Our Adventure called Life

T is for Turkey After 22 days of "Thanks," we have arrived at the culmination of thanks-giving blogs.  Turkey day is upon us. The entire day was full of events that filled both my heart and stomach.  From being with family, to teaching our child about tradition, to nourishing our bodies, to just enjoying one another, to homes filled with laughter, it was a joyous Thanksgiving!  For that....I give thanks. Like this blog, leave a comment (or tell me what you are thankful for!)! Feedback makes me happy! :)

Thanksgiving Eve with a squirmy little turkey On Thanksgiving Eve, the Fish3 packed their bags and headed to my sisters house for a slumber party. My mom and dad joined in on the festivities and before you know it, aprons were donned and the food was cooking, coffee was flowing, the little guy was squealing up a storm, and we slipped into the spirit of Thanksgiving Eve.  Spending time with my mom and sister while the little guy runs around at our feet feels like "home" to me...even if I'm not in my own home. What do you mean I don't get to eat turkey tonight? The boys all retired to their rooms while the girls manned the stoves and timers.  A little before midnight I had to throw in my chefs hat as this Momma is typically in bed by 9:30! Teaspoons make great teethers At 7am, our little dumplin wanted to get the Thanksgiving party started.  My sweet mom and sister watched the little guy while I went back upstairs and crawled back into bed next Scott!  It&

Night night angel Scott is away for the night and I just laid Paisley down to sleep.  My cranberry candle is burning, the Hallmark channel is playing Christmas movies, and I'm sporting my flannel pjs.  Besides the cheerful dialog on the television the house is silent.  It's "my" time. I read on another blog that after 8pm, the mom of the family is "off duty" until morning.  I adopted this policy in our house as well.  This means that at 8pm, I turn off the kitchen light, laundry folding and sorting comes to a halt, and I take my place on the couch, in my sewing chair, or head to the shower.  It's now "my" time. It's not often that Scott is away for the night and I don't necessarily like that my toothbrush looks so lonely in the holder.  On the other hand, a night without having to watch the Speed station is quite enjoyable.   For those few quiet hours in the evening when I can focus on me, watch Hallmark movies until I can't

Fall day in the park Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.... Life is full of beautiful things...there is the scenery that surrounds us.  This time of year, I love to watch the trees go from green to sunny yellow, butterscotch orange, and fire engine red.  I can't say I love it when the leaves are gone and the landscape becomes a little less colorful and a bit dull, but I know (hopefully) around the corner a blanket of white sparking snow is waiting to cover the ground and coat the trees. The people around us...Today I was shopping with my mom and holding Paisley.  Mom was playing peek-a-pie with Paisley and her head popped around a corner.  Her eyes lit up, her smile was big, and her hair looked extra glossy and perfect...I thought to myself, self-"Momma is so beautiful."  The twinkle in my sons eyes as he is about to do something that he knows is naughty is beautiful.  Hearing the sound of my father and sister laughing together, that sound is beautiful.  The flu

Cookie Cutter Grandparents  During my lifetime, I was able to spend time with 3 of my great-grandmothers and both sets of grandparents.  They were each so unique, so loving, and interesting to my adolescent self.  My great-grandmothers were Ruby, Francis, and Virginia.  If those aren't the most perfect great-grandmother names, I don't know what are.  Grandma Francis lived in Ohio and would send the best care packages.  I remember getting underwear from her one time that I'm pretty sure would fit a 200 lb. woman.  It was the thought that counts, but I remember my 6 year old (tiny) self being so confused and mildly amused.  Grandma Virginia lived in the same town as us, drove a brown pinto, and lived on Tums and Marborlo Lights.  One of the last times I saw her before she passed, she asked if I had gotten a boob job.  I had not.  Grandma Ruby had a chiuaua named Gigi that terrified me.  Sadly I don't have too many other memories beyond her dog and her green couch. M

