me downs and is super excited about wearing them.    

      Jacinda just finished her first week of allergy shots.  I can't believe how much her arm swells after receiving them.  But I am so thankful we are getting them done.  I can't wait to see how her allergies are come Spring 2015.  Hopefully it will have alleviated some of the pain and discomfort.
      I just uploaded another home video.  Here is the link.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueKQfUlW038

Sunday, July 20, 2014

                We had a great time in Yellowstone.  Vacationing with cousins was great for the kids.  There was never a dull moment.  We saw lots of wildlife (Elk, Bison, pronghorn deer, etc…).  We also saw some very neat natural wonders.  I loved seeing all the geysers and the beautiful colors that surrounded them due to the bacteria.  There were enormous falls (the upper and lower falls).  I think it is the upper falls that is taller than Niagara Falls.

                We rented a camper and stayed at a R.V. park.  On the way to our camping spot, we missed the turn and ended up taking the long way.  At first we were kinda bummed but then we decided to make it a day of touring.  We saw so many things that we would had missed if we did not take the longer route.  Sometimes there are good things that result from mistakes.

                On the way home our car broke down in Geneva Idaho…..about 3 hours from home and 1.5 hours from a repair shop.   Tim stayed behind and waited 8 hours for a tow truck.  We did not get home until about midnight.  The babies, Teagan and Elise, were crying the last 30 minutes of the drive.  It was so annoying and heartbreaking at the same time.  I could not hold either one.  I could only comfort them with my words and holding their hands.
                I put all of the pictures from Yellowstone on Youtube.  Here is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=einhSlIB85g

Monday, June 30, 20214

 Super fun day.  Last Saturday we went to Mantua Lake.  We spent time playing in the water and fishing.  McCabe caught a fish and was so happy.  In fact he has told me that he wants to be a fisherman when he grows up.  After the lake, we went to USU and got some ice cream.  I love the ice cream from USU....which is huge because I am not a big fan of cold sweet foods.  There is just something about the ice cream.  It is so yummy.

 McCabe holding the fish he caught.

McCabe and Jacinda at Mantua Lake.

Jacinda earned her black belt.  I am so proud of her.  She has worked really hard.  Here she is in a picture with Mr. Williams, Master Kim Sr., and Mr. Kim Jr.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

    Summer is here and we are so busy doing things like reading and math.  We want to keep those skills fresh and up-to-date.  Swimming lessons each day so that we can be safe in the water.  I don't want any more drownings.  Jacinda and McCabe are doing TaeKwonDo.  Jacinda just earned her black belt on Saturday.  She did a great job.  She had to test for 6 hours and complete a written exam.  We are also busy playing and having fun as a family.  The above picture show a Monday evening at the park where we went to play games.  It was a lot of fun especially when the sprinklers started going.  The kids were running through the water having a great time.

      Jacinda went to Pioneer Village for her last school field trip.  She and Emmett wanted to get a picture of being in jail.  They are showing their "down in the dumps" pose.  I thought it was very cute.  They did that all on their own....there was absolutely no mentioning it from me.

     Hooray for Xadia.  This is her graduation picture from her 1st year of preschool.  She went to Memory Lane and had a great time.  Staci Metcalfe is an amazing teacher and teacher of children.  It is amazing how much confidence and thirst for learning Xadia has after one year of preschool.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Had a great Sunday.  We went on a walk and caught lots of butterflies and then laid out watching the stars come out.  We had fun looking for satellites in the sky.  The kids were pointing to all the stars saying that they were satellites.  We are getting ready for school to end.  That means a busy summer with weekly activities and swimming lessons.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

I just love Mother’s Day.  This past one was not too different from my normal everyday experience, except I did lots of gifts from the family.  Tim got the kids ready for church and gave them breakfast while I got ready….alone.  That was great because Xadia and Teagan usually get in my make-up as I am trying to put it on.  I usually waste my time trying to get the cosmetics away from the kids and then wiping it off their faces.  When I walked downstairs to eat breakfast, Xadia was crying.  McCabe had tear-stained cheeks, and Jacinda’s face was all red indicating that her feelings had been hurt.  “What happened?” I asked.  “You don’t want to know,” was his response.

