Big Day

Tomorrow is the big day.

I am so excited and nervous. Arrival at 10:15 and procedure at 11. And then I'll be pregnant - kinda - and we just pray they stay and implant. We are doing assisted hatching which should help - this is were they thin the lining on the embreyo to make it easier for them to implant. The technology we now have is amazing!

I am on bed rest for 4 days after, except for getting up for the bathroom - and until we hear the heartbeat I am doing only necessary stuff. Alex will be running the house! He has a ton of frozen food, I'm finishing laundry today, bathrooms are clean, house vacuum and dusted, what else could he need...

For me I've got some beautiful yarn to make some baby blankets, some books to read, cell phone charged to text, water bottles ready, meds lined up - I add EVEN MORE, snacks to munch on.

We are ready to go... I'm so excited and so nervous. I'm trying not to think about this not working but I know I will be devastated if it doesn't. I think even worse than the physical shots and blood draws and procedures is the psychological aspect. You try to stay so positive because believing it will work is part of it working but it's so hard not to have fears that it won't.

So many women go through this and my heart breaks for them. I was listening to a woman in the waiting room, this cycle was her 4th so sad... Insurance companies need to start paying for this for women. A cycle can cost 10 to 12 thousand and meds run 5 to 6 thousand. It is insane! Luckily we have insurance that covers a chunk of our cycle this time and pays for the meds other then the co-pay.

Dart Board

"Hold the needle at 90 degrees and shoot it like at a dart board". These were the nurses direction for the progesterone shot. So now my husband is playing darts on my butte with a long needle and a thick oil shot into the muscles in my butte. Oh it hurts! Then he gets to rub my butte to try and disperse the oil so it doesn't pocket - how romantic!

The rubbing is not working :( I have an angry red lump on the left side that even the heating pad isn't working on. The right side is ok still, a little sore but no angry lump. Don't laugh if you see me sitting on pillows :)

Surgery

Yesterday went well.

It took 4 times to get the IV in and the 4th time it was the anesthesiologist who put it in. She was also amazing with the anesthisia. She gave me anti nausia and calming meds before I went to sleep - so nice and I even woke up nicely just sore. The nurses were awesome and so caring and considerate. When I started crying from nerves the anesthiologist patted my head and told me it would be fine and my nurse stood and held my hand until they put me out. I am such a baby!

I came home and was able to rest all day in bed with my percaset. Alex made dinner for everyone and kept the household together. I have to drink lots of gatorade and eat salty foods to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation. Today I am up slowly moving around. I ache a little but X-strength tylenol is cutting it.

Alex started giving me my progesterone shots - OUCH! this am. I also started my estrogen patch and still have a ton of pills. Over the next few days more shots and pills added. I go back sat. for my last procedure. Our babies are in the lab growing now and my thoughts and so many prayers are with them. I know Heavenly Father is watching over them for me...

Good Luck Charm?

Today the nurse said that my veins were telling her they were ready for me to trigger - I am so hard to get blood out of, one arm they couldn't get and the other the vein was starting to rebel and not give much blood. (She was teasing that my body was ready to be done giving blood.)

Alex brought me for my blood and ultrasound today. Just now I got a call, follicles are big enough and estrogen level leveled off. Surgery scheduled. Once more shot tonight and no shots on Monday!!! Alex must be my good luck charm :)

At it's own pace...

My body does things at it's own pace.

I thought I'd of had surgery by now. NOPE. My estrogen is still climbing which means my follicles are still growing.

Which means...hour drives to the Dr. 7 days in a row now for blood work and ultrasounds to measure follicles.

The end result is worth it all...

Body Fat... or lack of

Oh this would be a dream for me to be told I didn't have enough body fat.

For my 14 year old wrestler... a nightmare.

The kids must have 7% body fat to wrestle. Nic has 3.2%. Now we need a note from the Dr. saying he is healthy enough to wrestle. Errr. He just had his physical last month - where she filled out his wrestling physical form. So much CYA these days!

Shots

Too many shots...

One with a dull needle, leaves a big bruise and the meds lump under the skin so you have to rub an already painful spot to disperse them... I told the nurse, "yes, that's common we hear that alot." she says. Really? That mean manufacturer!!! Like this isn't painful and stressful enough!

Today I had fear struck in me. I hate, like really hate needles. THe biggest needle of my life was stuck in my belly for amniotic fluid when I was pregnant with Justin to check his lung development. Know what happened - blood came up the needle instead and his heart beat plummeted and we had an emergency c-section. Today... they told me my right ovary is hiding and they may have to stick a needle through my stomach instead of through my cervix to get to my ovaries. "You won't feel a thing, we will have you sleeping through the whole thing." says the nurse. Great!! More to stress about :(

This is almost like childbirth, you have your baby and forget about all the pain - so of course you will have another baby. This is you get pregnant and forget about all the shots and all the Dr visits with the constant internal checks, the surgery, the stress, the hormones that make you a crazy woman... Of course the beautiful baby in the end makes everything bearable - but can we skip this part and put the baby in my arms tomorrow. Ohhh, for a magic wand.

Overwhelmingly Tired!

I am so Tired! Just collapsing tired!!

I'm not sure if it is all the shots and meds or the worrying!

I am now at the Dr.'s everyday for ultrasounds and blooddraws. They added another shot today, now I give myself 1 in 1 leg and 2 in the other leg - I so can't do the belly. 2 of the shots have a lot of fluid in them - or so it seems. I have to really sike myself up to give myself the needles. The worst shots haven't even started yet. The trigger shot I almost passed out over last time and the lumpy butte shots hurt so bad I cry :(

But the end result gets me through each one and it won't be long now...They are thinking trigger Weds or Thurs. Retrieval/Surgery Fri or Sat and the big day Tues or Weds. Then December Results...

I pray so much and talk to all that is developing... The Bishop gave me a blessing last night... Dreaming, Hoping, Praying for a very special Christmas Present for our family.

It's getting to be that time of the year!

I Never put Christmas up before Thanksgiving - on Thanksgiving - yes!

But, this year I want to put up my holiday decorations RIGHT NOW!

I am very excited for the Holiday spirit this year!

Today...

Today my blood draw went perfect - at least for me. They were able to get it from the top side part of my elbow area. Yea! Didn't hurt near as bad as the top of the hand! :) The nurses tricks worked. I wore a sweater, had the heat on in the car to 80 and drank a diet coke and 2 hot cocoa's on the way there. Yea!

