Mommy's Little Helper

I just realized how big of a whiner I've been the past week or so! My goodness! I have to put up something positive - here's my cute little helper. After the guys put in the new window, I was vacuuming the floor behind the couch, so she ran and got her pink vacuum to help me. She said "Look mommy! I cleanin too! I helpin'!!" She's SOO cute!

PLEASE! Just shoot me now!

Ok.. so you're not going to believe this... so that's why I took a picture. So much for getting any of that $1050 security deposit back.

(the story: that large table you see is a ping pong table my mom brought over for our yardsale last weekend. It's SUPER heavy and huge. It was sitting on the porch, leaning up against the railing. That smaller table is a train table. So - the wind blew the ping pong table, into the train table, then into the window - Kinda like dominoes!! And no, I'm really not laughing - but seriously! at this point.. I'm just expecting MORE to happen to us this week!)

Summer Fun!

Check out this idea... How fun is this? I totally signed up for it!
http://elizabethkartchner.blogspot.com/2008/06/wanna-play.html

Who's Next?

I think the flu bug has plagued our house... Victim number 1: Michael (2 days of school missed) Hopefully he can go to school tomorrow and thursday because the last week of school is always the most fun! Just please don't take any more victims until AFTER saturday's move!

SERIOUSLY!

Ok.. so who is going to get hurt next this week? This afternoon Michael and Luke were helping me shred some old papers, and I reached up to hand michael a paper and well... Paper cut his eyeball! Seriously?! What are the chances of that? So I called our eye doc, with 5 minutes before closing, hoping to rush in a get some numbing drops, but instead she wanted us to come in so she could check him out. Sure enough - a vertical slice on his little eye! Poor guy! He is totally tramatized by the whole thing. He's such a sensitive kid as it is! She added some antibiotic drops to prevent infection (which TOTALLY freaked him out) and we're just adding "fake tears" as michael calls them for the next couple of days. Ok.. ranting is over... for now anyway! :o)

Obsession

My daughter has an obsession with these two guys... She has to watch it ALL the time.. and she has to watch it on "mommy's bed!" As I type this, I have put her down for a nap, on my bed, to Monster's Inc. Bad Mommy i know! I have never let my kids fall asleep to a movie, but this past week has been so crazy with trying to get stuff done, that I know if I pop that in for her, she'll be out in no time! It's like a comfort thing for her.. another binky. When we get to Boise I'll be able to crack down on the naptime.. But for now, it's just survival mode!

G'day from the land down under!!

On thursday night Michael's class presented a program on Australia. They had been studying Australia for the past 6 weeks or so. It was so cute and the kids all did very well! They each had their own parts to memorize and we learned all kinds of things about Austrailia. We learned where Austrailia is and how it broke apart from the other continents long ago, it's flag, different animals that live there, even how some kids go to school by walkie talkie instead of in a real classroom! Here's a few pictures from the evening. The one of Michael on the horse is him getting ready to "ride out" during the song Waltzing Matilda. They had their own "coral reef" display, along with Austrailia's flag and pictures of austrailian animals and the student's own artwork and projects on display. They were told to wear something they thought the people of Australia would wear, so he came home and told me very specifically that he wanted to wear a Camo shirt with Khaki shorts! Funny kid!

Bring it on...

As if I didn't already have enough to do during the next couple of weeks, I got to spend a few hours in the ER today. Brynley (being quite a little shorty) cannot reach my bed. Usually she asks for help to climb up, but today she decided to pull out my bottom drawer and use that to boost herself up. When she decided she wanted down, she smacked head first on the wooden dresser drawer. It knocked her out for a few seconds, and gave her a minor concussion. We had to do a CT and everything! She was a champ and held still, and they didn't have to sedate her. Thankfully it was normal and she seems to be acting ok. The mark (which was a HUGE goose-egg a few hours ago is right near her hairline, so if I don't pull her hair back with a clip, then you don't see it. It doesn't look terribly horrible right now, but I know the coloring will only get worse!! (and yes.. as you can see from the picture I still give my 2 year old daughter her binky. Sure - she's got a little bit of a cross bite now - but that can all be fixed later... sanity is much more important at this stage!!)

But, like I said - do I really need anything else added to the stress???!!! I'm starting to feel the craziness even more from trying to pack, sort, get ready for the yard sale, school work...... etc etc. Anybody feel the need to write a paper or take a final for me??!