On the way to church I was all smiles but not Tim.  Tim looked at me and said, “You don’t even know.  I was with the kids for 20 minutes while you got ready.”  I just laughed and said, “dear, that is my normal routine everyday.  I deal with crying kids as you are off working.”  “O.k. maybe you do understand,” was his response.  Of course I do and I am glad he gets a taste of it.  It was a great start to Mother’s day.  He was beginning to understand what it is like to be a mom.

Later that day he made this comment, “to decrease the number of repeated offenders, they should make them serve time as an elementary teacher as their community service.  That would keep me on the straight path.”  It is really nice to have a husband that understands how hard a wife/mother works.  He is a good man.  He got all the girls in the family a lily and a box of chocolates.  He had McCabe give the ladies the gifts.  After I received my gifts McCabe said, “Mom, for dad’s day can you get me a box of chocolates?”  He was gearing up for his turn to receive gifts.  I loved it and of course the girls will get their brothers something for father’s day because they will be a father some day.  I have such a great family.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

      So many things have happened during the past few weeks.  Tim tore his meniscus tendon and had to get surgery.  He is recovering nicely.  He is so excited to get exercising again.  

     Jacinda, McCabe, and Xadia are gearing up for summer by doing arts and crafts and posting them on YouTube.  The first video had so much background noise, I had to narrate over the video.  These videos are intended to help create, innovate, and motivate kids.  The website is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeYO9klDEUwOJ5SI4wfn9_w/feed?view_as=public  I hope we get a lot of viewers.  If not, at least the kids will have a good time making things and we will have a video journal of the kids.
      Teagan is getting to be at that stage where all he says is, "no" or "treat."  It is very hard to reason with a 2-year-old.  Hopefully he will grow out of this stage quickly.
      As for me, I just celebrated my 6-year anniversary of no chemo.  April 30, 2008 was my last chemo treatment.  Looking back I cannot believe I had cancer.  I do not have any side effects (thank goodness) from my treatments.  Hopefully I will never had any side effects.  My biggest fear is getting a secondary cancer from the radiation treatment.  However, that will not manifest until 15-20 years down the road.  Until then I am trying to take really good of my health.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

I love the change of weather.  The sun is beautiful and the warm temperatures make if great to be outside.  I am surprised that the box elder bugs have not attacked our house with the warm temperatures.


We are almost finished with our basement. The last item is the kitchen that needs to be installed.   Jacinda and McCabe like to swing in the hammock and watch t.v.  Xadia likes to sing karaoke.  Her favorite songs are from frozen, or Roar by Katy Perry, and Brave by Sara Bareillies.  It is a riot to hear her sing and swing at the same time.  Bubba likes the ball pit and the miniature trampoline.  I like the soft carpet and Tim likes the screen.  There is something for everyone.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

     Life only gets busier with each day.  Bubba has been getting out of his crib for the past month or two.  We have reversed the lock on the door so now we can lock it from the outside.  We have only needed to use the lock about 3 times.  He is really good at going to sleep when put in his crib.  Bubba is still big into cars…..which is anything with a wheel.  He watches Mater’s Tall Tales everyday.  He is somewhat reluctant to watch anything else without a car.  When Xadia wants to watch my little pony, Teagan insists on cars instead.  He is a cute little man.  He is getting ready to turn 2 in a few weeks.  I love watching him grow.
     Xadia is in the princess stage of her life.  Anything princess or tinkerbell related automatically has an affinity to her.  She wants to be beautiful everyday.  In fact the other day she put on some make-up with my consent.  I have a very casual attitude when the kids use my make-up under my supervision.  As I ran my errands that day, I had about 3 people ask how she got her black eye.  I had to tell them that she did her own make-up.  After the explanation, they all agreed that she looked beautiful.  I love how the young can get away with so much.  But no matter what age she is, she will always be my princess.
     McCabe is a sweet sensitive boy.  I am always amazed at how caring he is.  He is always willing to share so that others feel good.  The other day Jacinda wanted to get a toblerone candy for her class auction.  However, she did not have the money so McCabe told Tim that she could have his money so that she could buy the candy.  His generosity caught us off guard and made us so pleased that as a result, Tim bought each child a toblerone candy.   I am so thankful that McCabe is sensitive to others and has the insight to help when he is able.
     Jacinda is my hard working helper.  At the moment she is focusing her efforts on getting her black belt in Tae Kwon Do.  She has been working for almost 2.5 years on this accomplishment.  She is also a big help at home.  When I am busy cleaning up a mess, she will tend Teagan or help with other tasks.  For example, McCabe needed help folding his clothes.  I had to get the kitchen cleaned so Jacinda basically folded all of McCabe’s clothes so I could finish cleaning the kitchen before company came.  I am so grateful Jacinda is here to help me.
     I love all my children.  They are at great stages in their lives.  They bring Tim and me much happiness.  Keep up the good work kiddos.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