I added another shot to my regimin today, and was able to do it by myself. I am much braver than last time.

Justin is home from school today. Miserable with a cold. Alex is home cause his stomach hurts. I am spraying lysol and wiping everything down with lysol wipes. I hate germs so much!!

Nic is LOVING wrestling! He thinks his coaches are COOL! And the kids on the team are really nice and they are all helping each other learn. I am so happy for him!

Road Rash

Justin experienced road rash for the 1st time yesterday. He was riding his bike and doing "tricks" - lifting his feet off the pedals and sending them in various directions over the tires and out to the sides. I warned him that it was dangerous and he could fall. But "I'm 5 you know!" was the response (that was kinda my point, he's only...5!

And sure enough next thing I know his face meets the pavement and he was screaming! Road rash on knee, nose, arm and upper lip area. And yes, he still wants ramps and a skate board for Christmas.

BOYS!!!

This weekend was crazy busy!!

I tried to get a ton done - no lifting, pushing or pulling over 15 lbs starting tomorrow!

I fall trimmed my inlaws yard and retouched up mine. I steam cleaned and vacuumed and dusted and moved furniture - pretty much did a fall cleaning. Put away Halloween and put out Thanksgiving stuff. I cooked and grocery shopped and froze casseroles and pizza. This is for days I feel horrible or when I'm on bed rest. Alex swears he doesn't clean and will hire a maid to come over - ya right, did I tell you we are growing a $ tree in the backyard?

Now all is done...I am nervous and scared, but so excited for the possibilities...

Just in case you need to know...

If your blood does not like to leave your veins - try these tricks.

1. Wear a coat - yes even if it is 100 degrees out.
2. Drink like you'll never get another drop!

I'll let you know how this works Thurs. I will not be having another painful on the top part of my hand blood draw!!!!!!!

I was an evil witch on Halloween...

Just ask my 14 year old. He went for his wrestling physical and the Dr and I discussed the swine flu shot for both boys. (They've both already had the regular flu shot.) We decided that it would be best if they both got it. One to protect Alex as he is in the high risk group due to his diabetes. And also as Nic is wrestling he will be in close proximity to other kids.

Well Nic was MAD!! Which is an understatement. He turns to his brother and tells him how bad the shot will hurt. He then tells me he's going to pay me back! Ohhhh the teenager drama!!

The nurse comes in and I tell her to give the shot to the 5 year old first. She say's "really?" "Oh yes", I say, "The 14 year old is a wus"! Sure enough, not a peep out of Justin and a tremble of lips and an angry gleer from the teenager!

Well, we survived and after Nic realized he would live and the shot wouldn't kill him he's over his anger - until the next thing...

A decision has been made...

And.......

Nic has decided to wrestle!

He has a physical Friday and practice starts Monday.

And so it returns...

Tracking was checked last night. It was due to be delivered by UPS today - and living so far out we know that means late afternoon delivery...

The kids were glued to the upstairs window awaiting the truck...

Suddenly the POUNDING of feet flying down the stairs...

The door is flung open with a YEA!!!! The UPS man just laughs!

As I sign for the now fixed x-box I tell him you made my kids day today. He says, yes they are usually pretty excited to get them back fixed!

And now... My 14 year old and my 5 year old are glued to the TV - the house could probably burn down and they wouldn't notice. Hmmmm maybe I can get away without fixing dinner tonight...

Halloween Dilema

Justin is going to be a blue power ranger for Halloween and carry his nerf sword. He is way excited about this and can't wait for Trunk or Treat Fri. night at church. I"m kinda excited for the chili and corn bread. I am going to make a killer chili and can't wait to bring it in my witches caldron soup crockpot! It will look so cool!

Anyway here is the problem...

His school doesn't allow the kids to wear "Halloween Costumes". They have to dress up as a "Literary Character" and bring the book they are in. But, Justin wants to be a Blue Power Ranger. So he is finally understanding that he can be the Power Ranger Fri night just not Fri Day.

Here are his choices:
1. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Tree - brown pants, green top and letters stuck on him.
2. Thing 1 from Dr. Seuss - Spraypaint hair blue and I have red feety PJs for him to wear and I'll put a round white circle on him and write Thing 1 on it.
3. Dazzle the Dinosaur - I was in the nursery today moving stuff around and he found an old Dino costume and he just knew he had a book to match. Yup the costume is the same blue color as Dazzle. But the costume is a tad small like about 4 inchs at the feet and hands.

I love the Thing 1 idea and of course he loves the Dazzle idea. Can't even change his mind with the whole we can spray your hair blue. Just freaked him out that his hair would be blue and "how will we get it out"! Oui! The boy stresses me out sometimes!

Loving Life in Arizona

These are the days I love! And luckily Arizona has so many of them!

Cool crisp mornings sitting on the back patio watching the dogs run and exercise and the kids bounce on the trampoline.

Gorgeous afternoons of bike riding, street hockey and football.

Cool clear evenings.

Arizona does have a few months of unbearable heat but I will take that in exchange for the rest of the months having this gorgeous weather.

Wrestling

I have encouraged Nic to join an activity this year at school as it will look good to colleges to be well rounded. He has chosen Wrestling - my 90lb when wet child chose WRESTLING!!!!

Last night was the mandatory parent's meeting. Wrestling is going to stop Nics life for the next 4 months completely! I talked to him today and we came up with Pros and Cons and I left him saying this is completely your decision.

Concerns:
Practice - 3 to 545 M-F and 8 to 1130 on Sat.
No missing practice or kicked off team.
This practice schedule means home at 6 - shower and dinner - start HW at 7pm and bed at ??? 10 maybe 11 (he goes to bed at 830 now).
Did I mention he has to be at seminary before school at 6am?
Scouts is Wed. night 7 to 830 (630 to 9 with drive time) so unless a school vacation day he will not be able to go or he will never get HW done. With practice on Saturdays that means no fall and winter camping with scouts...

And he has to wrestle against girls - my feeling - completely inappropriate for a contact sport. There needs to be 2 separate teams.

But it could build self esteem and its exercise and something to put on a college application and a way to meet new kids...

I'll let you know what he decides...

November...

Is going to be a hard month...

Lots of meds... so many I need to highlight a list after I take them so I don't repeat them...

