Sunday, January 3, 2010

Wow!!! a new year. We kicked it off by staying at the Great Wolf Lodge. It is a hotel with an indoor water park. Yep...that is how we do it here in the Northwest....indoors. It was a lot of fun. We went with Doug (Tim's brother) and family which was nice because they held Xadia some of the time so I could have a turn on the slides. McCabe and Jacinda had a blast. They were not afraid of the water at all which is a blessing and a curse. Yes it will be easier to teach them to swim but at the moment, they should not rush off into deep waters without mom or dad.

Tomorrow starts the old routine of getting the kids to school, lessons, etc... I really enjoyed the break but time must go on.

At the moment I am sitting on my bed typing this entry and Tim is talking to Xadia. She is squealing and responding to him. It is the cutest thing. I love watching Tim bond with his daughter....shoot I just love seeing the cutesy soft side of him.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Christmas is over and it was a super fantastic one. Jacinda got littiest pet shop stuff and McCabe got airplane and helicopter toys. But the best part is that we spent more on giving than on getting and it was awesome. Here is a picture of our Christmas tree. I should mention that a neighbor friend came over on the 23rd dressed as Santa. He belted out, “ho ho ho, merry Christmas,” outside the front door. The kids freaked. Jacinda said, “Santa, quick get into bed,” and ran upstairs. I told her to come back and open the door. Jacinda was giddy but McCabe was frightened. Nevertheless, Santa was great. He gave each of the kids a present and visited for a few minutes. After he left Jacinda was laughing. McCabe was still frightened. He did not warm up to Santa at all.

We also served breakfast to the missionaries. This has been our tradition for the past 3 years. We love having them come and share their stories and Christmas traditions.

Once their tummies are full, they use our phones to call their families. It works out really well. We were really grateful to have the missionaries come this particular year. When they arrived at our door, they informed us that our driveway was on fire. Sure enough it was. Tim had left a fire in our white trash fire pit to burn out. Well some of the ashes landed on our driveway grate and burned away.

Now we get to clean up the melted plastic and replace the grate (merry Christmas to us). I am just thankful that it did not cause more damage….that could had been really tragic.

Jacinda had a Christmas program at her school. She did a great job singing and performing. After the program we got to view the children’s art work. Jacinda is doing a great job staying inside the lines when coloring.

As previously mentioned, Xadia is responding to voices with smiles. Here are a few pictures of that cutie.

I also had to add a picture of her with this cute purple hat made by Tilly Glenn. Xadia got a lot of compliments and smiles when she wore that hat to the store. I love my kids.

My Week

Had a great week. Jacinda turned five Dec. 12th. We had a pony party for her. We played some pony games and then hit the pinata. The party ended with lunch and opening gifts. She got some clay, some coloring activities, a CTR necklace, and a pink camera. It has been so fun watching Jacinda take pictures. She takes them of everything....the t.v., the christmas lights, the computer screen.....you name it and she will have a picture of it.

Jacinda the birthday girl.

I can't believe all the candy these kids are getting. McCabe had a melt down in church because he could not have his treat bag. It almost got to the point where I was ready to go home and show him some tough love. I hope he does not repeat this behavior next week because I am speaking in church. It will be very difficult to parent from the podium although my mom did it once. My older siblings were rowdy in sacrament while my mom was talking...she stopped her talk and said their names over the pulpit and then gave them the stink eye. They turned stone cold. Good learning lesson thanks mom.

Tim is not going to take the job in Bend Oregon. Too many contingencies attached to up root the family and move away four hours.

Xadia is a cutie. She is sleeping five hours during the night. She also is smiling and being super cute in her responding. I am so glad she is part of the family.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Today was very enjoyable. Xadia was given a baby blessing by Tim. The blessing was very focused on finding joy in life by living the gospel. In short, it was beautiful and very centered on following Jesus Christ. Xadia slept throughout the blessing. Tim was the one who cried. He is very sensitive to the spirit and what better way to show gratitude and sincerity than by humbling oneself to tears. Xadia has been a blessing to our family. It is very hard not to evoke love around her. She is starting to show her personality by smiling when you call her name or talk to her. I can’t describe the feelings that overcome me when she responds in such a happy manner. All I can say is that she is wonderful.

