1st Sunday of the Month FHE is now PIE

My friend Amy posted her new family tradition for Family Home Evening, she is doing this on the 1st of the month. I just absolutely LOVE it, we will be starting it next Monday and I wanted to pass the idea on as I know there are others of you out there that will LOVE it too!

Here is Amy's new tradion and now mine too (Thanks so much for the idea Amy!)

PIE stands for Priesthood Interview Evening.
Your night starts the same with prayer, song and family business. But then each member of the family including mom gets an interview with dad. Mom entertains the kids while others are being interviewed. While mom interviews (last) the children eat the PIE (yes literally what would a PIE night be without a pie?) The children's time with dad consists of talking about "where they're at, who they are, and what they'd like to work on, and building their testimony of how important it is to hold the priesthood." Mom's time with dad includes "talking about the boys and about what we both need to do to make our home a better place for raising them."

And think of the lovely pies you could make. Make choc. chip cookie batter and cook in a pie plate and serve with vin. ice cream, gooey pecan pie - I love mine with hot fudge drizzed on top, coconut with tons of cream, and the list goes on and on... parfaits count too ~ per Amy :)

*****(Amy and I just have boys for now but I would def. add your girls to the interview too. Just think of all the special memories they will have of meeting with their dads and talking.)

What did I do today????

Hmmm....
Stayed in bed until the last possible second.
Got Nic to a Deacons Activity for 8am with Justin in tow.
Stopped at the grocery store to get a pair of stylish purple gloves to wash dishes with.
Stopped at Jack in the Box for breakfast with Justin.
Drove by the in-laws to check the house - realized 2 things - 1. I forgot the key and garage door opener to get in and 2. I really need to go weed and trim trees again.
Took Justin to swim lessons.
Went home.
Pooper scooped the yard with Justin "trying" to be oh so helpful!
Pulled weeds in the backyard.
Eduprize called and informed me Justin was off the wait list and I could come in Monday to fill out paperwork so he could start Kindergarten the end of July there. Woo Hoo!!!!
Trimmed the bushes in the front yard.
Nic called to go pick him up - so I had to put all trimming equipment away and go.
Home again.
Set up Justin's water table and rebrought all trimming equipment out. Finished trimming and picking up with Nic's help.
Put all trimming equipment plus weed killer in vehicle to bring to the in-laws house tomorrow after swim.
Tried to figure out some scout stuff for Nic.
Called husband and asked if he minded pizza - heck it is a load day on my diet so I should eat greasy slimy cheesy pizza right and heck - I'm kinda tired!
Gave Justin a bath.
Sent Nic off to scouts.
Am now waiting for husband so we can eat and send Mr. Justin to bed cause he is very cranky and tired!
So are you jealous yet of my super duper exciting life?

Our 5 year old...

Yummy cake that turned us totally BLUE!

Our Own Bumblebee

Justin wanted this for his bday so badly. It is the bumblee head from Transformers and it talks and changes Justin's voice when he talks. Way cool!

Happy 5th Birthday Justin!

5 years ago today at 1:10 in the afternoon (CT Time) you were born! You were gorgeous with a little dark hair and beautiful blue eyes and you had 10 fingers, 10 toes and the cutest roundest head ever. You were 19 and 1/2 inches and 6lbs 4 oz. When you came home from the hospital you had lost a little bit and were 5lbs 9oz. You were such a tiny peanut!

I went in for a scheduled amnio to see if your lungs were developed. (I had gestional diabetes and they wanted you out 2 weeks early if possible. They had me terrified of giving birth to a 10 pounder and that they would have to break your shoulders to get you out!) If your lungs were developed we would come back the next morning for induction.

Well... things did not go as planned. The needle went somewhere it wasn't suppose to, blood came up the needle and they lost your heartbeat. From there it went to pure craziness as I was rushed into a c-section to get you out. I was terrified! During the amnio I was so scared of the needle that I left a bite mark in my hand from trying to stay so still and not to cry. Now they were going to cut me open - oh boy was I scared!!! Then the anesthesia made me feel like I was going to throw-up - I so don't do anesthesia well. I kept screaming "Oh the Pressure" even after they had you out - Daddy thought that was pretty funny! Daddy was able to be with me during the c-section and was the first to hold you right after you were born.

Only 1 other thing scary happened in the hospital. My IV "broke" and blood started to come out of it. I looked down and was covered in blood and started screaming which then scared daddy who went into the hallway and started bellowing for a nurse. Did I mention me and needles and blood - so don't do them well...Anyway they got that fixed and the bed changed and I got fresh clothes and all was well.

Daddy slept at the hospital every night with you and mommy. He was so excited to learn how to take care of you! He changed everyone of your diapers at the hosptial so mommy could rest. Daddy even wanted to learn how to give you a bath and took you to the class they gave in the hospital - and he was the only man there.

After you were born we called everyone with our exciting news and Grandma and Grandpa got Nic from school and brought him up to the hospital to see beautiful you. He came in sporting an I'm the big brother t-shirt with a beautiful Build a Bear that he had stuffed with tons of love just for you! He was so excited and proud to be a big brother! He loves you so much!

We had lots of visitors come to the hospital to meet you and to give you lots and lots of LOVE! Aunts and Uncles and Granparents and Friends and cousin Sebastian.

Justin your first name was given to you because daddy and I both loved it and your middle name, Alexander, was given to you because that is daddy's middle name too. Not too long ago we also learned that Justin was your great-grandfather's name on Daddy's side and your Uncle Billy's middle name - he was named for his dad. We were so excited that a name we loved carried such ancestry.

Justin, I hope you always feel how much you are loved by so many people! Daddy and I are so happy that you chose us to be your earthly mom and dad and we are so blessed to have you as our son!

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Growing Up...

Sometimes it sneaks up and surprises me.

My Nic is growing up into quite a young man.

Last night he led FHE. He started with assigning tasks. He led the song - and as we only have 1 book he conducted and sung all by himself, he had me say opening prayer and we went through this weeks schedule. Then he gave a lesson he put together from reading For the Strength of Youth. Then came closing prayer and song.

His maturity and wisdom in the lesson made me so proud of him! What a great example he was for his brother and for me.

Swim lessons

Justin has 3 weeks of swim lessons starting today! He is so excited that our friend Stacey is his swim teacher. Nic and his friend Wes were swimming in our community pool last week and Justin so tried to keep up with the boys - who are 9 years older than him! Hopefully these lessons will give him a fighting chance :)!