Birth Stats                   15 Month Stats 6lbs. 5.9oz                  22 lbs. 7oz. (25% for weight) 19 inches long            32 inches long (75% for weight) Mr Personality has had a busy few months.  Between trips to the zoo and having friends over, little man has a social calendar to rival any other 15 month old.  I am happy to say we have an extremely social little one.  It may take him 5 minutes to warm up, but after that, watch out.  He LOVES to have my friends hold him (maybe he just has a crush on them), he doesn't mind sharing his toys with others, and at a recent party, he stood out on the dance floor swaying his little bottom along with the music and grinning at his dad and I.  This baby has personality...and rhythm! He is a mocking bird!  He tries to say just about any word he hears.  He has a few tricks up his sleeve that he breaks out when he needs even more attention then he is already receiving; -Football run, he will stand in place and run as fast as

Love in the sweltering heat of a Tennessee night (My sister & Greg) "I wouldn't want to live a life without faith, and I wouldn't want to live a life without hope. However, in spite of how wonderful, important, and life-changing both faith and hope are, they pale in comparison to  love ." From the moment I was born, I was loved.  I had a mom that showed her love by her daily care giving.  I had a father that showed his love by providing for his family.  I had a sister that showed her love by letting me play with her Barbie dolls one time.  I had grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins that all showed their love for me.  The love of my family created the foundation for which the rest of my life would grow from.   Today I watch those same family members and get to witness the love that they also bestow on others.  My sister didn't take the easy path when it came to finding love, but down rocky roads and lots of tissue boxes, she found it. My parents

Exactly 15 months ago today, modern medicine and the kindest medical professionals I have ever met brought my baby into this world.  From the beginning, when we were first referred to the maternal fetal specialist, we dealt with the most thoughtful group of people.  From the ultra-sound techs to the ladies at check in, they knew my story, they knew what we were up against, and they cared for me and our unborn baby like one of their own.   Modern Day Miracle During my 6 week stay in the hospital, I had the most compassionate nurses one could ask for.  My OB, who visited me daily, not only told me she had begun praying for our family, but had tears in her eyes as she introduced my parents and sister to Paisley Andrew.  Even the anesthesiologist took a fatherly type role in the operating room, keeping a hand on my shoulder and talking me through every step of the procedure.   The first time I met Paisley's pediatrician, I knew I was going to like her.  She was referred to m

Halloween gifts? Ok!! In between my "giving-thanks" blogs I figured I would slip in a blog recapping our Halloween!  After all, I spent time sewing the perfect Pinocchio costume, I might as well show it off. The Black Kitty (Nana) and P Our morning started with a surprise visit from the Black Kitty (Nana) complete with Halloween gifts.  Paisley was happy to see her and interested in removing the tissue paper from his Halloween bag. Pinocchio Paisley was super excited to put on the costume his Momma had worked so hard on!  Nana thought he was pretty cute.  I was happy he left the hat on! Our real live boy After Nana left, we spent the day reading our Halloween books, looking at the Halloween decorations around the house, and playing with our new toys from the Black Kitty. He likes this Halloween business We went to visit Grammie and Papa Bob.  At this point, Pinocchio realized this day was a kiddos dream day.  All he had to do this morning was

It's the weekend! Get crazy!!!!! Weekends just feel different than weekdays.  There is the feeling that anything can happen and you can do anything you want....I mean after all, you don't have to work the next day.  Even though I don't work 5 days a week, weekends still feel better to me than weekdays.  Maybe it's because I get to spend two consecutive days with both my boys? On the weekends I get to sleep in drink my coffee a little more leisurely than normal.  Scott and I always make a big breakfast on Saturday morning.  It's a tradition we have had since we were dating.  Who doesn't want to eat their weight in golden fluffy pancakes smothered in maple syrup served with a side of crispy bacon?  After the dishes are cleaned and put away we always talk about what we want to accomplish for the day.  Maybe it's yard work, maybe it's basement stuff, or maybe it's just a trip to town to pick up some odds and ends.  Whatever it is, we do it with a