Xadia's baby blessing


(Our first family picture)

McCabe is a funny little boy. He is trying so hard to be potty trained but still has accidents. He is at a fun stage in life. I love his personality. He is so spontaneous….he loves to run around in his underwear. The second he walks through the door, off come his clothes. It is nearly impossible to keep clothes on his body. He also still loves to run around saying, “hot crossed buns….I like momma’s buns.” And anything he finds gross or repulsive, he responds with a “nasty patty.” He got that saying from Spongebob Squarepants.

McCabe in his underwear.



Funny McCabe

Jacinda is getting sweeter every day. She is extremely helpful with chores, making dinner, and putting the binky in Xadia’s mouth. She will be 5 on the 12th of Dec. I can’t believe how smart she is for her age. Already she knows how to maneuver the computer to play games and find learning activities…..Oh and don’t even get me started on manners. I do want to share this quick story. This past weekend we were in Bend Oregon eating with some friends. One of our friends turns to Jacinda after taking a bite of her meal and asks her a question. Jacinda says, “You shouldn’t talk with your mouth full.” I immediately grabbed my napkin and hid my face. I was so embarrassed yet at the same time I could not stop laughing. Thank goodness our friend was really cool about the situation. What can I say, kids are so honest and make being a parent an awesome job.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

What a fun week we had. It is now rainy season here in Longview so that means a lot of indoor activities. And since the holidays are right around the corner….it was time to get out the candy thermometer. We made turtles, caramels, mints, and peanut butter fudge. We also dipped some of these yummy concoctions in chocolate. The kids helped dip one piece of candy and then they focused on licking the spoons and the bowl. It is amazing how much chocolate McCabe and get on him. He had it all over his face, arms, chest, and leg. We had a great time and now I can’t wait to give them away (the chocolates of course).

Home made turtle chocolates.

Another fun indoor activity was building forts. I think we all did this as a child. Grab some couch cushions and a blanket and voila….a perfect fort to hide in. They really love these forts. In fact, I had to lure McCabe out of his so I could get a picture. He totally reminds me of Biff’s friend on “Back to the Future,” when he wears the 3-D glasses.

McCabe sporting 3-D glasses.

Jacinda loves to jump on the blanket so the “roof” crashes in. Speaking of crashes, today was a blustery day. The wind was kicking wild. It caused a 6 hour power outage and knocked down many trees ruining part of our swing set Tim built this past summer. Fortunately that was the only damage we encountered. Our neighbor had a huge tree fall on their car and part of their house. It shattered the back window and smashed the roof of the car. The house had minor damage.

Damaged swing set.

Well it has been six weeks since Xadia arrived. I am in the routine of things; however, I still need a nap to keep me going. I love this picture of Tim, Jacinda, and Xadia because it is a true representation of being a parent. The kids are wide awake while mom or dad is dragging along. Oh to have the energy of a child.

A true parent

I love the fact that Christmas is coming. It really changes my thinking and puts me in a good mood. (I know I should be like that all the time but there is a time and a season for everyone. Maybe when I am older I will be able to sustain it for the entire year.) You all know the saying, “one good deed deserves another.” We got to put that into practice on Saturday. Tim and I had a breakfast date. While at the restaurant there was a family of four sitting in the corner. I said to Tim, “Do you want to do something fun?” His response was, “as long as you don’t embarrass me.” I laughed and informed him that I wanted to anonymously pay the tab for the family in the corner. Tim agreed and we told the waitress our plan and she helped execute it smoothly. Walking out of the restaurant I was all smiles and walking on clouds. It felt so good to secretly surprise another person in a caring fashion. I do not tell that story to brag but to let you know that kind acts inspire. This once happened to me 12 years ago at Utah State. I was eating at JB’s restaurant with Bob, my buddy (from the Best Buddies program which is befriending a handicap person) and someone anonymously paid our tab. I was so appreciative especially since I was a poor college student. I will never forget that kind act and I will let it inspire me to do good (even if it takes 12 years). So now the question is what will you do today to inspire someone?