Lots of shots... some with ginormous scary needles!!!

Those scary needles give me lumpy sore butte that makes you want to stand and never sit.

Surgery - I don't wake up well after anesthesia... they swear they can fix that this time though.

Some "princess" days where I get to lay in bed and do absolutely nothing - and if my orderly house falls down around me then so be it - it can be messy for a few days right??? Cause my butt is going to be stuck like glue to the bed.

No lifting, pulling, or pushing over 15 lbs...

Lots of Appointments...

Lots of Hope and Lots and Lots of Prayers...

odds are not as high in our favor this time...

So that adds even more hope and tons and tons of Prayers...

California Here We Come

My parent's flew in from CT and we took off for our first vacation getaway in FOREVER!

The car was packed and we were armed with plenty of movies. My youngest's talking could have one of us throwing ourselves out a window if we didn't have movies to curb the talking. We threw Justin and Grandma in the back of the burb - we didn't want to listen to Grandma's backseat driving either... That left Nic and I in the middle and Alex and Grandpa in front to navigate. Our drive was uneventful other than the 2 stops near the Mexico border to make sure we were legal and then our chins dropping to the floor when all of a sudden we entered the Arabian desert and wondered where the camels were. Really who knew CA had sand dunes - too cool watching people ski down them and drive dune buggies and such!

Then we entered San Diego traffic - I vowed never to leave the hotel without someone else driving. I HATE driving and there was no way I was driving there! Traffic was moving at quite the fast pace and I swear the highways were not made wide enough for SUV's and the parking spots everywhere were for midget cars not my suburban!

Too keep costs down we shared a 1 bedroom suite with Grandma and Grandpa. We just didn't plan for a midget size hotel room. It looked like a reg size hotel room that they just threw a wall up in between the couch and beds. Oh well, we made do. When we were at the hotel the kids were swimming or sleeping for the most part anyway!

The first day of our adventure we headed to see "The Big Fat Fish" Justin's name for Shamu. We saw Shamu of course. Justin was in awe! Justin held raw squid and fed a sting ray by himself - UG! We fed the sea lions and watched the shows.

Our 2nd day had us heading to the Harbor. We went on a harbor cruise and saw all the military boats - my dad liked this. He was stationed in San Diego after joining the navy. He was on a sub during vietnam. He said since he had been there over 40 years ago it had all changed. The boys highlight was watching the navy seals do manuvers, the dolphins training in the harbor and the sea lions laying on the barges sunbathing. We then headed for some fresh seafood in a restaurant on the water - YUMMY - fresh seafood just like at home in CT down by the shore... Then we headed over the bridge to the beach. Beautiful! The sand has gold specs in it, the waves were crashing, so many sand dollars to collect for treasures, sea lions bobbing just past the waves, perfect weather...

Our 3rd day had us heading back to Sea World to see our favorite exhibits again and of course Shamu. We then headed back to the beach again. The boys really enjoyed the beach. Nic and I hunted for Sand Dollars and Grandma and Justin built sand castles. DId I mention my dad and Alex stayed in the car to "rest" they didn't want anymore sun. But when we got back they were laughing at the shananigans of people instead of resting.

Our 4th day had us heading to the San Diego Zoo. The zoo was ok, but it won't be something we go back to on a return trip. Our Phoenix Zoo was much nicer. Just a tip - walking at the zoo is either straight up or straight down. My 5 year old has 1 speed - running! He just about gave me a heart attack every other second! I so could not convince him that running on a hill that goes straight down will cause him to summersault to the bottom and give him some severe road rash!

Our 5th day had us in the car driving back home. We all survived the trip, had fun and made some great family memories.

Test

I know I should be telling you about vacation and posting pictures of Justin petting the rays and feeding them gross stinking fish! Of Nic walking on the beach and finding treasures ~ sand dollars.

But...

Well, it starts tomorrow. A test... I have my antibiotics to take tonight and my 800mg of ibuprofin to take tomorrow right before my test. I don't know why I'm so nervous this test doesn't hurt as much as the procedures and shots that come next...

I'll post about vacation later in the week.

Shhhhh...

I went to a secret place today... The people there were very nice...

Hopefully they will help us have a very special Christmas gift this year...

Check back in around Christmas to find out about the secret place... and the special gift...

Care Bear...

AKA Kerri Beth...
Kerri is my sister who is 2 years younger than me, she is the middle girl in our family... She is an awesome sister, here's why...

She is an awesome Aunt and loves my boys so much. If anything happens to Alex and I she will be raising our boys.

Growing up we shared a room for quite a few years. She was a total slob! I had to tape a line down the room so her messiness wouldn't be on my 1/2.

Her and I would torment Kelly (our baby sister). We had Kelly believing she was adopted cause she had brown hair and Kerri and I had blonde. Ohhh we were mean. We use to hold Kelly by the feet and dangle her down the stairs too...

I loved coming home from a date, jumping on her bed, sitting on her feet - she always complained about that - and telling her about my night.

She was my maid of honor. The night before I got married my parents house was full of visiting family so I stayed at her condo and she gave her bed to me for the night and slept on the couch.

When I had Justin she took a week off work to come help me and give Nic some special attention.

She took Nic to build a bear just before Justin was born to make him a special bear and to let Nic make a special bear for his new brother.

When we lived in CT she would "borrow" Nic for an Auntie visit, they would go rent a movie and buy junk food, build a fort and hang out.

She has a total shoe problem!

She loves scary movies and laughs at the wierdest things.

When Alex was sick she took 2 weeks vacation and flew out here to watch my boys.

She hates to cook - literally!!! Check out her fridge some day.

She is shy, quiet, down to earth, rational, and funny.

Sunday Prayers...

Our love, thoughts and prayers will be with our families on Sunday.

On Sunday in Colorado my family will be walking in the park remembering with love my Aunt Lynn, her Amazing Love for Life, and her Courage... I know her love will be felt by all of us thinking of and loving her.

On Sunday our thoughts and love will also be with our sister-in-law Christina as she remembers her and Doug's love for each other on their Wedding Anniversary, September 20, 2003.

Such a sad day...

Trust...

Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

A Very Sad Update... to my Treasures post...

Today Heavenly Father received back into his embrace an incredible and AMAZING daughter. Today my Aunt Lynn joined our Father in Heaven...