Scout Camp

Nic left for scout camp this morning, he is gone until Sat afternoon. Hopefully he will have a blast and earn some badges. He is going with a ton of camp gear, including a huge bag of snacks so he "doesn't starve to death if he doesn't like the food!"

Justin already misses him and is quite concerned that Nic makes it back for his big day - his brithday is the 10th!

Nic Graduated 8th Grade

Nic graduated 8th grade on May 24th. They had a nice ceremony at the new high school he will be going to next year. I can't believe he is going into high school next year. He is growing up so fast!

Nicholas

Yesterday Nic got in the car at school beaming and read me a letter that started with:

Congratulations! Your child has been selected to participate in the schools Peer Mediation Program at JO Combs High School. This program will allow specially selected students to train as Mediators, who will then help other students find positive ways to solve disagreements.

They called the kids to the office and told them they had been selected by their teachers due to academics, attitude and other attributes.

Nic was so excited! He said, "I guess it does pay off to be a good person and get good grades!" Yes Nic, it certainly does! We are so proud of YOU!!

(And he didn't even have 1 grumble about attending 3 days of training in July over vacation.)

Swimming...

We have discovered our pool!

The community pool is now open and being maintained 2x a week. They cleaned it and shocked it and it is as clear as it can be (AZ dust cover everything when it is windy).

I went last night with both boys and this morning with Justin while Nic was at school. He had so much fun and it is getting rid of a little of his energy - it is triple digits and it is hard to run off energy inside and it is way too hot outside!

Mother's Day

I LOVE being a mom - at least most days! :)

This is why I am the luckiest mom:

* I have 2 boys that love each other and are each other's best friends even though they are 9 years apart (at least most of the time.)

* My 2 boys love me, Nic will still even give me a hug at 13 - not in front of people though. Justin gives hugs and kisses All the time still - he's still 4!

* Because Heavenly Father trusted me to love and help raise 2 of his beautiful sons.

* I get to stay home (thanks to my husband) and be there for them 24 hours a day. They know if they need something I am always there.

* Because I have a wonderful husband by my side to help raise our 2 boys.

But most of all I am so lucky that I get to do all the little things that count so very much!
I get to sooth tears, put bandaids on skinned knees and pretend boo boos, pray with and for my boys, give advise, advocate, snuggle into bed, listen, give hugs, hold hands, make lunches, bake cookies, giggle over something silly, play dart tag, teach how to pillow fight, go to the park, text message my teen silly stuff, and tell them both I love them.

Being a mom is the best job on earth!

We are home

We are back from CT.
It was a trip filled with so much sadness.
We miss Doug so very much!

Alex was a pallbearer and Nic was an Honorary one with his cousin Cody and Doug's Son Sebastian. The boys led the way in and out of church.

The hope was that Doug would be able to drive in his truck 1 last time from the church to the cemetary but the casket wouldn't slide on the lined truck bed with the wheels so instead Alex drove Doug's wife Christina, son Sebastian, our Nic and Cody. Tears were brought to many a eye as Dougs Dodge Monster Diesel Truck came into the church parking lot and led our way to the cemetary. Doug really loved that truck!

Alex is OK - but very very sad. I think he is still processing. Nic broke down walking out of the church and at the cemetary but seems ok now. Justin in all his innocense is doing good. He drew a picture to go with Uncle Dougie to Heaven which I know Doug loves. He just is completely at peace that Uncle Dougie is in Heaven with Jesus and is now his guardian angel. He is also knows that he will see Uncle Doug when he goes to heaven and is so peaceful with it. What a joy my littlest can be! I am sad, sometimes it is hard to understand when someone is so... young - 34. Heavenly Father I know needed him but I wish we could have had him here longer.

We were at fast pace in CT. The funeral was Tuesday and Tuesday night we boarded a plane and arrived back in AZ at 11pm and poor Alex was at work by 9am Weds. Hopefully this weekend we will have some quiet time.

Christina and Sebastian will be in our prayers daily and we hope to have them out to visit maybe this summer if they feel up to it. We love them both very much.

Uncle Doug...
Was so funny and always cracking jokes.
Loved being a mechanic.
Loved his pride and joy "monster truck" - as Justin would call it.
Loved Sebastian and Christina so... much!
Was always fixing someones car.
Was always there to help whenever needed.
Always helped his parents.
When Alex was sick he and Christina and Sebastian were on a plane as soon as I called!
Was the most awesomest brother to Alex.
Was Alex's best friend.
Was just about Alex's twin in looks, temperment and personality. They even shared December as their birthday month.
Was the best uncle ever.
I've always wanted a brother all my life and he was an awesome one. Even though he loved to pick on me :)!
Was best man at our wedding and Alex was his best man. They really were each other's Best!

We love Doug so much and we know he is watching over us and we will see him again in Heaven.

Douglas W. Fisher
Date of death: April 30, 2009
Winsted: Douglas W. Fisher, 34, died unexpectedly Thursday, April 30, 2009 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington. He was the husband of Christina (Oldfield) Fisher. Born in Torrington, December17, 1974, He was a son of Bruce S. and Geri (Severni) Fisher. He was a 1995 graduate of the Porter & Chester Institute in Watertown and had been an auto tech mechanic for Mitchell Dodge. In addition to his wife of 5 years and his parents of Winchester, he is survived by a son, Sebastian Duffy; his paternal grandmother, Florence Fisher of Avon; three brothers, Bruce E. Fisher and his wife Paula Giorgio of Simsbury, Christopher Fisher of Waterbury and John "Alex" Fisher and his wife Kristi of Florence, AZ; a sister, Jen Merriam and her husband John of Winsted; Mother in law and father in law, Nancy & John Stoughtenger; Sisters in law, Sarah Doherty and Melissa Oldfield; brother in law Edward Oldfield and his wife Jennifer; 14 nieces & nephews, several aunts, uncles, cousins and his beloved dog "Jack". He was predeceased by a brother, Michael Fisher. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at the Church of St. Ann in Avon, CT. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery. Friends may call at the Maloney Funeral Home 55 Walnut Street, Winsted on Monday, 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Douglas Fisher Memorial Fund C/O Webster Bank 200 New Hartford Road, Winsted, CT 06098.

