Holiday Time

I didn't realize it's been a whole month. October was busy and now getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The kids had fun this Halloween, we had a Ward party and went trick or treating around the neighborhood with several other families. It was beautiful weather and Grace was very into it. Josh not so much poor guy has had several ear infections and just hasn't been feeling well. Hopefully next year he and Grace can dress up together.

Overwhelmed and Underwhelmed

As you can see by the date it's been awhile since I've been able to sit down and write. Life has been crazy since school started. Grace goes to Preschool Tuesday and Thursday. Plus we go to Music Makers on Monday morning. It's taken some time to get use to our new schedule. I get up every morning (most mornings) at 6 and workout before the kids get up and try to get ready for the day. Since Grace started school for some reason they have been sleeping later too. I'm not complaining it's just funny. There getting so big and growing so fast. Grace is doing well in school learning poems and her letters. Josh still hasn't said much but he sure does understand what your saying to him. It's interesting because Grace at 18 months had a bigger vocabulary but she most times didn't seem to get it, if that makes sense but Josh on the other hand you can have a conversation and he doesn't respond but with his own language he knows what you are asking him. Boys and girls really are different. Chris is hanging in there, poor guy school is just so hard for him. But he's at a good charter school and there really trying to help him. Getting ready for October with birthdays, fall break, halloween and new babies (not ours the Carpenter's). Headed out to Southern California to visit family while Chris heads to Colorado to visit his. Excited to go to the beach and visit with my sisters. The weather is finally starting to change so it should be really nice, hopefully. Looking forward to the upcoming holiday's Grace is understanding now and loves Christmas and anything Christmas. She found the tree's at Walmart the other day I thought I never get her out of the Garden Center, but it does make me excited for this year. She's so animated it's so much fun, the best part of being a parent is watching the reactions of your children. Hopefully is a successful holiday season:)

Summer of Swim

Grace had her first summer of swim lessons. She did really well, the first few classes were a little rough but soon she got the hang of it and by the end was doing really well. I'm glad she's not afraid, I do not like the water and it's always been something I have truly regretted. So I am so glad Grace likes the water and is not afraid. Josh even loves the water and thinks he can swim. It's actually exhausting taking them to the pool because he just wants to jump in and obviously he can't. Maybe lessons for him next summer:)

Preschool

Grace started Preschool last week. So far she really likes it. Heidi is a Sister in our ward and super nice. We probably don't have the extra money but I felt strongly that Grace needed the extra and specific help in learning color,numbers and letters. Plus don't kids just do better with other people:) Hopefully she continues to grow and learn. Looking forward to this school year.

Think She's Getting the Hang of It

We started potty training Grace again a couple weeks ago and she seem's to be getting it this time. Other than going number 2 still in her pants, ugh! She's been going on her own and sleeping thru the night. She has a occasional accident but nothing to serious. We have adventured out to the store and errands and no accidents. Tomorrow will be our second Sunday hopefully she feels more comfortable letting someone know she needs to go. Still praying this all comes together before she starts preschool next month.

3rd Time a Charm?

Trying again at potty training with Grace this week. I still don't get why this is such a difficult thing to accomplish. Doesn't she realize how carefree and less messy her life will be. It's so frustrating, I told Cori the other night I rather be up every two hours with a newborn than deal with potty training. I can only hope with more patience and a lot more treats this week will be the week, I'll even take sometime this month. I love you Grace but seriously!

A Day At the Beach

A couple of weeks ago we spent a few days at the beach with Brian's family. Brian's brother Brent was out from Colorado with his three kids. It was fun to see them unfortuantely we don't get to see them very often. The kids all had a great time and loved playing with one another, the boys were really good with Josh and Grace invading there sandcastle. We spent one day at the Baby Beach in Dana Point, the beach sits off the harbor so there aren't any ocean waves which was kind of nice for safety reasons. Plus they have picnic tables and a grassey area. The next day we needs some waves so we hit Aliso Creek Beach just south of Laguna. It was a great park too, play area, snack bar and bathrooms. The waves were really high so we weren't able to spend anytime in the water but just watching and listening to the waves is good for me. Plus all Josh wanted to do was eat the sand.