Let Us Remember

My maternal grandmother died suddenly of a massive heart attack right after Steven and I got engaged. I was fortunate enough to have my truck break down just down the street from my grandparents house. I walked down to their house and got to visit a little with them before they helped me get my truck started. Amazingly it started right up. If my truck had not had problems that day I would not have gotten to see my grandma that one last time. I will always remember the great big hug she gave me as she said goodbye after grandpa had gotten my truck started. She always had those GREAT big bear hugs. I only wish she could have lived a little longer to have become a great-grandmother. She would have loved seeing her great-grandchildren. After she passed it was a difficult time for my grandfather. But it was really nice to get to know him a little better before he passed a few years later. It was neat to hear of some of his war stories and to hear of the hero that he was for our country. I hope you all have a chance to visit the cemetary today and pay tribute to loved ones and to those veterans who served our country faithfully.

Announcing...

The new website for the firm is up! Check it out!

http://www.millerandfisher.com/

Jumpin' Jacks Preschool: Class of 2008

Here's the grad - my little Lukey!!! Luke graduated from preschool this week. It was a nice short little ceremony. They sang a couple songs, then got their diplomas! They had a "weather" theme for their graduation. They sang songs about the sun, rain, etc. and wore yellow tie-dyed t-shirts! During the "rainy" songs they wore umbrella hats! It was just too cute! here's a few pics - the lighting was absolutely HORRIBLE and i really couldn't get the best photos - but oh well.. I did get some! :o) (I tried to post a video clip but blogger seems to have issues) In the picture of him with his teachers, the one on the left is Mrs. Godes - she was the assistant, and Mrs. Hawking is to the right, she was the actual teacher. I just LOVED this preschool. Luke learned so much. They had the coolest activites and lessons, and he even got to go on field trips! I can't wait to scrap his preschool year! :o)

Digital Creativeness....

So this is only my third attempt at photoshop/digital scrap stuff. I'm getting these ready to send out to friends/family to announce our move and new info. What do you guys think? Anything I should add or change up a bit? (Sorry 'bout the blurred info.. but you get the idea!) They will be printed up as a 5x7 matte finish photo.

Cramming ideas anyone?

Ok - so our landlord JUST called me and said he'll be here tomorrow to show our house to some prospective tenants. My house is a mess! Not a super huge mess, but messy enough it's not in showing condition! I've been sorting and boxing and there is stuff everywhere!! Any ideas on how to make my house presentable and FAST without using my usual stashing places of closets and my room?!!!! AHHH! Panic mode has officially set in (and I have a test tomorrow that I need to study for!! Why do I do this to myself???) I know, I know... if I was a great little housewife, my house would be spotless, dishes always done, never behind on laundry, kids would always have their hair combed AND I would still be able to get my classes done with time to spare.. but who really lives in that kind of a world anyway? If someone does... tell me how you do it?

Small & Simple

My friend Jenny is making (and selling) the sweetest little bracelets. Check these out! They are very reasonably priced and so adorable! I'm definately going to be ordering some for Brynley! You can pick from the ones she has shown on her site or custom design your own. Check her out at http://smallandsimplebabybracelets.blogspot.com/ or send her an email at smallandsimple@gmail.com.

We have a home!

We went to Boise this weekend to find a house.. and luckily we found something relatively close to downtown and BSU AND the size and number of bedrooms we wanted! YAY! It has been a LONG week and weekend. I thought I was suffering from a migraine (which I've never had before) for a few days, and I finally gave in to go to my PCP and he said it was a NASTY sinus infection! If I only had thought that was possible a few days sooner! I didn't even give it a second thought because I was already on antibiotics and I wasn't "green" anymore, if you know what I mean!!!! Nice huh! So I suffered through 3 days of debilitating headaches... and probably could have reduced that a TON! But thank-goodness for percocet! That's what got me through the night (and no - I definately don't take care of my kids "under the influence"!! ) He gave me some decongenstants and nose spray to help "clear my head" and my headache is almost totally gone now... but now I've got a funky rash all over.. so I'm probably allergic to something! Off to the doc again tomorrow! ARGH! BUT... WE DID GET A HOUSE! HOORAY! Come visit next time your in Boise! We'll be moving June 7!