Uncle Dougie

Alex's brother Doug was called home to our Heavenly Father this morning. He was 34 years old and very unexpectedly and peacefully passed away. We are headed to CT to be with Alex's family and Doug's wife Christina and son Sebastian. We will miss Doug and "Uncle Dougie" very much!

But as Justin reminded his daddy, Uncle Dougie is now our angel looking after us and we will see him again in Heaven.

Spanish

Yup, I still hate Spanish.

Nic received a project Monday. It is due next Monday. Tomorrow, Wednesday a rough draft of the project is due. It needs to be a 5 minute presentation on Colombia - the country he pulled out of the bag. Did I mention it needs to be written AND Presented in SPANISH and has to be at least 5 minutes LONG!!!

He worked Monday night pulling data. He worked until 11:30 tonight on organizing, writing in English and then translating. He has 8 pages of a rough draft written.

He wants to do a Power Point Presentation to go with it, so he doesn't have to memorize the entire presentation he can have some of it on Power Point - kinda smart but this is crazy!

Rite of Passage

Is cutting your hair or someone elses a rite of passage for kids?

Today Justin wanted to spike his hair. After working on it for about an hour with a comb and water his bathroom was soaked and he was frustrated. I reassured him that it was okay that his hair was too long and he just needed a haircut.

Wrong words...

He wants to go get a haircut NOW. I say no not now later. I go on the computer and think he is playing quietly somewhere. I get off the computer and notice something strange on the floor. Strangly it appears to be hair. "Justin did you cut your hair", I ask. "No!" he yells from upstairs. I check my scissors they are all in the drawer - wierd I think.

At lunch a little later I look up from eating and notice the bald patch at the top of his head. AHHHH!!! I ask, "what did you do! You're BALD." He says that is ok daddy has a bald spot too. (Daddy got his head shaved almost bald on Friday.) So now we talk about how he could cut himself and stitches and Dr.'s etc. I don't really think he cared too much.

Now he really does need a hair cut!

Saturday...

So Saturday was my new birthday. What did you do you might ask...

Cleaned the garage!!!

But really it was ok. The garage has been a sense of anxiety for me. Everytime we go to clean it something comes up but not this Saturday, no sir!

We put together workbenches - we do still have to hang up peg board... We hung stuff up and organized bikes. It was wonderful!

It still looks cluttered, but as soon as we get our backyard done it will free up lots of room where the outdoor furniture is.

We had about 5 people stop and ask if we were having a tag sale and when told we were just cleaning the garage 2 said ok and walked away, 2 got annoyed and showed ATTITUDE and 1 offered to buy something anyway. Crazy!

We did manage to get cleaned up after about 7 hours of work and go out to dinner with the boys.

I'm blaming it on being blonde...

So this morning I went to the Tahoe to bring Nic to school and the alarm went off. I push the key fob and it continues to sound as if the entire Pinal County Sheriff's Office is driving down my street.

I decide to key into the car and turn it on, now what happens in the midst of this ear deafening noice ~ the Tahoe is dead, won't turn over completely dead.

Meanwhile I am thinking what am I going to do, Nic has 2 tests today and Justin and I have a date to register him for Kindergarten.

Panic is now setting in, I am on the verge of tears and I am now stamping my feet yelling at the Tahoe to shut-up.(Yes I did do this literally)

An idea came to me if the car is dead I at least can jump it with the jumper that plugs into the outlet... so I got that all set up and tried the car nope still dead and yes the alarm is still blaring!

I call my husband at work who tells me shut the alarm off, I am trying I scream. I also scream other things like I hate this stinking truck and it has to go. After my rant I have Nic go and get the other set of keys, my key fob battery must be dead I say. Yes, the alarm is still blaring...

That key fob worked, car started and whew... I could get Nic to school. Who the heck new that the alarm activated some mechanism to shut the whole car down so someone couldn't steal it!

So my husband came home from work and he told me I was hysterical on the phone and I need to remain calm when stuff happens. I was fine I tell him, and in pipes my wonderful Nic saying, "No mom you really weren't. You screamed at Justin and I to back-off and get out of your way you were going to start this car no matter what!" Thanks Nic.

Anyway, I told Alex I needed a new key fob as my battery had died. He said so how did you get the alarm off. I said with your dad's set of keys. He said there is only 1 key fob for the Tahoe, I said no your dad has 1 and I have 1. He said no you only have 1 and that is for the suburban. Of course I had to go check my keys and ah hemmmm yup he's right. I was trying to turn off the alarm with the suburban's key fob.

I can only blame it on being blonde because I don't know what else to say, except...WHO THE HECK ACTIVATED THE ALARM IN THE 1st PLACE... It must of been the person who used Grandpa's keys last - yup Nic it was totally Nic's fault and that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Kindergarten Registration

Well we did it!

Justin and I went today and registered him for Kindergarten. He was so excited! The principal was in the office when we went in and she spent some time talking to Justin about why he wanted to go to school there, his brother, and where we were going for a special treat after to celebrate.

I can't believe that my baby is going to Kindergarten and I am so happy/lucky/blessed that I have been able to spend the past almost 5 years with him everyday.

Spanish Part 2

So no response from Nic's Spanish teacher to the email I sent. (And it was not a mean letter, I read it to someone before I emailed it.)

She did address the situation today with the class however. From what I understand she told the class that she has had a lot of calls and letters from parents about turning in the work to the sub. She told them she was staying with her policy and she would bring it all the way up to the office if she had to.

Now I am really mad! So I have emailed the Principle, I'll take it to the office myself!

I am really having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that the sub told them not to turn it in and she is punishing the children for LISTENING to the SUB!

So hopefully I will get a call tomorrow or my next step will be calling the Superintendent and getting a meeting set up for all of us to meet face to face!

Most teachers want their students to succeed I am not getting that vibe from her at all!

Spanish

Nic's Spanish teacher and I do not see Eye to Eye.

First let me just say - it is so NOT RIGHT to allow fluent Spanish speaking children as in my first language is Spanish in a class with kids who don't speak a drop. There should be 2 seperate classes.

1st our disagreement was over her not giving the kids time to finish tests. She said she tells them to do the parts worth the most points. I say let them stay and finish and give them a pass to next class or make the tests shorter - and no Nic is not the only 1 having this problem. There's a problem when kids who have grown up speaking Spanish can finish the tests in a short time and the rest of the kids who are struggling to learn the language are not finishing at all.