Summer Vacation

Last week we headed to Northern California to visit my family. It's the first time Josh had made the trip and the last time Grace was there she was six weeks old. We drove to Ebmeyer's and stayed the night then drove up the next morning. Stayed at my grandma's which gave us lot's of room being that she's up in Nevada City taking care of her brother. We had bbq at Kerrie's and Uncle Marty came it was great getting to see him. Monday it rained and we visited the fire house with dad. The kid's loved playing in the fire trucks and pushing the horns. Tuesday Grandma came down and we had lunch at Casa Carlos, Carlyn, Rex and Kerrie & Jared came along too. Wednesday we took the kids to the train museum in Old Sacramento, my mom came along as well. The museum was great even Brian had a great time. Spent some time at Celeste's house in the afternoon, she's out in the middle of a orchard so Grace and Josh loved running around. Thursday we headed up to Grass Valley to visit with grandma and enjoy some pasties. Friday was the parade in Colusa and the county fair. Christopher got to ride in parade with my dad a great Fisher family rite of passage. Grace, Josh and Lizzie ran wild at the fair (omg they were so dirty) Lizzie and Grace had a small melt down on one of the rides thankfully they were not scared for life. We also got to visit with Uncle Brian and Aunt Linda it was great seeing them and yet another wonderful backyard for the kids to play in. Can't wait for next summer!

Vacation Time

So this week were busy getting ready to drive to Northern California. We are doing it over two days I admit I'm not looking forward to it but hopefully it will pay off with getting to see family and enjoying some cooler weather. Wish us luck:)

This Week...

Took the kids to the zoo this week and it was National Garden day on Friday so the Botanical Garden was free including the Butterfly Pavilion that actually closes today. I was very excited to take the kids I've wanted to take Grace for a long time but wasn't sure it would be worth the cost. But we hit triple digits this weekend and probably for the next 4 months so we needed to experience a little nature before going on summer lock down. Grace and Josh both really liked the butterfly pavilion but thank goodness it was free. Josh kept waving his arms in the air and Grace tried to chase them. But it was warm:)

Crazy day

I thought it would be nice to take the kids to the zoo since it's going to be 100 this weekend. So we headed out and stopped at Sam's Club to get gas there at the pump I realized I didn't have my wallet. After a quick melt downn headed back home. We pulled up to the house and Grace starts crying to see the animals I get my wallet and we drive back the 30 minutes to town. Now I really need gas. I stop at Sam's again and decide to wash the car big mistake. After the woman two cars in front backs in and out 15 times I should have known the car wash was a bad idea. She eventually goes thru then the car behind her. I pull up and before I have entered the code the car jolts forward and heads into the wash. I can't get the window up fast enough before getting wet. Then the car is stuck in park and I can't get it into neutral plus the car in front of me is not all the way out. Finally the car stops but were not moving after a few seconds I decide to drive out. I'm totally shaking and just start crying. Thankfully there was a very nice man working and ran over to make sure we were ok. Note to self put car in neutral even before you start entering the code. Two hours later we arrived at the zoo. Though Josh was a bit hacked and not about to sit in the stroller they had fun.

Weekend Getaway

Last weekend we went up to Show Low with Carpenter's it was great to take a break from the heat. The kid's loved it they were able to play outside all day at the park or by the lake. Unfourtantely they were all up at the crack of dawn but it was still nice to sit outside and enjoy are surroundings. Hopefully we can make it a annual trip. So for no pictures my computer is on the outs again.

Easter

I know Easter was a couple of weeks ago but it's been kind of a crazy month so far. My grandma Fisher passed away April 6th and then a few days later my Uncle Marty was in a terrible car accident. Not his fault but there was a fatality and he's still in the hospital. So we decided to take a trip to California to visit family and regroup. There's nothing better for the soul then a few hours at the beach relaxing.

Easter was a lot fun. We had dinner with the Carpenter's and Kimball's your traditional ham meal topped off with a festive egg hunt. The kids had a blast, the girl's were all decked out in Indianna's dress up clothes it was cute. It's fun watching them every year get bigger and have a better understanding of the holiday. Next year will really get into the importance of Easter.