Who needs a camera anymore? Thank you iPhone!! Yeah....I realize I fell a day behind.  However, I have an excellent excuse...so my favorite television show (Nashville) is on Wednesday night at 9pm.  My husband and I like to be in bed by 9...so we set the dvr and went to bed.  When Thursday night rolled around and the baby went to sleep, we caught up on the previous nights episode.  So by the time we watched Nashville it was bedtime and I was too sleepy to blog.  See...excellent reason! :) So yesterday morning, we  I woke up when P decided it was time to get up (at 6am).  Scott woke up to the sound of his alarm.  As I shuffled my sleepy feet around the house, programming the coffee pot and turning on my hair straighter, I clicked on the TV to see what late breaking news was happening. After getting ready (it was a working day for me!) I hopped in my car and off to work I went.  At work I sat in my warm cube, in my comfy swivel chair, and interacted with a group of smart, profess

Life, it's happening every second.  Don't blink or you'll miss it. I remember the exact moment I decided I would start blogging.  Mom and I were sitting in Borders bookstore, my wedding was 6 months away, and we were talking about the excitement of life.  I knew that I wanted to remember those moments and the million of moments that had yet to take place.  I wanted to record the details of my life and I didn't mind sharing it with anyone that was interested in following along.  Hence, An Adventure Called Life was born.   I've always enjoyed writing.  It's easier for me to write my feelings about someone or something, then to verbally say it.  Something about seeing my words in front of me helps make thoughts and feelings even more real.  Once I write a blog and hit "publish" it's a release for me.  I don't always write about pink fuzzy bunnies and unicorn horns, unfortunately life has rocky cliffs and bumpy roads, and I write about those

“If you have two friends in your lifetime, you're lucky. If you have one  good  friend, you're more than lucky.” I think when it comes to good friends, I hit the lottery.  The lengths of these friendships go as far back as birth to as recent as 6 years ago.  One was a neighbor during my Jr. High years and another I met across the big pond in Grantham, England.  One was born in England but we didn't meet until I offered her a job in the corporate world.  Two play the harp and one was in the Air Force.  They are all so unique and beautiful and share their lives with me.  Some are married, some are not, some have kids, some do not.  They are a mix of business professionals, a nurse, a Yoga instructor and stay at home moms.   These girls celebrated my engagement, my marriage, the birth of our child, and the ups and downs that came between.  They've been a shoulder to cry on, but more often someone to laugh with.  I've learned by watching them as we encou

Camping outside of Yellowstone, 2009 As I sat down to write my nightly "giving thanks" blog, I was amazed at all the "little" things that I am blessed with on a daily basis.  To start with, I woke up this morning in my warm bed, next to my loving husband.  I was able to pack him breakfast and lunch, help him locate his "missing" belt, wallet and brown shoes, and get him out the door to work. Around 7 I heard the stirring begin in the next room and a few moments later a little voiced yelled,  "MaMa."  I made P and myself breakfast, and picked up the house a bit.  Before 9am, I realize I am luckier than most of the people of the world.  I have a home, food, and loved ones right here within arms reach.    However, I didn't stop giving thanks there. My grandparents are now living in a nursing home.  I bundled up the baby and we met my mom to visit little Florence and Vic.  My grandparents aren't physically the same people they used to

Skiing the Swiss Alps Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but everywhere I turn I hear about someone close to my age battling cancer.  At 32, I still feel young, way to young to deal with a serious illness.  But, medical issues don't discriminate.  I don't take for granted that I've lived a healthy life.  I don't take for granted that my husband and son are also healthy.  The only medication you would find in our home is daily vitamins and Orajel.  You never know what conditions you will encounter down the road.  For now, at this moment, for my good health and the health of my family...I give thanks. Like this blog, leave a comment (or tell me what you're thankful for!)! Feedback makes me happy! :)