Our disagreement now is that she is now giving Nic's ENTIRE class a 50% on their script - want to know why? Because it wasn't turned in on the due date. Want to know why? SHE was out sick the entire week last week and the SUB - the ADULT in charge of her classroom told the kids not to hand it in to hold on to it. She told them they shouldn't have listened to the sub and they are LUCKY they are getting any credit at all. Can you see the fire coming out my ears????

She also told them she would proof their scripts and edit their first draft of their taped commercial. Well she was out all last week. She comes in today and says project due tomorrow, no editing from her. I am all for respecting and backing teachers but when they pull stuff like this NO WAY! I have an email sent out to her and I know other moms are calling and emailing too. Families had to drop everything! We were welcomed at one of the boys in his groups home and his mom and I carpooled (whoever heard of having a project where you had to get 5 teenagers together outside of school with working families etc. that is insane!) the boys, I prepped all the food when Nic called me from school and we busted into their home and worked until after 7 and her husband very nicely offered to finish editing the project. They even had to cancel an FHE they had planned with another family.

My blood is still boiling. Did I mention today was my birthday and that makes my blood boil more???? And my stomach is still not functioning at 100% and that makes my blood boil even more????

Justin

I Love Justin! He's so darn cute I could just eat him up!

I LOVE to spend my days with him. I love how he loves to do flashcards of ABC and sounds. I love how he loves to count to 100. I love how he wants everything put away neatly. I love how he pulls a chair up to the island and wants to help me bake and cook. I love how when he writes his little tongue sticks out of his mouth. I love his tiny voice buried in his arm when he says prayer at dinner and thanks Heavenly Father for EVERYTHING including the salt and pepper on the table :). I love how he LOVES his big brother and runs to greet his dad when he gets home from work. I love how he still cuddles and tells me he loves me to the moon and back 1 thousand times.

But, I am not liking his waking up at 10pm and "visiting" with me until after midnight for the past 3 nights. What's up with that? At 10pm it is my time, everyone here is asleep, it is my unwind, reading time that I relish and keeps me sane... Did I say that is my sanity time????

Happy Easter

It is wonderful to have a teenager. While I put the baskets together Nic and ALex filled the eggs. I hid 1/2 the eggs downstairs and gave the other 1/2 to Nic to hide upstairs. He must of spend an hour placing them just right for Justin (Nic hunted too but was intent on making this special for his brother). He had paths of eggs leading places and left the biggest egg on Justin's night stand to find when he woke up.

Justin is such a fun age this year and was so excited to wake up and find eggs all over the house! He took off like a shot gathering then until he couldn't hold anymore and shouting for his brother.

The kids both got practical things from the bunny, an outfit, bathingsuit, socks, book and our family gift was BINGO.

We had a quiet time calling family and wishing them Happy Easter. Then we had guests, Alex's friend from one of his old part-time jobs and his wife and son came over to visit.

Dinner was untraditional for us but I wanted to keep it simple, Alex made a sausage quiche with a hashbrown crust, bacon, danish, muffins, lunchmeats, rolls, veggies & dip, eggrolls, pizza bites, mozz sticks, pepperoni and cheese, strawberries, pecan pie and homemade carrot cake. I called it a brunch and munch...

Ring of a telephone...

What do you think when the telephone rings? Do you feel happy because you think it is a friend calling? Frustration because it might be another telemarketer? Fear because it might be the school calling to tell you to come get your 8th grader as something has happened.

For me today it was option C. Nic's middle school had a student do something stupid today. Someone allegedly brought in some chemicals in a bottle and it exploded.

Sometimes this world is a crazy place, and I am thanking God that the injuries were few.

So FHE tonight is about choices. Our choices and how our choices affect us and others. And how some choices have life long altering results... I think that talk will go well with some chocolate chip ice cream - and now I'm blowing our healthy eating tonight. Oh well, sometimes certain conversations just need to be occompanied by ice cream!

Update:
We also talked about the phrase :" But for the grace of God go I."
I really wanted to help him understand that he can be upset and mad but it is not his job to be judge and jury. That he should feel sorry for this child and sad for the kids that were hurt. And thank god that he has parents that notice what goes on and that he can talk to and tell stuff too and a life that is relatively easy. Some children crave that and do things in hopes of getting that.

It's Monday...

The start of another week and...

Justin and I have a goal of cooking only healthy food this week.

Ask my sister Kerri about the lecture Justin gave her while she was helping him get breakfast. It started with him listing EVERYTHING she asked him if he wanted in 2 categories:
All the time food
Some times food
Ahhh, the joys of a 4 year old who thinks he's like 45.

Anyway...since vacation we have kinda strayed a bit from healthy eating and with Alex's new job we have actually had $ to buy pizza and occasional fast food. This week we are back to eating only what we can cook. We need a nest egg to get the backyard planted with fruit trees, garden, grass, and some extra cement for a bigger patio.

Menu for this week:
Homemade pizza
spagetti - sauce homemade
Chicken fajitas in the crockpot
Chili in crockpot
Smoked turkey in the smoker - this will leave extra for lunch meat for sandwiches.
Pork Chops and mashed pots
breakfast - quiche

Making the above food, I can control the fat content, salt content, sneak veggies in the fajitas, spag. sauce and on the pizza. Salad or veggies will be served and apples or oranges will be dessert.

Happy Anniversary to...

Us and Brent and Stacey too!
One year ago today we were baptised!
What a special day for all of us!

I look back one year ago at my baptism and see someone who was in a euphoria bubble that believed that nothing bad could happen - I had Heavenly Father's love... geesh, my sins had all been washed away, everything was perfect!

And POP! before you knew it my euphoria was gone and I was left with this questioning, puzzled, madness - sometimes anger.

Wasn't life suppose to be perfect now, I was "doing everything right".

But here's the thing... life is not mean't to be easy, life is about learning and with easy what do we learn? With every trial a lesson is learned and a silver lining is shown - a blessing - even if the blessing is a newfound appreciation for the little things, the basic things - those little things are usually the MOST IMPORTANT THINGS!

So here I sit a year later a stronger woman, a more peaceful woman and hopefully a woman who shows more grace during trials than before.

I can't wait to sit here next year and look back at this next year's journey!

Connecticut

The boys and I had a wonderful time in CT! We got to see aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and of course grandparents.