March was a busy month

March was a busy month with both Grace and Josh's birthdays. We spent a few days in California visiting family (I still need to post some pix's) at Disneyland and the beach. Joye and Roy were gracious to let us invade there home. It was beautiful weather. Chris was in Colorado visiting his family and had a great time. We of course started potty training then when I thought I didn't have enough on my plate I decided to slice the top of my left thumb off. Sounds worse than it really was but has made trying to do things with one hand difficult and exhausting. Hopefully that mends sooner than later. Now time to get ready for April, Easter, Brian's birthday and were spending the last weekend in Show Low with the Carpenter's. Which will be a great time since it's already starting to heat up to the 90's it will be great to be up in the cool air of the mountains.

Potty Training update

We started off potty training with a very long week then one day she just seemed to get it. The next week was great she went right into the bathroom without saying a word most of the time I found her cleaning out her princess potty. Then came a new week and everything was forgotten. Once again my greatest nightmare has come true. I think potty training was devised to see who could outlast who, child or parent. Hopefully this week is just a minor setback and she'll be back on track soon. I pray

Grace's 3rd Birthday

For Grace's birthday we went to the Phoenix Zoo with the Carpenter's and Greer's

Grace checking out the animals

Grace opening some of her gifts of course princess themed

Topped off the day with Minnie Mouse cupcakes, she got so excited when everyone starting singing to her.

Potty Training, UGH!!

Potty training has got to be one of the worst things to deal with as a parent. It's one skill that should be automatic no learning required. It's been along week and though Grace has made some headway she's still along way from being trained. So what I thought was going to be a very long week looks like it's going to be a very long several weeks. UGH!!!

Josh's First Birthday

Josh turned 1 on March 4th we had a small party with the Carpenter's. He wasn't to sure about the cupcake at first but slowly he got then hang of it.

Thank goodness for a new Month

February to say the least was a long month. Grace and Josh seemed to be sick the entire month. I think we only made it to church once maybe twice. They both seem to be doing better but now I haven't been feeling well this week, hoping it's just allergies. Getting ready for spring break and heading to California to see family. Chris is going to Colorado to see his family. Excited to see Courtney and Kim. The only good thing about the kids being sick we haven't been out and about much spending money on gas. Crazy how much it's increased, were suppose to drive to my parents this summer don't even want to know how much will spend. Thankfully we can stay at my grandma's which will save us a bundle. Also looking forward to that trip.

March will be a good month as long as everyone stays healthy. We started out the month with Josh's first birthday, California this coming week, Grace's third birthday on the 17th. Hunger Games comes out the 23rd same day as Courtney's birthday. End the month with Parker, Gavin and Kim's birthdays. Crazy, then all the same fun stuff in April. Looking forward to spring and getting out with the kids and doing some fun stuff.

Valentine's Day

I just realized I didn't write last week. It was a trying week, my Grandmother Fisher had a stroke and now has to have 24 hour care. Takes me back to when my Grandpa Armstrong had his stroke, she's actually at the same facility he was at. It's hard living so far away, you think after 15 plus years I would have come to terms with it but it's still hard when you can't do anything to help or feel very hopeless. We have plans to visit this summer but it may be to late. I know it's not the last I will see her but it's still going to be many years (at least I hope I'm on earth for many years).

Brian and I saw the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform this weekend. It was wonderful I wish I could have them piped into my home 24 hours a day, I guess I could just turn my Ipod on, Uh? Doesn't matter what mind frame you are in just a few notes and your transformed to a better place. I can't wait to take Grace to Temple Square, she loves music and I know would just be in ah of the temple, tabernacle and just the beautifully landscaped space. Hopefully this fall:)

Josh is walking around like crazy and loves chasing Grace, she loves being chased too. It's hard to believe his first birthday is fast approaching and Grace will be three. This weekend Brian and I are seeing Wicked (again) I love this show and could watch it everyday. It has such a great message of friendship and unconditional love. I also baked like crazy today getting ready for Valentine's Day tomorrow. I think I was trying to make up for last year and not baking at all (happens when your nine months pregnant). I cut out lot's of hearts to heart attack there doors. They probably won't remember but I hope it can be a new tradition. Now to figure out to get rid of all the sweets, I just want a couple.