Slave Labor.. um.. I mean "Spring Cleaning"

This is why I have 3 kids! (just kidding) It finally feels like spring around here... so I guess it's time to get started with Spring cleaning! (and the fact that we're moving in a few weeks is another good reason to get cleaning!) The kids had a lot of fun cleaning the windows, sweeping and cleaning their toys with soapy water! Luke ran off and picked me some dandelions and put them in a water bottle vase. He's such a thoughtful kid!

THANKS BECKY & LISA!!!

Ok, so I'm the type that enters everything... and NEVER Wins! But this time... I'M A WINNER! This is what I won on Becky Higgins website... it's Lisa's Bearnson's newest book! I can't wait for the mailman to come! :o) What a great day!

PS Congrats to Maria who won that GORGEOUS quilt that we were all hoping for!

Quilt Giveaway!

Check out this GORGEOUS quilt that is being given away!!! I would LOVE to win this!
http://web.mac.com/cjroskelley/Camille_Roskelley/Simplify/Entries/2008/4/24_Quilt_Giveaway_continued.html#

PLAY BALL!!!

YAY! It's finally baseball season! I love watching the kids play. We've played in everything from snow to 70 degree weather so far - where Luke was complaining he was HOT for a change!! This is Luke's first year of T-Ball and Michael has advanced to the farm team where the coaches pitch. They both still get a little bored when not up to bat. Luke usually digs in the dirt (see photo below of him placing HANDFULLS of dirt on his shirt!).

Look Alikes

Ok - so I don't really agree that Luke looks more like me - but this was kind of fun!!!

Fisher Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Fisher Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family tree research - Free family tree

Fisher Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

It's Official!!!

Well, It's finally official. Steven can now practice Law in both Idaho and Oregon. We went to Boise on thursday for his "Swearing in" ceremony. The photo below is with his buddy and soon-to-be partner, Joe Miller. We took some photos for the new website. If you are ever in need of legal services within Oregon or Idaho, give them a call! They are working on their website, so it's not complete, but the address is http://www.millerandfisher.com/ We are so proud of Steven and all the hard work and time that has gone into taking another bar. We can't wait to get to Boise and start a new phase of life!

Duck... Goose... Duck.... RUN!!!

Brynley's interpretation of Duck Duck Goose is a little different! She likes to say, Duck... Goose... Duck... RUN! Then she will tell whoever is chasing her to "sit a minute" so they can start all over again! It's so funny to watch! Her and Luke were playing on the trampoline tonight and she also thought it was pretty funny to "push" him over and watch him fall! It's so cute to watch her actually JUMP and get both legs up off the ground at the same time, AND keep her balance most of the time! (the second video isn't as great of resolution, but it was so long I had to change it to get it to load quicker!) I'm still trying to figure all this stuff out!

BUTTONS!

After seeing this idea on a friends blog I thought I had to give it a try. I found these canisters on ebay - they are actually magnetic spice containers, but the slit in the top is perfect for slipping buttons through! We have our house rules and button redemption sheet right on the fridge so they can be reminded all the time of what is expected and what they can get in return. I also put their daily job sheets on the fridge as well, with button values attached to everything. When they do something that is expected of them they earn a certain number of buttons. If they want to do anything extra (TV, video games, extra play dates, movie nights etc) they get to "pay" for it with buttons. So far Luke wants to spend them as fast as he earns them, but Michael is catching onto the concept of saving up for something bigger! If they do something on their list without even being asked I reward them with an extra button. But, if they break a house rule it's off to time-out and buttons lost (depending on the offense) For example, yesterday Michael slapped Luke because he wanted to sit in a certain spot in the car - so he automatically lost 5. No warnings for stuff like that! But, Luke was very nice with his sister yesterday and played so well with her that he earned some extra buttons. This has been helping to keep them nice more often because they never know when mom will whip out some more buttons! Michael also has been having some attention and focusing issues at school, so we have been sending a progress sheet everyday. If he can do well in school and get all his assignments in and done on time, he will be rewarded at home too. I'm hoping this system is here to stay! So far it's going ok - they are having a hard time not getting to watch TV when they want, and they aren't really that happy about having to "Earn" the time for TV or video games, but I think they will get the hang of it and the behavior will be a lot better and I"ll get more help around the house!

Warm weekend fun!