I got to sneak away and have a nice lunch with my sister and some friends. Don't you just love those friends that have known you forever and even if you haven't seen them in almost 4 years it's like you were just there yesterday talking to them. Kristine's daughter Kayla is the splitting image, like mirror image of her! It was like seeing Kristine again in elementary school - she has got some strong genes!

My sister's spent all their time that they weren't at work at my parent's with us. Sisters are the best aren't they - and my kids would tell you their aunts are the best also cause they spoil them to pieces!

We took 1 trip to Vermont to a Sugar Farm to watch them make maple sugar. The kids loved that and sampling warm syrup and maple sugar candies - way sweet!

Justin loved playing with his cousin Abby and was so excited that Shawn and Jen (my cousin and his wife) invited us over for dinner and to play. We also got to meet Abby's new sister Grace (18 months) - she is too cute and so... mischevous! They were so not kidding about having to put chairs on top of tables! Nic loved catching up with his cousin Tyler - they are the same age and his cousin Sabastian and neighbors Garrett and Emma.

My parent's puppies were a HUGE hit with the kids, although the kids were NOT a huge hit with the dogs. The dogs are very possessive of my dad. Justin decided to be possessive of Grandpa. NOT A GOOD MIX! There was some definite growling going on over who would rule and claim Grandpa's lap - dogs or child. I think the dogs kinda won!

In Winsted (at Alex's parent's) we were a big surprise for Grandpa! The day we flew in Grandpa came home from the hospital after several months spent there. We gave them a couple days to get settled and then borrowed my parents car and drove up the curvy steep roads - scary! We called Grandma from outside the house to let her know Grandpa's surprises were there,she let us in and Grandpa was surprised to tears! It was a really touching moment! Hopefully Granpa will be well enough to fly back out here to AZ soon. We also spent time with cousins and aunts and uncles on Alex's side while we were at his parent's.

We headed home on Monday, 12 hours in airports with the layover - ug! and I still made Nic go to school Tuesday morning :). Alex missed us a TON he said, he was so bored he didn't know what to do without us! ~ darn I should of left that list instead of told him to just relax!

Oops forgot to mention the snow. Justin was only 9 months when we moved out here so... my mom was very insistant the poor boy got to play in snow. (And yes I told her that it does snow in Northern AZ but... well, my mom tuned that out). So... at her house there wasn't a lot so she was positive that we would find it in Vermont. So she borrowed snow boots from my cousins and we had winter coats and gloves borrowed from Kristine's kids and all the way up and back she demanded my father stop - she even wanted to stop in a cemetery as the snow looked clean - my sister and I threatened dire consequences if my father stopped the car. So she finally settled on dirty snow that Justin threw on her in Wendy's parking lot (hehe) and cleaner truck stop snow that was kinda icey. Kerri took pics and emailed them to my other sister who was at work to tell her that HER mother was really crazy as we had both disowned her at that point!

I'm Home!

Yay, we're back in Sunny AZ!
We had a wonderful visit with both mine and Alex's Family's. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow because...
I've spent all day cleaning and doing laundry and am about to drop - the 12 hours of flying and layovers yesterday have done me in!
But, I am going to add 1 blog today after I post this and it is a MUST read!

We're Off!

So, Miss spontinatity I am not. But... I got to thinking it would be better to go to CT now (Nic's on Spring Break from friday afternoon until the 23rd) then this summer... ALex may have vacation time in the summer and maybe we could go on a short trip with the kids or maybe with this new company they will pay for invetro and we may be in the middle of that process...

So, yesterday I started looking for airfare... way expensive so Alex told me to look this am as the day before maybe I would find discounts...
And I DID!!!!

So thanks to my parents who are footing the bill for airfare, the boys and I are headed to CT - to 40 degree weather and snow still on the ground. We leave tomorrow morning, we head to DC first and have to switch planes to get to CT. I planned a long enough layover for the plane switching so wish me goodluck that there are no delays... and that Justin doesn't get too stir crazy!

Boys

Here's one of the pics I took of the boys last weekend. Aren't they handsome! This isn't the best picture, but everytime I move the pics I took the long way into the wide way it spreads the boys wide too... Ahhh, I'll figure it out - but not today!

New Outlook

We can't stop all the bad things happening in the world.
We can simply try to enjoy the good.


I am focusing on the good. When I stop to think there is SO MUCH GOOD!

The garage door opening - knowing my husband is home from work.
A snuggle with my husband.
An I love you mom on the way to bed.
A tiny little voice buried in his arms saying prayer at dinner.
A voice saying, dinner was good tonight, hun.
The sound of 2 brothers playing nicely together.
The littlest brother hugging the big brother and saying I love you, and the older brother saying it back.
The sunset I see nightly out my windows.
Surprising my boys with a surprise attack of nerf darts.
A roof over our head and food to eat.
The soft fur of a dog cuddled next to you.
Laying in a soft bed with tons of pillows after a long day.
Knowing Heavenly Father Loves Me.

THere is so... much more to add!

The Doctor's

We are home from the Doctor. Lots of Bronchitus and Pneumonia going around but she thinks Justin just has a cold. He is running a low grade fever, has a little fluid in his ears and is badly congested but she thinks it is still a cold. He is suppose to start taking Mucinex right away to brake down the guk so he doesn't get bronchitis and as long as he starts to get better and the fever doesn't sky rocket we are good. YAY!

Did you know my doctor told me I was smart? I was so proud of myself. When I told her he threw up after only having cough meds in his tummy for about 30 mins. she asked if I had given him another dose. I said no I was too scared he had absorbed some so I made him hot herbal tea with a TON of honey. SHE SAID I WAS SO SMART!! She said that yes he had absorbed some meds in that amount of time and redosing would have overdosed him - scary! BUT she was also impressed that I gave him HONEY. She said there have been some studies done recently that suggests that honey stops coughing just about as good as cough syrup! YEA ME! (sometimes as a mom you really need to hear that you've done good!)

Our House

Our House is starting to feel more homey.

Alex without being asked is hanging up all the stuff I couldn't when he was working so much. I have lights over my kitchen table, ceiling fans went up in the family room, Nic's room, our room and the Grandma and Grandpa room. He even fixed a towel rack for me.

I like this new man who is emerging! He even called me his Princess - love that! Every wife should be a princess to their husband! He is just so much happier! He really loves his new job! They offered OT on Thursday and Friday and he took it and can't wait for more! AND, now don't fall off your chairs people HE GOT PAID FOR THE OVER TIME - AND NOT JUST PAID HE GOT TIME AND A HALF! What I said? What? He never did before! YEA NEW JOB! He feels appreciated and valued and really enjoys the other employees! What a difference that makes in your spirit and happiness.