Will the sickness ever go away?

So the last week has been filled with tissue and over the counter medication. I had a horrible cold and Josh has been dealing with a runny nose that just doesn't want to go away. I dislike very much being sick I feel like nothing gets accomplished, have no energy for anything let alone taking care of Grace and Josh, the house, meals, laundry. But you know how it goes if mom doesn't do it it most likely wont get done. So I spent today cleaning from top to bottom, found some energy for a short workout, planned out meals, went to the store and finally did Josh's laundry. Starting to feel somewhat normal but actually looking forward to warmer weather and not being sick every four weeks.

Grace had a pretty good week been trying to be more patient when it comes to meal time, been more consistent with time out (only now need to get Brian with program) she's talking more and at the moment everything is a question, What's that? Where daddy go? What are you doing? (that one is probably thanks to Phineas and Ferb) Josh is walking more and can get across the room. Still at the point where is would rather crawl but I think by the end of February he'll have discovered he can get there faster by walking. Chris made honor roll after adjustment to his math grade. Pretty sure it's the first time he's gotten a A in math. Better than me, I truly hated math and it didn't like me.

This week prepare for Superbowl Sunday which is more about the party than the game, Better luck next year Broncos!!!

Busy Weekend

This holiday weekend was very busy. Brian had a hockey tournament his team didn't win but thanks to Cori and Eli for watching the kids Friday night so I was able to go to one game. I haven't been in along time forgot how cold it was in the rink. Of course there was the Broncos game Saturday night they didn't when but we had a pre-Super Bowl party. Monday I took Grace to her first movie to see Beauty and the Beast. I hoped being a movie she's familiar with she be able to sit through it. She did really well. When we walked into the lobby she said "wow". It was cute. Cori and Indianna went too and the boys went to the park. Finished the night off with some Papa Murphy's and the Bachelor.

Girl vs. Boy

My sister and I were talking the other day about girls and boys. She has three boys and I have one of each and she asked if I could see any differences. At first thought not really then as the day went on I changed my mind. Josh has been teething since Thanksgiving pretty much a new tooth each week. And it has been a long few weeks he can't sleep at night, needs to be rocked back to sleep, isn't napping but for a hour or so and of course his appetite is different each day. Grace never really woke up in the middle of the night, give her a couple teether tablets and she would nap, she did have days she didn't want to eat. The point is that there are differences he can be very clingy, Grace she loves to snuggle but when she wants to, she's pretty good about playing on her own, Josh is probably still to young to really play just crawl around getting into every drawer and cupboard. Hopefully the older he gets the more they will like to play with each other poor guy will probably end up dressed in some princess dress, I guess I should look for a prince costume.

Goals for 2012

This year there are several things I hope as a family we can work on...

More family time, to continue on my quest to lose weight, to get Grace to sit at the dinner table, Josh to sleep thru the night everyday of the week, spend more time outside before it get's to hot, be better about taking pictures and recording Josh's "firsts", to attend the temple every month, to teach stories and lesson's from the Book of Mormon, sending pictures to family, getting to bed on time, get up at 6 am for mommy time, better at budgeting, be more crafty like Cori (lol), run 5K, be able to run without screaming for air, to actually eat leftovers, watch less tv, eat more fruits and veggies (sorry no collard greens), travel to Colorado and Utah to visit family, date night every other month (next years goal will be every month), figure out why Brian snores and fix it, be more patient with Grace, FHE every Monday and most importantly to use the restroom without a audienance..

Here's to a great year!!

One of those weeks

So 2012 has already started out with a bang. Josh has been teething so we haven't gotten much sleep. But he has 3 compared to the zero that Grace had at 10 months. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep by spring. Grace is growing like a weed and talking more everyday. She got to spend the day with daddy Monday running errands then picking Chris up a the airport (he spent a week with Grandma and Grandpa Devoll). The weather has been beautiful this week, unseasonably warm so we have tried to be outside as much as possible.