Our thoughts and prayers are with my Uncle Paul, my cousins Annah and Morgan, and all my family in Colorado.

Elynn P. Versteeg passed away at her home in Fort Collins on Sunday September 13th. She was born Elynn Ann Prairie to Anthony and Virginia Prairie in Dearborn Michigan on February 23, 1951. She was welcomed by her brother Steve who now lives in Danville, California. Her family moved many times throughout her childhood. Lynn attended elementary school in Havana, Cuba and then moved to Hartford, Connecticut. From there, they moved to Mexico City where Lynn went to the American School and was a medal presenter at the Olympics. She presented to the Black Power Athletes. Lynn remained in contact with her friends from Mexico and enjoyed reunions with them every other year.
She went to University of Denver and graduated in 1973. Her job took her to Fort Collins, where she met her husband Paul. They married in 1979. Annah was born in 1981 and Morgan in 1983. Lynn was very active in her children’s school and sports. Annah lives in Denver with her husband Paul Schnaitter and Morgan lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband Gary Metz and their daughter Elly.
Lynn was active in many local charities and was on the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society and Respite Care. She was a training consultant and worked nationally and internationally for Fortune 500 companies. Her talent was always in demand in management, sales and interpersonal communications.
Her six year battle with maligent melanoma did not keep her from her love of travel and her interaction with her family and friends. There will be a “Walk with Lynn” on Sept. 20th at 9 am at the southwest corner of Warren Park. In lieu of flowers, her favorite charities are Respite Care of Larimer County, Food Bank of Larimer County, Rocky Mountain Eye Center, UC Medical School, and the Melanoma Clinic of CU Medical School. She was greatly loved and will be remembered by many.

Treasures...

Do you have a memory you treasure? One, that when you think of it, it warms your heart and touches your soul? I do!

Quite a few years ago I was a young single mom and it was Nic's first Christmas.

One day I went to the mailbox and found a Christmas Card. I opened it up and out dropped some money and inside read, "Merry Christmas, Love Santa." I had no idea who sent this...

Over the years, every Christmas, Santa continued to send Nic and I a Christmas Card. I tried to be a detective and find out who was sending it but could never uncover that wonderful person(s).

So, I just started believing in Santa. Because isn't Santa a belief in love, in goodness, in hope, in the spirit of giving? What a gift I was given! In a world where Christmas and Santa is so commercialized I was reminded of the love of the season...

In my Christmas card one year I sent a promise out to our Santa, that when Nic and I were able we would become a Secret Santa too. It was our promise to continue the tradition of love and giving to someone we thought needed it.

Just before Alex and I got married I received my last Christmas Card from Santa. It said that since Nic and I had found a new Santa (Alex) that they would be moving on to someone else that needed them. It was signed with Love from Aunt Lynn and Uncle Paul.

A few years later, when that inevitable question came from Nic, "Is there really a Santa Claus?" I said YES, and shared with him our beautiful story. And when Justin is old enough to ask the same question, Nic and I can sit down and share with him our wonderful story and show him our cards from Santa...

My Aunt Lynn and Uncle Paul have given me and my family a wonderful gift, a tradition, that we continue and carry on every Christmas as we choose a family that needs a Secret Santa. Our children will carry this tradition on through their children's life. A legacy, a belief in love, in goodness, in hope, and giving.

My Aunt Lynn has just been placed on Hospice. She has had an incredible fight with brain cancer. I want her to know what an AMAZING gift she and my uncle have given me and my family through their love ~ a gift that our family will continue to share with others...

We love you Aunt Lynn!

My Dad...

I miss my dad...

I have a pretty awesome dad. I am so excited to see him on Sept. 27th

My dad doesn't talk a lot but when he does you listen. Growing up my friends would have a contest to see who could get Mr. Versteeg to say the most words when they came in the house.

Once my sister Kelly came home intoxicated. He didn't yell, he just made her a HUGE breakfast in the morning of eggs and bacon and served her breakfast in bed. She ran to the bathroom puking!

When he brought me back to college after semester breaks he always seemed to have a spare $50.00 he would slip to me before leaving.

When I drove out of the garage with my drivers door open and broke the garage he didn't yell. Just made me help him fix it.

When my mom worked her one day a week, Sundays ~ she was a nurse ~ and he watched my sisters and I he would make us buttered bread with brown sugar or ketchup on it. And yes we LOVED it!!

When my mom was in the hospital, when we were little, he had to grocery shop and bought us our 1st sugary cereal ~ fruity pepples!

He always let us help even when I stripped the gears on the lawn mower or Kelly almost drove the lawn mower into the tree when she was not looking where she was going.

When I called and asked to move home with Nic ~ being a single mom was so hard without my family around... He and my mom came up to NH rented a UHaul and helped me pack up all my stuff and drove me back home. Nic and I didn't leave again until we married Alex. Poor dad ~ I think he thought he would never get rid of us!

Didn't yell when I decided to paint a room and didn't take the socket covers off. He just calmly shook his head, and picked the paint out of the sockets.

Said no to helping with wallpaper but helped anyway!

Picked Nic up at daycare, gave him dinner, a bath and put him to bed so I could go to school and get my Master's degree ~ on the nights my mom worked.

When I got put on bed rest with Justin for a week - he and my mom brought me dinner and he carried in my dinner in bed tray ~ how sweet is that?

Was the only one who could bounce Justin just right and give us a brake from his colicky crying.

Would drive over and sit at the house with Alex, Nic and Justin so I could go grocery shopping after Justin was born. Alex was too nervous to stay alone with Justin at first.

He's a pretty good cook. Although buying 1/2 a cow from the Collin's and then trying to make us eat cow's tongue and telling us it was something different was pretty gross. At least I was smart enough not to fall for that ~ KELLY!!! :)

There's a lot more to add... more later...

I am pretty lucky! I have an awesome dad!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

August 24, 1968
Congratulations Mom and Dad on 41 years of Marriage! I am so happy that you have both been able to retire together and are spending time having fun and traveling and enjoying the puppies (your new girls) together!

My mom and dad met when my dad was stationed in Groton, CT at the Navy Base ~ he was on a sub during Vietnam. My mom was in nursing school at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT and her friend was dating my dad's friend. They got set up on a date and... they were married and had 3 daughters and now have 2 grandsons they love to spoil!

(The pics are of my mom and dad on their wedding day. They were married in the same church that Alex and I were married in.)