This weekend was SO warm! We had 69 degrees on Saturday and Luke has been begging to jump on the trampoline with the sprinkler, so at 69 degrees - WHY NOT?! They all had a blast! Too bad it snowed a little bit again today! ARGH! I wish the weather would get warm, and STAY warm! One day snow, the next day 70 degrees! IT'S MADNESS! The photos I took just weren't that great, so you only get to see one. The trampoline is half shaded, half in the sun - and the sun was SOO bright! Luke's poor white skin looks even whiter with this light! Not the greatest photography conditions!

We definatly enjoyed the little "tease" we got with the warm weather. We're ready for more!

Idaho Bar

All the hard work has paid off! Steven passed the Idaho Bar!! He will be "sworn in" on the 24th, and then he can officially practice in Idaho (in addition to his Oregon Bar Membership!) Now the move to Boise is really official! HOORAY!

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY BRYNLEY!!

Today is Brynley's 2nd Birthday! We had strawberry shortcake and chocolate covered strawberries for dessert. (YUM! she loves "strawberry shortcake" both the doll and the dessert!)

She loved opening presents too. I think her favorite present was her Pink Vaccuum from mom and dad. once she opened that, it was all she could think about! She also really likes her new pink/purple trike from grandma and grandpa though too.

(She got lots of really fun girly things! She got a cute cupcake outfit from grandma and right off had to put the sweater on!) We had the party at my mom and dad's house. All my siblings were there, my dad's sister brought over my grandparents and then Steven's mom and 2 sisters came as well. It was a full house for sure! And... of course I took a million photos and here a few.

Conference Weekend

I love being able to stay home and watch conference in my PJ's. It's so nice to be able to send the kids off to play, and actually get to listen to a little bit of what's being said. We found this cool conference packet to print out. It worked for about 5 minutes on my kids (Well, Michael worked on it for quite a while - but the other two scribbled for a couple minutes and were totally done!). I love our new Prophet - Thomas S. Monson and his stories. Hopefully tomorrow the kids will behave so we can get in a little more of conference - Thank goodness for our DVR!! Tomorrow is also Brynley's 2nd birthday so we'll head over to La Grande to mom and dad's for a party! She's finally learned how to do "2" on her fingers and has proudly been showing everyone. SO CUTE! I'll post pics of the festivities tomorrow eve.

More about me

Alright Maria... here it goes!


1. What time did you get up this morning? I think it was around 7:30 - basically we woke up late!

2. Diamonds or pearls? Well, I wear 3 diamonds on my wedding ring - but I'm not a fancy jewelry person!.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Probably Alvin & The Chipmunks

4. What is your favorite TV show? Greys Anatomy, ER, Anything on Discovery health

5. What do you usually have for breakfast? whatever I scrounge up for my kids.. I try to vary because they get sick of the same things.

6.What is your middle name? Michelle

7. What food do you dislike? Fresh Tomatoes

8. What is your favorite CD at moment? Hmmm... I don't know. I just downloaded some daughtry for my zune - he's not too bad!

9. What kind of car do you drive? Kia Sedona - and I hate it!

10. Favorite Sandwich ? Grilled turkey from Helaman Halls at BYU.. probably will never have one of those again, but I was totally hooked!

11. What characteristic do you despise? Tattling - there's been a lot of that lately and I can't stand it!

12. Favorite item of clothing? I also love my American Eagle Jeans.. but I'm hoping to LOVE my new modbe swimsuit. Is that ok to say you LOVE a swimsuit? We'll see when it arrives!

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? We want to take the kids to disneyland. Or just somewhere that doesn't have snow right now.

14. Favorite place to shop? I've been having fun at American Eagle lately, and I've actually found some pretty cute stuff at Maurices. YES.. Baker has a maurices (and that's all we have!)

15. Where would you retire to? Who knows! We are getting ready to move to Boise, so maybe if we like it there - we'll stay?!!

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? Well, last year we were in Portland and I went to the Body World Exhibit at Omsi. Nothing like looking at a bunch of dead plastinated bodies to kick off my 27th birthday! (Actually I was totally fascinated! Very cool exhibit!)

17. Favorite sport to watch? Well, i don't just sit down to watch sports on TV - but anything is real life is fun to go too. I just watch the kids' sports right now.