What? You didn't know I was a drummer?  Bonnaroo 2010 Today I drove to my parents house (roughly 45 minutes away) to claim our little fish.  We are having some beautiful, very un-season like, sunny sky weather.  The kind of weather that had me roll my window down and let my hair get wind-whipped and frizzy.  Alone with my thoughts and the radio, I drove the streets in my hometown as I had numerous times before.  My mind tried to revert back in time, as if I had just finished up a day of class and was heading "home." My car glided into the same parking spot it did when I lived there.  Only now when I walk in, there is my little guy, waiting for his Momma.  I stepped in to my room and breathed in the same scent, touched my bedspread, and looked at the items on my dresser, left exactly like they were when I moved out over two years ago.  For some reason I never packed up everything in my room, I simply just walked out and created a new life in the next town over.  Step

My Momma and Me You know how parents should put the needs of their children in front of their own? Well that's how my Momma lives her life.  Not only has she always made my sister and I her priority, but also my father, and my grandparents.  She literally takes care of herself after everyone else has been taken care of. The other day she gave me a compliment without even realizing it.  She told me it made her heart happy to see me raising and loving Paisley in a very similar fashion to the way I was raised and loved.  For her to compare my parenting and nurturing style to hers made my heart happy, because you see, my momma is the most loving and giving person to ever walk the earth. Today wasn't the easiest day for her.  Today she put my grandparents in a nursing home.  For years, she has been their sole caregiver.  She handled taking them to medical appointments, she assisted in getting my wheelchair bound grandmother in and out of bed, she took care of the groceries,

Juggle work or motherhood?  How about a little of both? Years ago I worked in the corporate world, complete with business cards, paid vacation, and a little plaque with my name on it.  I worked with a couple of my closest friends, I enjoyed my job, and I had a pretty great boss.  Funny thing is when I met this tiny little person that I had spent the previous 8 months growing, none of that work stuff seemed to matter.  I wanted to spend my time with him and the cut in pay (while it hurt) was worth it.  When Scott and I looked into the future, we both agreed we would never say "Gosh, I really wish I would have worked more and spent less time with Paisley."  Not to mention, Scott has a good job that can allow me to stay home with P, so it just made sense. Life has a way of making everything happen for a reason.  Around the time that Scott and I realized my full-time gig, driving 45 minutes one way, and less than flexible work schedule was not working for our family, a frie

Excellent bassist (the one on the left) :) I'm pretty sure my mom had ear phones on her stomach during her pregnancy.  I came out of the womb with a love for music. Growing up, my mom had the Doors playing constantly!  She was a stay-at-home mom, so literally all day, I listened to the Doors.  Every. Album. All. Day. I could sing every one of their songs by the time I was 10. My Grandfather had a jukebox that he played.  His taste was a bit more dated than my moms, but I still enjoyed listening to his selections.  The song I remember most was Elvira.  He's no longer with us, but that song is.  Hearing it makes me smile and remember my time with him. My parents offered to take me to my first Bonnaroo.  If that isn't encouragement from your parents to love a variety of music, I don't know what is. Scott and I had known each other 14 days when he asked if he could buy "us" tickets to the Austin City Limits music festival.  Never mind the fact that the f

My deep thinker...some decisions are more important than others I think everyone knows today is election day...well unless you live under a rock.  And if you lived under a rock, I doubt you would have wifi and a laptop to check my blog.  Nor do I think I blog about topics that people that live under rocks would be interested in.  But, I digress.  Where was I....oh yes, today is election day.  Maybe you noticed? Of course I am thankful for my right to vote.  I remember turning 18 and being so excited to exercise my new found right.  I was thankful to have a voice, to have the ability to share that voice, and that my voice was being heard.  But tonight I want to give thanks for so much more that my ability to decide who takes office next.  How about the basic freedom to get an education, to choose my religion, to choose whom I married.  I have the freedom to drive a car, to travel the world freely, to watch whatever news station or reality show floats my boat.  I choose what clothe