Busy Day

Today was busy...
I got up said goodbye to Nic and Alex and got Justin out the door into Heidi's car for school. Ran and picked up my mother in law and went to Fry's. I spent $77.00 and save $186.00 ~ Yay coupons and sales!

Then I dropped off my mother-in-law, and ran home to unload my car. I then picked up Heidi and cute little Kyle and we went visit teaching. Visit teaching was so enjoyable today, it was wonderful to visit and talk to adults!

I then ran and picked up the kids from school. Made Justin lunch and took him to the pool.

When Nic got home we ran to the Drs picked up a script ran to frys to pick up more water with the rest of my coupons and then got the boys haircut. I then ran to CVS to drop off a script, ran to Walmart to pick up Alex's script and pick up Otters and juice mix. Got the boys the promised McD's for behaving and got gas.

Then I went home, dropped off the boys, picked up Alex and we went and picked up his parents who took us to dinner.

The boys made me nervous cause I kept calling about 9:15 and no answer, came home and found them both sound asleep in my bed with all lights on and TV blaring ~ but no worries, JD the furosious lab was guarding the house! :)

After my busy day I'm beat and headed up to catch some ZZZZ's.

Loving Kindergarten...

I just love Justin's Kindergarten teacher. I love her classroom policy and how she runs the classroom!

I really love her marble jar that she is using for positive reinforcement. Without saying a word when the kids are good she adds a marble to the glass jar - it pings loudly and the kids know they are being AWESOME! When it is full the class gets a prize. It is so funny, when I was doing my 1st grade student teaching my teaching advisor recommended I use the marble jar and it worked awesome.

I also get to volunteer every Thurs from 10 to 12 ~ how fun is that!!!!!

A Wonderful Phone Call

Phone Rings...
Me: "Hello"
Caller: "Hello is Mrs. Fisher there?"Me: "This is."
Caller: This is Mrs. Nacsa, Justin's teacher."
Me: "Hi, how are you?" Me Thinking, "Oh no what did he do today?"
Caller: "I just wanted to tell you what a joy it is to have Justin in my classroom. "He is so adorable and well behaved. I just wanted to touch base and let you know I enjoy having him in class and see if you had any questions or concerns about Kindergarten this year."
Me: "Thank you so much!" and I was thinking... "wow, he must be so good 'cause I'm such a good mom!" Just Kidding, kinda :)

October

I just booked my mom and dad tickets for October! They will be here for about a week and a half during the boys vacation!

We are going to head to Sea World and the San Diego Zoo! Alex already submitted vacation time and we are going to have some FAMILY FUN!!!

I know this is a little extravagent in this economy but other than flying to CT we have not had a vacation with the boys in years and years. Also, we want some time to do something with them prior to trying for that little girl in early 2010.

Happy 7th Anniversary Alex!

7 Years Ago Today, Alex and I were married.

We've def. had our tough times and some easy times, some fun times and some sad times and some angry times. There have been moments like when we learned that we needed to do invetro to have a baby and Alex gave me every single shot and never complained and even said how bad he felt when I cried that they hurt. We held each other in tears when we found out invetro had worked and we were pregnant. I watched him hold Justin for the first time after he was born, and my heart tripped a beat and I fell in love all over again. Their have been moments like when I though he was going to die from pneumonia and I didn't know what I would do without him. The moment when he woke up after almost dying and told me we needed to go back to church and find the perfect church for our family. There have been moments when he humbled himself and took a job for $10.00 an hour so we could have food on the table and pay bills~ this economy is so bad right now. Their have been moments like when we lost his brother Doug that I watched him crumble and cry. There are moments when he shows Nic how to do a math problem or plays trucks with Justin and I see a father and his sons heads bent together that my heart fills with joy and love. These moments and so many others make up our life together.

When our house is quiet and everyone is at home in their beds I quietly slide to my knees and thank Heavenly Father for all lifes blessings and for giving me my husband and my boys who I love so very much!

I LOVED OUR WEDDING! Our only glitch was that it was so.... hot! August in CT is super hot and MUGGY!

Our wedding had 200 guests from CT, MN, NY, CO and CA. We had our ceremony at my family's church in CT where we lived at the time. The church was where my parents were married and my sisters and I were baptised as was Nic and Justin. My dress was gorgeous with tons of lace and I felt like a princess! I carried white Roses and I had 1 daisy stuck in my bouquet (daisies are my favorite flower). Everyone else carried bouquets of daisies and there were daisies in vases everywhere! My sister Kerri was my Maid of Honor and my sister Kelly and sister-in-law Jen were my bridesmaids they wore a light green floor length skirts and tops. Alex's brother Doug was his best man and his brothers Chris and Bruce were Ushers. My friend Tracy's daughter, Kaleigh was my flower girl and wore a white dress embroidered with Daisy's and wore a ring of daisy's in her hair ~ even her sandels had daisies on them ~ and her mom cried when she saw how beautiful and grown up she looked after she had her hair done and was dressed. Nic was our ring barrer and wore a tux for the very first time. My friends Tracy and Jamie read readings and my Aunt Jean sang 3 songs. One for my dad right before I walked down the Aisle (Butterfly Kisses) and then she sang the Lord's Prayer during the ceremony and also sang the unity song while we lit the unity candle.

Alex's dad walked both our mom's dad the aisle and then they walked up and each lit a family candle (during the ceremony we then lit our unity candle from the ones they lit.)

My dad walked me down the aisle and gave me away...

I wrote our ceremony (our minister ~ probably knowing how anal I could be about wanting it perfect was A-okay with that). Alex and I also exchanged vows that we had written for each other. We also said Family vows for Nic that were just perfect!

After the ceremony we drove to the country club where we had pics taken. We also had a cocktail hour with yummy orderves - including Nic's request of pineapple wrapped in bacon which were surprisingly good. We were then introduced and had our 1st dance ~ Nic interupted us at the end and for the last minute or so the 3 of us danced together as a family ~ it was perfect!

We had a yummy sit-down dinner with lots of toasts. After dinner we cut our beautiful 3 tiered cake with tons of candied daisies on it and a champaigne fountain underneith it.

We danced and danced to the DJ - we have some great black-mail video footage as well :). Towards the end of the night we had a coffee bar with the most delicious italian cookies that Alex's mom had made for our guests ~ platters of them with little boxes to take some home also...