I hope he keeps loving this job, cause I'm loving this happier husband of mine!

Coughing...

So my little J is sick. He got a cough the day after the crop duster was out - I know just a coincidence, I'm sure he got it from a grocery cart or something wierd... but, it is getting worse.

He is just so congested. You know the congested that stays even when you cough it out. I gave him some delsum and a hot steamy bath before bed thinking it would help him sleep. And of course his nightly pear and apple - the boy refuses to go to sleep without eating a pear or an apple, sometimes both, in bed before he goes to sleep.

Not 15 mins after getting him to bed, this horendous hacking - nonstop - scary and then the throwing up from coughing so hard. My poor baby, back into the bath tub. And now I have no idea how much of the meds he threw back up so we went with some herbal tea drowned in a ton of honey. So far it is working... but I think I see a Dr's visit in my future tomorrow.

Meet our furry boys

Say Hi to JD, Max and Riley

JD is a yellow lab he's my BFF! If you need a good cry, wrap your arms around his neck and let go. He doesn't mind his fur getting wet at all! Best of all he doesn't judge, say mean things, or talk back. Did I mention he snores - Really Loudly! JD has even flown on a plane - all the way from CT to AZ when we moved. He has asked us not to repeat that process however!

Max is the bigger of the 2 white fluff balls. He is very independent but will let nothing stand in the way of a pet. If he decides to sit next to you and you don't start petting him you will start to feel small taps on you - yup Max is "love tapping" you with his paw to remind you he's there and of course to pet him.

Riley, is Max's brother and the smallest ball of white fluff. He loves to cuddle and we lovingly refer to him as cat dog. He loves to curl up behind your kneck on the couch or lay in your arms like a baby.

We love our pups and they all really love us and each other! THey love to sleep curled up together and Riley LOVES JD! His favorite place to curl up is on JD.

We went out tonight....

Without the kids!
It is so nice to have Nic be able to babysit. Alex and I went out tonight for pie at Marie Calenders - my favorite is double blueberry cream - kinda like a blueberry cream cheese pie YUM!
It was wonderful to be able to talk without being interupted 101 times!
Plus my husband is so happy! He loves his new job!
A happy husband makes me happy!

New Job

Alex has a new JOB! Did you notice that there is not an s on job?????
He gave his notice today for the other 2! We have been flooding jobing.com with his resumes. His working so many hours was really hard on all of us!

I am so THANKFUL to get my husband home at night again! I have been so scared in the house at night alone with the kids and the 3 dogs. I go to bed around 2am and am up again between 4:30 and 5:00. I feel like I'm in a constant fog from lack of sleep!

He is thankful to go back to a normal work schedule and getting to spend some quality time with us!

My poor husband

THis morning at 6:30am I get a call from my husband. "Kristi, can you do me a favor and get me an appointment with the dentist today."
His toothache has morphed into so much pain he can no longer wait until a day off to have it looked at.
So being the WONDERFUL wife I am I was able to get him an emergency appt for 1:00.
At about 3:00 he stumbles into the kitchen gauze filling his mouth and hands me an instruction sheet of how to care for him and 2 scripts that need to be filled ASAP as one is for pain.
They pulled 2 teeth - with only novicaine. (This is why I really hate the dentist! Totally scary place!)
So I called his boss for his night job and he was completely unsympathetic as he had 3 other people call out. I explained it was an emergency, we had no way of knowing this would happen.
Guess what, my husband is at work! They couldn't cover his shift. At work, barely talking, in pain, and on Vicodin. I could cry! I told him if I could I would go to work for him tonight.
This 2nd job thing where you make crappy $ is awful - even when you do your job are always early, switch shift times when ever asked you still get treated like crap!!! Even awfuller when you need it to pay the bills and can't tell them to take a leap.
I think even scarier than the lack of jobs right now is these employers thinking they can pay crap and treat you like crap because theres a line of people behind you that will take your job and will probably work for even less!

Nicholas The Teenager!

I have a 13 year old son Nicholas. I love him so... MUCH!
But...
His mouth is killing me!
I gave him $10.00 when he went camping just in case they stopped for food. He says, "Is that all I get?"
I pack him for a camping trip as he doesn't have time. Make a 2nd trip as I forgot his scout shirt, did remember his knife without him even asking for it and he is mad that I forgot a chair he never said he needed!
Not to mention the eye rolls and fresh looks and fresh words.
I really do love this kid, I know that my wonderful son is there underneith the fresh teenager that has emerged.
I am really tempted to have him do without a mom for a week. Here is what I am thinking. He will have to wash his own clothes, make his lunch, quiz himself on HW, make his own dinner, he will not be able to eat what the family will eat and he will have to wash his own plates, and clean his bathroom. I think the only one that will really affect him is making his own dinner while I make the rest of the family's.
So, what do you all think? Will it work or will I just have to suck it up and endure that fresh mouth of his that I am 100% positive he inherited from me?

Grandma and Grandpa's New Puppy's Misty and Molly

Our beloved family dog, our German Shephard Keiya passed away last year. It was really sad for my parents. I think it was made harder as they both retired and my dad loved walking with Keiya and my mom missed someone who would listen to her talk FOREVER and not ask her to be quiet! They held off on getting a dog for awhile and then even longer as they disagreed on what kind to get. Mom wanted small and dad wanted a dog big enough to walk.

So... they went looking and their hearts fell in love... so today they introduced into their life 2 mini Schnauzer's they rescued from the Humane Society. They are sister's and must stay together, so they took them both.

The puppies are 1 year old and are already getting spoiled! You want to know how I know that they are spoiled? I live in sunny AZ and they live in cold snowy, icey CT, so I can't be there to see if they are wrapping my parents around their precious paws so I was a picture detective!
That is so totally my mom's living room furniture that they are already sitting on like princesses - we can't even eat in there!!!!!!!!!!

Justin

Justin: two 1'w together make 11.
Me: You're right! What does a 1and a 2 together make?
Justin: 12!
Me: J.J. you are so SMART! Who made you so smart?
Now I wait for the standard response, you did mommy, but alas, I did not hear it instead I heard these words...)
Justin: The Holy Ghost did.