I didn't ask for her nor did I have any say when I was born,  I just lucked into being born as her little sister.  She is 3 years older than me, although for a good portion of our lives it felt more like 33 years.  She was wiser and more mature, I was cuter and more fun.  She always had a steady boyfriend and I was always moving on to the next best thing. Despite our differences, I was pretty interested in what she was up to.  She had this small green binder that she kept phone numbers of all her friends in (this was way before cell phones).  I would sneak in to her room when she wasn't around and pour over the girls and guys lucky enough to get their name in her book.  I would run my finger down the list, proud that I knew almost all the people she had in there.  My freshman year she was senior.  I would smile with pride when teachers would comment on my "big sister."  Yep, I thought she was pretty cool too, even though I wouldn't admit it then. The funny

Pigs in a blanket I spend a lot of time writing on here about the little guy in my life.  However, well before that little guy came along, it was just me and the handsome ham pictured above.  The blond haired, blue eyed boy that had me laughing the first day I met him, and continue laughing with to this day.  He is one of the hardest working men I know.  Besides his full time job, he also runs a side business.  Besides the side job and full time job, he takes care of each and every "manly" duty around the house, while still helping out with diaper changes and cooking meals.  He's never too tired at the end of the day to collapse on the floor with P and tickle him until he squeals.  He knows what I'm thinking and feeling sometimes before I do.  He says what I need to hear, when I need to hear it. He's strong and outdoorsy and just fun to be with.  He has great ideas on a variety of topics and supports my hair-brained ones.  I couldn't love him more if

So my November 3rd blog is actually being posted on November 4th.  However, it's not because I forgot, but because I needed the pictures taken on November 3rd to accompany my post for November 3rd.  And I didn't have access to a computer last night after said photos were taken...so here we go! So I briefly mentioned the other day that I was preparing for a party and I wanted everything to be perfect.  The day and night turned out perfect, if I do say so myself.  We had a great turn out (46 people!!) despite the cold temps, but aren't hayrides and bonfires made for temps that make your teeth chatter and cheeks turn pink?  The kiddos played nicely together, the parents were able to enjoy an adult beverage or two, and nothing in the house got broken.  Sounds like a success to me. So how do I tie a party into something I am thankful for?  Every year when fall rolls around, it is also know as the "busy season" around the Fisher house.  We have Halloween events,

Today should have been a perfect day...Scott took the day off, Paisley slept until 7:15am, and the sun was shining bright.  I should have woken up like a well-rested, happy Momma.  Instead, you could say I just got up on the wrong side of the bed.  I've had this stuffy nose/cough thing for a few days and I'm over it.  My grandparents are elderly and their rapid deterioration is more than I can stomach.  We just past the two-year anniversary of losing our first baby.  I burned 24 cookies in the oven (not just burned, scorched).  My sweet toddler kept throwing his toys in the trashcan.  And the straw the broke the camels back, when I tried to call my mom because I just needed to hear her voice, the connection of my phone was so bad that she couldn't hear me.  Pity Party for one. I cried.  I texted my mom and sister telling them I was a wreck.  Throw in the fact that I'm throwing a party tomorrow and I just wanted everything to be perfect.  All I wanted was to be abl

Our little turkey I'm not one to jump on the bandwagon, but I've seen a lot of people posting on Facebook something they are thankful for each day of November.  I decided to play along.  Let's see if I can manage a relatively small post each day this month. Last night Paisley came down with a cold.  Scott had it first, then I had it, and we knew it was only a matter of time before the little guy took his turn with the Kleenex box and Vick's vapor rub.  He was a trooper and tried powering through it.  He went to bed like normal but was a little fussy at 12:30am.  I watched him on the monitor and he wasn't awake, just rolling around.  He quieted back down and went to sleep.  At 2:30am he was up again...crying.  Since he typically doesn't wake up at night or cry like this, I went in his room.  I could hear how congested he was.  Crying those few minutes didn't help with his congestion. This is the first stuffy nose he has had, so I imagined he was proba