Our ceremony started at 2:30. Cocktail hour was from 4 to 5 and the reception was from 5 to 10.

I have tons of pictures and the most beautiful video I could ever imagine of it all from an outstanding videographer of me getting ready, the ceremony and the reception... we watch it ever year on our anniversary... if you ever want to see it let me know - I love watching it!!!

Our Wedding Party and Our Wedding Cake

Wedding Party:
Alex's brother Bruce, Alex's sister Jen, Alex's brother Doug, Me, Alex, My sister Kerri, Alex's brother Chris, my sister Kelly, my flower girl Kaleigh, our son Nic.

Our cake was so yummy! It was lemon with white icing! Alex fed me the cake nicely. But... Nic wanted us to feed him a bite of cake too so... he was the one who got it a little smooshed on him which he thought was just so... awesome!

The Ceremony

These pics are:
My dad walking me down the aisle to marry Alex.
Alex, Nic and I lighting the family unity candle.
Alex and I are married! We are walking down the aisle out of the church!

More of my family

These pics were taken outside the church.
My sister Kelly, My Grandpa, my Nana, Alex, Me, my mom, my dad, my sister Kerri and Nic.
My Nana and Grandpa with Alex and I. This was one of the best pics of them that I have. They were able to attend our ceremony and we were so happy!

Alex's family

These pictures are of:
Alex and his mom.
The guys! Alex's brothers, Bruce, Doug, Alex, Chris and of course our Nic.
Alex's family: Alex's brother Bruce, his sister Jen, his dad, me, alex, his mom, his brother Doug, his brother Chris and Nic.

My Family

These pictures are of our wedding day. They were taken at my parent's house.
My handsome ring bearer and son, Nic.
My dad and I.
My mom and I.
My family: My sister Kelly, Me, mom, dad, my sister Kerri and Nic.

Checklist Completed!

Don't you love checking things off a list? I LOVE IT!!!
Today I was able to check everything off my In-Law house to do list.

Take down all blinds for painter.
Vacuum whole house - including stairs - hate stairs!
Vacuum window sills and baseboards with vacuum attachment.
Change air filters.
Make sure all odds and ends are in closets.
Sweep garage and porches.
Shake out front mat.
Kill spider (well it wasn't on my list but since I did it I added it :)

These were already checked:
Mow and weed yard - this took forever ~ I had really let the backyard go and just kept up on the front.
install appliances ~ thanks Alex although I did help carry and plugged in the oven :)
fix window
fix air conditioner

YEA!!! I am all done! Painter comes Monday and In-Laws come Friday. Once the painter is done we have more work like cleaning bathrooms and buying furniture and stuff but then my mother in law will be in charge and I can just be a helper.

Now on to my house! This weekend I'm taking a break but come Monday...
Curtains need to go through dryer to remove dust, floors scrubbed, carpet steam cleaned, sheets on bed ~ they will stay with us a few days while painting is being finished and they buy furniture, murphey oil cabinets, weed back yard, finish trimming front tree... and I'm sure I'll add more to list... My mother has me programmed to do a full cleaning when guests come and I can't seem to brake the habit!

Oh, and did I mention that my dishwasher is now broken? It continuously cycles and won't let me turn it off :( AHHHH, called someone tonight and they will be out hopefully tomorrow to tell us cost ~ hopefully not to much or it is waiting until payday next Friday... My savings is going to dwindle yet again... Errrr

First Day of Kindergarten...

Today was the 1st day of Kindergarten. So... bittersweet!

Justin was so excited and hopped into his clothes and quickly ate his pancake. We are carpooling with the Johnson's and being the 1st day the moms were both in the front seat of the car's today for drop off and pick-up.

As expected on the 1st day there were A LOT of cars but it seemed very well organized. All the Kinder parents were able to go to the playground and the children played until the wistle blew. Then they got into line with their teacher, started their trains and waved goodbye to moms and dads and away they went to start their educational career. I waved, blew a kiss and held back my tears... Justin was so excited and kept saying "your gonna miss me mom, but we'll have lunch together" in his cute little deep voice.

Hartford, CT 1/2 Marathon

This is my sister Kelly (in the pink) running in the Hartford, CT 1/2 marathon! You go Kel!!!!!!!!

Tiring Day

My day was so tiring....

I woke up Nic who didn't wake up to his alarm ~ funny thing that I did though....

Then Justin and I picked out his teddy bear for his first day of Kindergarten and completed his all about me paper t-shirt he cut out.

Justin and I then headed to my inlaws to meet the window repair guy. I figured that even with the heat at noon I can still mow so I packed the lawn mower in the "burb". The lawn mower is quiet heavy! This is how I did it so you can do it also sometime... Move a cooler in front of the back door. Raise the door. Lift the mower onto the cooler. Now strugglying really hard lift it into the car. (The lawn mower got left at the inlaws - I'll have Alex get it for me - Whew!)

The window repair guy arrived. Asked if he needed anything - nope. So I tell him I'll be in the backyard mowing ~ "In this heat!" he says.

IT WAS HOT!!!!!!!!!!!! But the good thing is the backyard is now ok for them to see it ~ well minus the dead brown weeds I weed killered and still need to pull!

I then thought we would go to pool. Nic said no way - if you are taking him (Justin) I'm staying home for quiet time. So Justin and I head to the pool for a couple hours.

So now I sit typing, Nic is getting ready for Scouts and Justin and I have to pack his PB celery for his snack.

The day is somewhat winding down and I hope my husband will be home soon.

A conversation with Justin

Justin: I know everything.
Me: Like what.
Justin: I know everything about Jesus Christ.
Me: What do you know about Jesus?
Justin: No! it's Jesus Chist!
Me: Who is He?
Justin: God's son. My brother.
Me: Oh?
Justin: Pretty much everyone is God's sons or daughters.
Me: What else do you know?
Justin: The Rebels killed him! They stuck thornes on his head.
Me: And he was nailed to the cross.
Justin: I know!!! They were big long nails.
Me: Do you know why he died?
Justin: So I can go to heaven. But, I don't want to go to heaven now I want to stay on earth.
Me: And he died so your sins can be forgiven. What else do you know?
Justin: I don't know.
Me: Do you know who were the 1st people on earth.
Justin: I don't know.
Me: Adam and Eve
Justin: Who was the 2nd people on earth.
Me: Well, Adam was first and then God made Eve second.
Justin: WHo was next.
Me: I'm not sure, we can go look it up.
Justin: Well, I am sure it was the Fisher's! (He ran off at this point so we'll correct this later.)