Mmmmm Cinnamon Rolls

Yesterday, I was feeling adventurous and I decided that Justin and I needed to make some dough. So we got out the flour and yeast and set to work. The end result the most yummiest cinnamon rolls I have ever made. I even added butter and brown sugar to the bottom of the pan so they have a yummy gooey carmel stuck on them! Yummmm!

My desire to cook continued so my family had breakfast for dinner as I made waffles in the waffle iron, eggs and bacon. Ahh, comfort food for a cold evening at home!

Justin - it's all about me time!

Tonight I took Nic to mutual and left Justin home with Alex as he did not have to work. I decided to stay in the car at church and read as it was too far away to make it worthwhile to drive back home, ahh, cherished quiet reading time...

Justin was all excited because daddy was going to "Babysit". When Nic babysit's we tell him that it is all about Justin time, he is to watch Justin and play what Justin wants as that is what happens when you babysit.

So... Justin is totally excited as mommy is going out and daddy is "babysitting". He tells daddy, it's all about me time daddy you have to do what ever I say!
I do believe we have created a monster.

Poor Alex is still wondering when a "daddy" became a babysitter. But in good sport he trailed after Justin and played video games and with toys. When I came home Justin was all happy but very concerned his room was a mess, before he went to bed he made me promise we would clean his room in the morning. He takes after his mom who believes everything has a place and should be in it. Love that!

One year ago today...

I helped my husband into his truck and drove him home after 43 days in the hospital.

He was pushed out of the hospital in a wheel chair straight into my care complete with a pik line for IVs, 3 drainage tubes draining infection from his body, a wound vac attached to his stomach, and a walker as he was barely walking. Thank heavens they had weaned him off the oxygen! Was I crazy or what? Crazy enough to want my family back together under one roof! But, boy was I underprepared for how much care he would need. But, I would do it again in a heartbeat because, well, heck I love him. :)

The nurse and I had to practically lift him into the truck when we left the hospital, we got home and he barely made it with the walker to collapse into the recliner. Thankgoodness my OT sister was here to help me help him move and the visiting nurse was there shortly to teach me IV medicine giving.

His recliner was so low to the ground he couldn't get out of it on his own until our friend Brent made a stand to raise it for him. I slept on the couch next to his recliner for over a month in case he needed me in the night, I mixed IV meds and gave IV's and helped with wound vac stuff.

Did I mention the biggest hugest wound to ever be was on his stomach, his whole stomach? Ask him to show you some time. Did I tell you that when my mom the nurse and my sister Kelly the OT use to talk about work over the dinner table it took everything in me not to completely upload my dinner on the table? But, I braved my fear of blood and innerds just for him, I actually know what fat looks like inside your body as I watched them change and clean his wound every few days and learned to stuff it so it would heal from the inside out.

OK enough of the grossness.

We kept our old CT fireplace gate around his recliner so the dogs and Justin didn't do a running jump on his insision, the boys were quiet, most of the time, so he could keep resting AND HE GOT A little better, A little stronger, every day.

We still have some small residual health issues left, cause heck when they cut 2 feet of intestines and remove half your colon we can't be far from a bathroom.

But...Wow, I can't believe it's been a year already!!! And what a year, filled with so many trials but so much goodness...

A little one...

I am desiring a little one, so tiny and sweet, smelling of baby bath soap, a soft fuzzy head to cuddle under my chin, fingers and toes so tiny.
With a birthday fast approaching, okay in 4 months, I am feeling time ticking away at me. But, the cost of in-vetro again... with college to pay for in 4 years for the oldest and my husband already working 2 jobs is it selfish? I know he would love another to cuddle and snuggle and love too, but oh the cost...
But oh the pull of our family not being complete yet and the feeling that there is another child wanting to call us their family. Do we pray and go on faith that $ will work out as somehow it always does?
Justin wants a little one too, he is saving toys and clothes for a new brother - not a sister mind you, just a brother. Nic thinks Justin is enough for him.
Oh, a little one so tiny and sweet, cute little blue booties or my fondest desire pink bows, white lace and black patent leather shoes, someone to share my barbies and my Mandy doll with, to laugh and giggle over boys with...

Christmas Vacation

Ahh, how lazy we have been. With no school the boys and I have been staying up later and sleeping late. Before we restart our schedule on Tuesday I think we have some internal clock adjusting to do.

I have been...
Going to the park with the boys and pushing Justin on the swing until my arms rebell.
Putting up Justin's trampoline in the backyard, now I can again tell him "stop jumping on the couch go jump on the tramp - Alex did most of this.
Watching lifetime late at night
playing Guitar Hero with the boys, they love my singing - NOT!
Shooting each other with nerf darts - drives the dogs CRAZY!
Hanging up a few pictures here and there.
Putting away Christmas decorations.
Sleeping until 9AM!!!!!!!!!
Staying up late reading as the boys are asleep and there is no one to interrupt
Calling my sister at work, home and cell to harass her. I even made her talk on her cell to me while at the mall Christmas shopping with my other sister Kelly - I wanted them to feel I was there :). Maybe she'll get so sick of me calling her she'll fly out to talk in person - what do you think Kerri - will it work?

Well, Alex is at work so I'm off to read and enjoy my Reeses Peanut Butter Cup that I hid from the boys so I didn't have to share - how awful is that?

Christmas Cards

I love reading everyone's Christmas cards and seeing pictures of how everyone's family's have grown. But, you must all please forgive me as this year with the move life was crazy and I decided to save a little $ on postage and so no cards were mailed. Plus I knew no one wanted a card without a picture of my handsome boys and no pictures were taken this year with all it's craziness. So, my goal for January is to have the boys pictures taken and to send a New Year's card. Or maybe a Valentine card for February- either way - I owe you all one and it's a work in progress!

Merry Christmas...

Christmas was wonderful.

My boys slept until 7:30 and patiently waited while we turned on lights, made hot cocoa and got the camera ready.

Justin was so excited that Santa had come and couldn't wait to rip into it all. But he was very good about asking who gave him what present and saying, how did they know I love transformers, CRAZY! Probably because anyone who would talk to him he would tell them all he wanted was transformers - and by the way all these toys marked 5 and up - Phew! it takes an engineering degree to transfomr them - thanks to Brent's degree that transformed Bumblebee into a camero!