      We have been very busy this past week.  We are finishing the basement and there is dust everywhere.  It is coming along nicely.  We are getting really excited.  Tim did a great job putting shake cedar shingles on the playhouse roof and putting up the porch light.  The kids love playing in the house and looking out the windows.  It is going to be so cute, but there is still a lot to do.

      Today is McCabe’s 7^th birthday.  We had a party for him yesterday.  We had a donut eating contest and played the balloon popping game.  McCabe likes to play this game.  Where you tie a balloon to your ankle and run around stomping on other people’s balloons.  The last two with an unpopped balloon wins.  The big hit of the party was jib jab with the kids’ faces.  They loved the sledding and the mariachi skits.  We also did a spoon water race which the kids lost interest in it really fast.  I am finding it harder and harder to entertain kids during a party the older they get.   However, at the end of the day, McCabe had a great party.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

          A new year has begun and we have a few resolutions.  We want to finish our basement and sell our Longview house.  We feel incredibly blessed to be healthy and together as a family.  I just got back from church and feel renewed.  I got to give the lesson in Relief Society on our Heavenly Father.  I have learned that his abilities are so beyond my comprehension and yet he is so loving and remains to be a glorified person who supports my well-being.  It makes me so happy to know that I do matter to him.  Being a parent does give me some insight to some God like characteristics…..I am able to create children and love them just like hour Heavenly Father and mother.  My emotions are tried at all extremes.  I rejoice with my children and I cry for my children.  It is simply quite amazing.  I am grateful for this mortal test.
        I have four children who are all so different.  My son McCabe loves to have one on one time at the end of the day.  I will lie next to him in his bed and he unloads his troubles on me.  Just the other night he told me that he was scared for his spelling test because he did not feel prepared.  I reassured him that we practiced all week and he was ready.  He also mentioned that I always yell at him or boss him around and it makes him feel like I don’t love him.  Being a concerned parent I asked him when I yelled and he said, “when you ask me to put on my pajamas.”  Sure enough I did raise my voice the third time I asked him to put on his jammies.  We had to discuss the importance of doing things the first time of being asked.  I think he understood why I raised my voice.  Now the part of I love is when he says I boss him around because I am always asking him to do chores and then he proceeds to tell me, “mom, you don’t do anything.”  My reaction was pure laughter.  It was obvious that he did not understand or appreciate all that I do for the family and the household and that was ok because he is only 6.  I hope he learns soon enough everything that I do.  Until then, we will keep having our little talks.
         Jacinda is a craft making machine.  She is currently into making snowman out of socks filled with rice.  I am currently going around and vacuuming all the rice that spills after the snowman is made.  Jacinda does a good job of trying to clean up the mess but it is ultimately left up to me.  I do love all her creativity and her willingness to teach us and others how to make them.
         Xadia loves to make tents/forts and Teagan loves to wreck them.  I cannot keep up with them.  I will carefully stand couch cushions on the floor only to have Teagan knock them over.  Xadia says, “that’s ok Bubba,” as he knocks over her fort.  She is very good with Teagan and realizing the he is just a little guy.  In fact, she will ask for an extra treat from pre-school so she can share with Teagan.  This makes me so happy that the kids think of each other.  I could not ask for better children.