Don't you just love those little unscripted teaching moments that you experience throughout the day? Those are the moments I treasure so much as a mom!

A Frog - the size of a cereal bowl!

Scenerio:
Max, the white bichon who thinks he is 150 lb dog is barking like crazy in the back yard.
Me,"Something is really bothering Max. The last time he barked like this we found a dead pigeon in the backyard dead from being shot with a bebe gun! Nic get on your shoes and get Max now!" I'm picturing my lab running through the backyard with the dead bird again and Alex running after him with a broom and scooping the bird over the fence - so gross!

Nic,"It's nothing, he's just barking at the gate!" He is carring Max and puts him down and Max immediately takes off through the dog door again.

Justin, who has followed Max out again comes running back, "MOM, IT"S A FROG AND IT HAS A HUGE BUTTE!"

"Alex!", I scream "Get out there frogs out here are poisonous!!! MY DOGS!!!!!!!!!!"

Nic comes back in the house, "Yup it's a huge frog mom!"

I then go out in the front yard to watch a spectacle unfold! My husband has now chased this frog that is literally as big as a cereal bowl out of the gate with a broom and he is now spraying water at it while it is holed up under the seburban. I do believe the frog liked the water, didn't faze him one bit. He wanted me to back the seburban out of the driveway but 1. there was no way I was leaving my safe spot in the garage and 2. there was no way I was going to contribute to a homicide by accidently driving over the thing! So my husband takes one of our street hockey sticks and uses the frog as a hockey puck. This is when I exit - yes, I want the thing out of my yard but i didn't want to see it hurt!

UGGG! I hate creepy crawlies, snakes and frogs!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Nic!

I can hardly believe that my once tiny 6 lb 1 oz 19 1/2 inch little boy is now 14 years old and a freshman in High School.

I am so proud to be your mom Nic and I am so proud of the young man you have become! I love the way you love and take care of your brother. I love how you are respectful and mind your manners. I love how you try your best in school. I even love that little attitude that rears it's ugly head every now and then ~ it reminds me of me as a teenager!

Nic 14 years ago at 1:35 in the afternoon you were born. From 1st contraction to holding you in my arms it took under 2 hours. You came so fast the Dr. almost wasn't there to deliver you! And... I delivered you without any pain medication! I thought you were the most beautiful baby in the entire world! Everyone loved to hold and love you! You were the 1st grandchild and Grandma, Grandpa and Auntie Kerri and Kelly loved to spoil you - and still do!

Happy 14th Birthday Nic and Happy 1st day of High School! We Love You SOOOOO Much!
Love,
Mom, Dad and Justin

~ per Nic's birthday dinner request we are having thick steaks on the grill, pots, no veggie and Cold Stone Creamery cupcakes (chocolate cups filled with yellow cake, sweetcream ice cream, frosting and chocolate curls) YUMMMM!

Our Plan... Fingers and toes crossed and prayers already started

So ALex is officially hired and our plan is in place.

The company gives him a bank card for $1200.00 a year to help pay for anything related to medical expenses - Dr. copays, prescription copays etc., he only gets half this year due to hire date but it rolls over. Plus the $10,000.00 they will pay for invetro so hopefully we will spend the least amount out of pocket we can...

So... we are planning to get all our records transferred from UCONN (where they helped us conceive Justin). Make appts and get everything ready and start invetro in January. Hopefully we will be able to get all the medical bills completed in 2010 for optimum coverage - this includes conception to birth so we will have a write off for taxes too!

I am so excited and have already started praying for another baby miracle. Of course I am hoping for 2 or 3 and Alex says, "Just shoot me now ~ 3 babies!" But I shush him quickly because he is soooo good with babys - never even complains about changing dirty diapers, both our mothers would jump at the chance to be here to help hold and love our babies - never mind my dad who is the ultimate baby bouncer - I swear he can quiet any colicy baby! And I just know that there are 2 or 3 heavenly spirits that want to stay together and are looking for a loving home that is praying for them! That would be us! I am praying so hard for them to choose to come live with us and that our invetro will work the 1st time again and that by Christmas 2010 we will be sharing our life with a few more precious miracles sent to us from heaven above!

Walk through - high school

Today was Nic's 1st day of high school ~ Kinda.

It was a walk through day. The bus picked them up they had an assembly and walked through their day and came home on the bus.

The only hiccup was the bus. Seems that the bus didn't pick them up but thanks to someone at the bus stop calling the school 2x the bus came back, found the kids and away they went.

Nic Loved school! He came home so excited about the technology, the laptops, the science labs and the excitement that his teachers had for the year of learning to come ~ it has invigorated him! He said his teachers are young (His Spanish teacher reminds him of his aunt Kelly) and he is so excited to learn what they have all just learned in college! Their excitement was contageous!

He also met kids in the neighborhood and in his classes and is excited to look into joining some clubs and maybe track.

I am just so happy he is excited for High School!

I was also finally able to register him for seminary. It took about 4 phone calls to very nice Bishops and finally 1 smart Bishops wife who told me to try calling the Stake Center. And Ta-Da! He's registered and will go to the church on Bella Vista at 6am starting the 27th for seminary, the school bus will pick them up there and drive them to school.

And now we wait until Monday, July 20th for the 1st Official Day of High School and it is also the day that Nic turns 14! I can't believe it!

A Day of Days!

It was one of those days! Ya know the kind that you wish you were still back in bed and could have a do over of waking up?

That was my day Thursday.

I woke up about 7 to the sound of the phone. "You have to come to Burger King and get me the suburban is dead", said the voice on the other end of the phone line. "What!", I said. "Grab the jumper cables and get down here the suburban's battery is dead, not even the lights are coming on", said the now irritated voice.

So I jump up wake the boys, Nic insists upon staying in bed, Justin is up for the adventure and away we go.

(All the way there I am praying oh please, please let it just be the battery. I have the $ in savings to pay for that but nothing any more expensive.)

After trying to charge the suburban - no luck we drive to Checkers to buy a battery and beg to let them allow us to borrow their tools for a few mins so Alex can change the battery in the Burger King parking lot. But, they forgot to give us a wrench we only got sockets so a nice gentlemen let Alex borrow one and then told him to keep it as he had 4 others - the kindness of strangers!