Monday, November 9, 2009

Bright eyed Xadia!


Happy halloween with an I love you sign from Jacinda.


Bike riding in the park.

Posing for a picture at the park.

Precious little gift from God.

I love being a mom of three kids. I just accomplished my first big challenge…..going to the store with 3 kids. Sure bribery was part of the trip but I had no stray children or tantrums in the aisles! I am getting some sleep. Some nights are better than others. Xadia wakes up around 1:00 and 4:00 a.m. for feedings. She is now 4 weeks old and starting to fill out. The kids absolutely love her. They always ask to hold her or kiss her head when I am rocking her.

I almost lost my wits the other day because the kids want to help take care of Xadia. I was loading the dishwasher and Xadia was quietly resting in her swing. After a moment, I heard her fussing. To my astonishment McCabe was carrying Xadia over to me. I gasped and ran over to assist McCabe. After the incident I had a little talk with McCabe. I had to break it to him that he cannot pick up Xadia without mom’s or dad’s help. He had a melt down and started crying. Ohhhh the joys of being a mother and having a determined little helper.

I had an oncology appointment Thursday. Taking the whole family was comical especially when waiting in the exam room. The kids wanted to blow up the latex gloves, or put the colored bandages on their arms, or climb on the exam table. In short they wanted to do everything they were not supposed to do. I don’t even know why we brought coloring books for them. The doctor said everything looks good. I am 1.5 years in remission. Once I hit the 2 year mark it is very unlikely (3% chance) that the cancer will come back (YES!!).

McCabe is cracking me up! He is at a fun age. He likes to walk around the house singing, “hot crossed buns, hot crossed buns, one a penny two a penny hot crossed buns.” Every so often he will sing his own version such as… “hot crossed buns, I like momma’s buns,” and then end with a huge gut laugh. My boy is so silly. He is spending too much time around his dad. In fact he tells us he wants to go on a mission and be a “missionmary.” When asked where he wants to serve, he says, “pillapeens” (aka Philippines just like his dad).

Sunday, October 18, 2009

We have a new arrival…..Xadia Christine Fisher.





Everything went really smoothly….it only took two contractions and a few pushes and she was here. She was born, Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 11:25 am. Weighing 8 lbs 7 oz and 21.75 inches. She is a joy to have. I am not getting much sleep at the moment but it is all worth it. Her siblings are very excited to have her at the home. Jacinda is a very big help. In fact, Jacinda will want to feed her, change her diapers and hold her every chance she gets. McCabe loves being a big brother but I have to watch him closely because he doesn’t understand that Xadia is fragile (aka breakable). McCabe will shove the bottle in her mouth or try to touch her eyes when they are open.



A few people have asked how we came up with the name of Xadia. Here is the story. I chose a few names and presented them to Tim. He did not like any of them. So he came up with a list and I liked the name “Zada.” I later discovered it was Arabic meaning fortunate or lucky. I thought that was perfect because I felt extremely fortunate that I was able to have a baby considering my body went through a beating with chemo and radiation last year. However, I thought that adding the “ia” ending sounded more feminine. Tim agreed and suggested we spell it with an “X.” I was delighted that we agreed on a name. So spelling it with an “X” was fine by me.





A couple of random things that will make great memories…. Jacinda told me the other day that she wants to be a fire fighter and a barrette maker when she grows up. As for McCabe, he wants to be a mommy. Saturday morning our family went out for some exercise. I walked, Tim jogged and the kids rode their bikes. It started to rain so Jacinda stopped her bike and said a prayer that it would stop raining. She later told me and I was so pleased that she knows there is a God to whom she can talk to at any time.