Nic was unlike a normal teenager and was so thankful and happy about all his presents! He was excited about everyone of them, and even the 1 game he already had that he got he was so calm and nice about - because of his awesome attitude we braved the stores and return lines today and switched it for him.

The boys loved Guitar Hero from my sisters and much to my family's dismay I got on the mike and sang Beat It while Justin played drums and Nic the guitar - what FUN! My husband however said Kristi, seriously do you really think you can sing - I just sang louder :)! Justin and Nic also jumped and did all kinds of crazy stuff on outdoor challenge for the wii and we had a hilariusly fun game of dart tag - man those darts with rubber tips smart - but oh so much fun! My sisters send fun gifts, lucky for my boys they don't have any kids to spoil yet so they spoil mine double much!

We had a nice day enjoying our family and talking to family on the phone. After dinner our wonderful friends Brent and Stacey and their girls stopped by to say Merry Chrismas and we shared our dessert with them. A Wonderful end to a Wonderful day.

I hope you all had a Wonderful and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

We hope that you have had a wonderful year and are happily looking forward to 2009.
2008 has brought our family some trials, but we have persevered and are stronger for our struggles. I read that when we are struggling we know God better than those who have no struggles. This year our family has come to know Our Heavenly Father very well, and we are assured that many blessing will be found from our struggles this year.

As many of you are aware we started 2008 with Alex in the hospital – he went in on Thanksgiving night and came home 43 days later. The result of a bad case of pneumonia (some funny name that one day you are walking fine and the next you have been hit by a mac truck) that resulted in heart surgery, the loss of his gall bladder, appendix, 2 feet of intestine and part of his colon. He also endured for months at home IV's, endless trips to DR's, wound care and his personal novice turned pro (sorta) nurse- ME! We were also very fortunate to have many family members rush to our aid and fly out here to help us take care of the children. I don't know what we would have done without them. This year our family has all invested in the flu shot and Alex the pneumonia shot! Alex is now doing very well and looks great except for the gigantic scar on his stomach – it’s HUGE!

Like the majority of our neighbors we are struggling with the economy and the housing depreciation. We were part of the housing boom out here and the bubble has popped putting houses on the market for less than ½ of what they were worth! We were affected especially with the numerous medical bills, loss of almost 6 months of work, and the fact that Alex lost his full-time hours and medical ins. after he went back to work from being ill. He’s now working a 2nd job - security at night. We decided to move and were able to get a bigger house in a really great community with pool, parks, fields, walking paths and a K-8 school for about 1/3 of our previous mortgage. We bought someone else’s foreclosure and paid over $160,000 less then what the previous owners bought it for, and the house was only built 2 years ago. CRAZY! We moved at the end of November and we are mostly settled except for the garage.

The boys are doing well. Nic is 13 and in 8th grade and is still a straight A student and was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society this year in a beautiful candlelit ceremony. He is very active in Boy Scouts and has gotten so many badges and has earned his 1st and 2nd class. He hopes to be an Eagle Scout by 16. He just went on a 10 mile hike and overnight campout. He is still idolized by Justin who tries to do everything that Nic does.

Justin is 4 and my little buddy, we hang out and do school work, clean and go to the park. He has taken 3 sessions of swim and they end this week until Jan – and yes we are taking outdoor swim lessons in the Y’s heated pool – too fun!!! He also played soccer and is now starting T-ball. He is so excited his coach is a man for t-ball. He was quite disgusted that he had a woman as a soccer coach ‘cause men are only suppose to be coaches mom! Things kids think I tell you!

I am doing fine. Sometimes struggling to make sense of all these life lessons, and sometimes thanking God for easier struggles than those around me. I worry about the world and economy and try and stock up a little more in my food storage every shopping trip. I pray for a world with a little less struggles for my children, a world where jobs are plentiful and everyone is entitled to medical insurance, and a world where parents don’t have to work numerous jobs to put food on the table. But most of all I thank God that even though life is a struggle right now, that I have a wonderful loving extended family, and a husband and 2 boys that I love and that love me, and every night as we sit down at the dinner table and thank God for our blessings I remember that my life really is blessed!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and many Blessings in 2009!

Christmas Eve

Everything is done. Potatoes made and in the fridge ready to be reheated in the oven to make them nice and fluffy (I made them with cream cheese). Carrots and celery cut and on their special plate, dip made, almond croissants made for breakfast and donuts bought. Turkey thawing and stuffing onions cut. Since I discovered these wonderful turkey bags, I am washing and stuffing and baking the turkey tomorrow as it will take no time at all to cook a YUMMY moist turkey!

All my presents are wrapped thanks to Nic who watched Justin yesterday until I was done - I don't think I've ever NOT had to wrap presents Christmas Eve before. I do have to get better at hiding gifts. I do believe my littest has gotten my desire to peek. He is so fun this year and SOOOO excited for Christmas! He can't wait to see if Santa will bring him his transformers.
Alex also has the next 2 days off, how exciting!

Blogging world

I need saving! Maybe if I sit Nic down here he can figure out how to add a playlist for me.

I took the boys to the mall today. Nic wants to wear his watch now that he recieved when we said our family vows at our wedding. He feels he is mature enough to wear it now. Most days I agree with him. So we got a new battery and added some bands as he has grown over the past 6 years! Wow, time has flown!

We also got new church shoes and flip flops for Justin and new sneakers for Nic - it feels like I just bought them new ones. They are growing like weeds!

We also made a trip to my fav. place for Orange Julius! Love them!

Nic is out of school now for Christmas for the next few weeks. I love having my boys home. But... Mr. Justin thinks his brother should spend every second with him. Nic not so much! I have been listening to them bicker back and forth for the last 10 mins as Nic has his friend Wes over and they want to play video games. At least Wes understands as he is the oldest of 3 siblings.

I'm off to rescue Nic and Wes and put my youngest child to bed.

Hi Everyone

Welcome to the Fisher Family Blog. Please stop by often and get updated on our family's happenings!

This weekend we are working on our to do lists and the garage is now cleaned and organized so that we can fit the suburban inside. Alex was worried about his special tires and wheels walking away. :)

We are also working on finishing up our backyard BBQ and grill area! It is looking awesome!

Justin and Nic have been busy playing darts in their new clean garage. The Easter Bunny brought Nic new roller blades and Justin has taken Nic's old ones and in 2 days my little 3 year old has mastered roller blading! I am thinking he will be the one I will be driving to the ER with broken bones!