- PS if you are ever in a jam that wrench is in our suburban. I told Alex it is the wrench that keeps on giving and one day he can hand it to the next person who is in need of one.

So my husband heads to work and I head home to relax. In the afternoon we head out to Ironwood to grab a few items at Frys to make spag sauce and to pick up Nic's friend Wes. It is REALLY HOT OUT. We get out to the Tahoe and I unlock it. Decide it is too hot for the kids to get in while I load groceries so I start the car. I shut the driver's door to open the back door and let Justin in and ALL THE DOORS ARE LOCKED, CAR IS RUNNING, PURSE IS INSIDE! AND IT IS REALLY HOT!!!!!!!!! Did I mention that as soon as you start the Tahoe all the doors lock.... yup I blanked on that!

Luckily Nic has his phone and I call my friend Deanna and luckily she is home! She drives over and picks up my kids and groceries and drives the 20 mins back to my house to get another set of keys and a gas can - just in case I run out of gas and then another 20 mins from my house to frys - what a wonderful friend I have! It was miserable hot and after standing by my car for awhile to make sure noone tried to smash a window and take off with my running car and purse I walked up and sat on the patio table chairs out of the sun. At that point I was so hot they could of stole it for all I cared! Well Deanna got back and I got in my car and got gas and then went to pick up Wes. But oh, no the story doesn't end there...

I have now picked up Wes and we are trying to get out of Pecan Creek onto Ironwood and I have 4 cars behind me. All of a sudden I feel awful I quickly put my window down and no lie threw up 8 times out my window over and over again. I can finally stop and do a little u and pull over. Got sick a couple more times and then felt much better (I think it was the sun and heat).

Now meanwhile poor Wes was in the back seat the whole time! I turn around and say Wes I am so sorry! He said that's ok then he hands me a big hershey bar he had brought and says, "this will help you feel better!" How sweet was that?

The rest of the night was uneventful! Including the boys late night of videos! I walked upstairs at 10:00 and Wes had already fallen asleep on the floor so we kicked him into the spare room and told Nic bed at 11:00. Thank goodness for quiet endings...

I'm gonna be Broke!

After paying for school fees!

Good grief! It's crazy!

$75.00 Activity fee for Justin and a huge list of supplies. Although I do have a ton of supplies from last years Staples Sales but each child needs 8 glue sticks???? is she gonna box them all and dole them out during the year??? and 2 different kinds of reams of paper ~ the paper sounds more like a teacher wish list item. Those darn budget cuts!

Nic, this is going to be a list:
$35.00 Activity Fee
$15.00 Gym clothes
$50.00 laptop insureance
$100.00 deductable if lap top breaks - it better never break!
Labs are $15.00 each and a school shirt is $10.00
Ouch!!!

OK enough complaining... but YIKES! I can't imagine paying this when you have a big family!

Temple Recommend Class

So, I dropped out of Temple Recommend Class last week.

We are told that the devil does not want us to go to the Temple and he will place obstacles in our path to prevent us from reaching the Temple. I thought to myself what else could happen after the past 2 years of horribleness we've had? But, I was still a little nervous about it, but Alex and I knew that we were led to church after Alex's illness and this is where God wants us. He was not going to let an obstacle stop us, hopefully...

On to what happened...
Alex had been given a job offer for the company he was temping at. We had been expecting the offer and were so excited. He loves his job and ENJOYS going to work everyday and the benefits are fabulous. Well last Tuesday the company issued a nationwide hiring freeze and Alex's offer was withdrawn. Our happiness bubble was shattered! He was positive it was going to be ok the VP was pulling for him to still get hired. I was negative - crying on the couch with the dogs, sure that we were going to have to go back to the job search again and I just knew it was because we were in Temple class and if this was the bad stuff that was going to happen then I was not going anymore! I just wasn't strong enough to go through this trial again. So after telling Alex I was never going back to class I went upstairs to cry some more on our bed and in the midst of this I prayed to God, I prayed for Alex to get hired even though the company had a hiring freeze. I was VERY specific down the the day of the week, the year, month and day of the month. I prayed for him to be hired the next day.

The next day Alex came home from work with a package of papers and gave them to me. "What's this," I asked? "Benefit papers," he said. "Not funny," say I. He said, "You need to look through them and pick the health plan you want, my official start date with them is July 6th. My offer was reinstated, they snuck me through the hiring freeze!"

All this relief poured through me, and I thanked Heavenly Father for answering my prayer. What a testimony he has given me in the power of prayer. I also know that even though Satan is strong Heavenly Father is stronger. Heavenly Father wants Alex and I to go to the Temple to experience all its blessings and continue our family's path to being sealed together for all eternity.

Spaghetti Pie

Ok I have to be honest here, I have never had spaghetti pie ~ just sounded strange. I've had cavetelli, spaghetti, lasagna but never spaghetti as pie. So, while perusing dinner ideas I read a recipe and thought I could tweak this to my style and make it pretty good. The teenager LOVED it 3 helpings, the 5 year old said it looked gross and only tried 1 noodle and declared it a frozen pizza tv dinner night for him (he's in that don't mix my food together stage and only likes ketchup for sauce), husband said pretty good but he def. prefers lasagna. I thought it looked so good and I stared at it for a good 5 mins. convincing myself not to eat a bite! However I find it odd it's called Spaghetti Pie, I guess you can cook in a pie plate but I cooked mine in a 9x13 so I am going to call mine spaghetti casserole!
Anyway, here's my recipe in case you want to try it some night.

Spaghetti Casserole

In a big skillet...
Sautee onions in olive oil.
Add in 1/2 lb Hamburg and 1/2 lb sausage and cook.
Add 4 garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp oregano.
Once meat is brown drain out most of the fat and add in a jar and a half of spagetti sauce, 1 tsp salt and 2 cups of water. To this add 8 to 10 oz spagetti broken into about 3 in. pieces. Cover and cook on medium for 8 mins ~ stirring here and there. Now add 1/2 c. parm cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup condensed milk and reduce to low for 6 mins. Then pour into a 9x13 pan and top with a bag of mozzerella. Bake until mozzarella is brown and bubbly.

This is a great make ahead meal, make on the weekend and fridge it and throw it in the oven to reheat during the week on a busy night!

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.