18. Did you graduate from college? Not yet.. still working on that!

19. Where did you meet your hubby? La Grande 5th Branch on FHE night.

20. Favorite hobby? Taking Pictures and Scrapbooking them (or displaying them) I love playing with Adobe. I wish I had more time to 'play' though!

21. When is your birthday? Sept. 21st

22. Are you a morning person or a night person? night - although I find it increasingly difficult to make it much past 10 or 10:30!

23. What is your shoe size? 7

24. Pets? No - I have 3 kids and a husband! Who needs a pet!

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? We're moving to Boise the first weekend of june.. not super exciting, but it will open some new doors.

26. What did you want to be when you were little? An OB or NICU nurse - and I still do!

27. How are you today? Pretty good actually - a little tired, but not stressed out like usual!

28. What is your favorite candy? Do Choc. covered strawberries count?

29. What is your favorite flower? Any flowers will do - I'd just like to be suprised with some! I would love a huge batch of gerber daisies in BRIGHT colors! I like tulips too.

30. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? April 6th - Brynley's 2nd birthday

31. What is the latest book you have read? I only read my texts for school.. not very exciting!

32. What is your full name? Brandy Michelle Fisher

33. What are you listening to right now? We recorded LOST on the DVR, so I'm listening and typing as Steven watches in the other room.

34. What was the last thing you ate? Banana Nilla Wafer Pudding. Today was my dad's 58th birthday.. mom put 58 candles and almosted melted the cool whip!

35. Do you wish on stars? I think I used too - that might be fun to start again!

36. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Blue or Pink

37. How is the weather right now? Well, it was nice and sunny, now it's dark.

38. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My sister - she couldn't figure out how to get her wireless to work on her laptop at Mom's house. I wasn't much help.

39. Favorite soft drink? Root Beer or Sierra Mist

40. Favorite restaurant? Anything Italian - Macaroni Grill, Olive Garden, Spaghetti Factory (just discovered there's a new one in downtown Boise! Whoo hoo!)

41. Hair color? brown, with lots of blonde highlights. I was really wishing for Summer last week! It did perk me up a little to go light!

42. What was your favorite toy as a child? I really don't remember

43. Summer or winter? SUMMER! We've been through so much snow I don't care if I ever see it again! (Ok.. maybe I would like to ski next winter.. so maybe a little snow is ok)

44. Hugs or kisses? hugs

45. Chocolate or Vanilla? vanilla

46. Coffee or tea? GROSS

47. How many sibling do you have? 3. 1 Sis, 2 Brothers

48. When was the last time you cried? I'm not much of a crier - maybe after Brynley was born. But that was the hormones crying - not me!

49. What is under your bed? some shoes, Brynley's birthday presents and hopefully that's it!

50. What did you do last night? microbiology homework

51. What are you afraid of? Losing one of my kids while they are young.. I hope I never have to go through that

52. Salty or sweet? salty - I'm a popcorn with "extra salt" addict

53. How many keys on your key ring? a lot

54. How many years at your current job? Mom: 7 years, student: forever!

55. Favorite day of the week? Monday, Wednesday & Friday (Luke has preschool)

56. How many towns have you lived in? 6

57. Do you make friends easily? I seem to be a little on the shy side when meeting new people and it takes me a while to warm up.

58. Who is most likely to post these on their blog? Lindsy and Lindsey (you know who you are!)

What is that?

luke: Look mom! Look what I made!

mom: What is that Luke?

luke: I dont' know. Just a thing with tape.

mom: What is it for?

luke: I don't know. I just made it.

mom: What can it do?

luke: It can do all kinds of things!

end of conversation.... (I wasn't really getting anywhere with this!) And if you can see in the photo (kind of hard to see) he wrapped up some paper clips in all that tape! What a goof!

Boise Weekend

This weekend we went to Boise and stayed with our friends the MILLER's. They are a fun family to hang out with! They have 5 girls and our kids love playing with them. We ran some of our errands, including a trip to kiddie kandids. (See new kid photos at right) We went mainly because it is Brynley's birthday on Sunday and I wanted to get new photos of her. Here are a couple cute ones from the sitting. (Besides the one at right). SHe LOVED posing for the camera and smiling. She thought it was great! I'm glad because last time she was scared of the photographer and didn't want anything to do with sitting for photos! We also spent some time looking around at places to live. I have to start class at Boise State on June 9th, so moving time will be coming quick!