tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63919362959464690382024-03-13T17:33:38.362-07:00Fischers' FourAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-23036194056602561552011-05-31T20:01:00.000-07:002011-05-31T20:01:05.939-07:00BATTER UP!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK, I <strong><em>may</em></strong> be a bit biased here but...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">aren't these just the CUTEST baseball players you've seen?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was the first year we had two ball players going at the same time. Kyle assistant coached Collin's team and coached Brody's team while I ran around shuttling, filling water bottles and snacks and trying to keep track of baseball hat and gloves. At this stage, it's a pretty short season and we've already wrapped up for the year. Thanks to Kyle (and his color coded schedule- ha!) for who goes where, what field, if we were scheduled to do the score book or bring snacks, the games and practices went smoothly (although a little more sunshine would have been appreciated!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Collin enjoyed every minute of the camaraderie with his teammates and getting out there on the field. He had a great coach which helped grow him and his abilities. After a shaky start to hitting, Kyle had his right handed little man batting left handed and hitting the ball. Yes, his daddy that gloats about being a lefty was mighty proud. Great job, Collin!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Brody thrives in this atmosphere of sports and seemed right at home on the field. I imagine I have many of years sitting and cheering on this little man. All coaches were in agreement that he will get bumped up next year. Way to go, Brody!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few snapshots from the season...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqXF2winYH8XEImgFnBeDyeN_krD6XBetdsipF8ArIVXikq7FiXJLaqLAE8TQndGUeLXhjLL7DsYXLc4R1VgxkSrKXVuW80Z2DJqQqpOQQXNNhCfwiU1Vu__5mSF4rGFfQUdU2_f62z4/s1600/IMG_5227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqXF2winYH8XEImgFnBeDyeN_krD6XBetdsipF8ArIVXikq7FiXJLaqLAE8TQndGUeLXhjLL7DsYXLc4R1VgxkSrKXVuW80Z2DJqQqpOQQXNNhCfwiU1Vu__5mSF4rGFfQUdU2_f62z4/s320/IMG_5227.JPG" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBO4gX_w_MEN4fk44XErdu9jWypEOWibs1R9pi0ntv7_B56u-nDaDZ3UmvhJ1PkuWD8jjw5EBHxNuQHrp5K_NDaYMVbMmLQ5hWk-ZhXNy3YGRfZpzMWL2to1RWmdjn2PbllFW2FuaUiY/s1600/IMG_5230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBO4gX_w_MEN4fk44XErdu9jWypEOWibs1R9pi0ntv7_B56u-nDaDZ3UmvhJ1PkuWD8jjw5EBHxNuQHrp5K_NDaYMVbMmLQ5hWk-ZhXNy3YGRfZpzMWL2to1RWmdjn2PbllFW2FuaUiY/s320/IMG_5230.JPG" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEepgNFaUCmcpaLvN5LZYx6I9Qb-UAEA04KyGG8Itw3yaIWyyvlUwVp76WnqQebAOvDAS6f3qTsSY-GwYFnnvYwYA_BWIaBhA-WQSGaKpx7wgVK9TIhOdV0R4bkkowCSUchthHoR7KKK0/s1600/IMG_5378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEepgNFaUCmcpaLvN5LZYx6I9Qb-UAEA04KyGG8Itw3yaIWyyvlUwVp76WnqQebAOvDAS6f3qTsSY-GwYFnnvYwYA_BWIaBhA-WQSGaKpx7wgVK9TIhOdV0R4bkkowCSUchthHoR7KKK0/s320/IMG_5378.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03bIjToamho0hVXb1GBqEO7FI0swvJZGXkM_d2WbU34H-qzKm_mEb06imDZ2IIwaHodqMiEogODxebaBU35URW1vv-TNDqVpxgUaBoV2kiK_1LCpNMs_9p_hbdYEBz2EFuYQKHTuD-4k/s1600/IMG_5419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03bIjToamho0hVXb1GBqEO7FI0swvJZGXkM_d2WbU34H-qzKm_mEb06imDZ2IIwaHodqMiEogODxebaBU35URW1vv-TNDqVpxgUaBoV2kiK_1LCpNMs_9p_hbdYEBz2EFuYQKHTuD-4k/s320/IMG_5419.JPG" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJHT_XbETuFbh67akJ1VMFnOc0nCpe8lr51hbdcg1UhpM1qktWjupx9Y2TDvt_mCEkdqgV2lT8m4EWV42BSlqN4oZyEutJq9qNxoCtDPjDOcQo8A0upsg7poph8I6od2C2rIlocIJYes/s1600/IMG_5437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJHT_XbETuFbh67akJ1VMFnOc0nCpe8lr51hbdcg1UhpM1qktWjupx9Y2TDvt_mCEkdqgV2lT8m4EWV42BSlqN4oZyEutJq9qNxoCtDPjDOcQo8A0upsg7poph8I6od2C2rIlocIJYes/s320/IMG_5437.JPG" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6St6XyvB-dh0gyjon3q0nVCSuig_yLPJm0paHeFIFpnGg0LFDibJnTRofCPoWcjS2W18INwUrRPYSPSfRw6DMaWSepgTQNGz9sLzThtLaHU5zn_6drY8ZTSR0IwH7-kaeERXuClukUDw/s1600/IMG_5431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6St6XyvB-dh0gyjon3q0nVCSuig_yLPJm0paHeFIFpnGg0LFDibJnTRofCPoWcjS2W18INwUrRPYSPSfRw6DMaWSepgTQNGz9sLzThtLaHU5zn_6drY8ZTSR0IwH7-kaeERXuClukUDw/s320/IMG_5431.JPG" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VjXJXXjCrUty3nv4wNLNqBdUK-Eeb44OiBh-CVuMdRYlgowsZwJuQ403bFEizVXnifCz1bfBIZbnDb1ExPV_9iZLZ_6jUHYsC1ybHdH0AMTgKfnM-oRVh8p32k4ZU7fJ3e8N9uf0P30/s1600/IMG_5427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VjXJXXjCrUty3nv4wNLNqBdUK-Eeb44OiBh-CVuMdRYlgowsZwJuQ403bFEizVXnifCz1bfBIZbnDb1ExPV_9iZLZ_6jUHYsC1ybHdH0AMTgKfnM-oRVh8p32k4ZU7fJ3e8N9uf0P30/s320/IMG_5427.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-3214154172293191342011-04-10T14:40:00.000-07:002011-04-10T15:12:45.551-07:00Celebrate Good Times<div align="left">We couldn't be more proud of our little guys who have worked hard this year. We've plowed through materials and curriculum and have begun to wrap up a few. We pause to celebrate them! </div><br /><div align="left">Brody has mastered the ABC's; names, sounds and starting to blend together and begin reading. I have to say, one of my favorite parts of teaching in the classroom was taking children who didn't know how and teach them to read and write. I cannot tell you what a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">privilege</span> it is to have the opportunity to do that with my own little guy. This little mama is tickled to see him so eager to learn and take <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">initiative</span> to master each new skill. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Brody got to choose what he wanted to do as his celebration and he wanted to eat out at Red Robin and watch the new movie HOP. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594076165659157154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69iHfFp6y798iloav4e4ucIXjgUvQTMX3qrWGIzx6REXZUWcZJa9gSLhR1FLp4idktPryP4gliDh-dLDthE22B3cGeiG9F_rfsTuPb46rbXVolFOVpiai_vtYhH6h19t4Xa1yotBGitY/s400/IMG_5160.JPG" border="0" /> <br /><p align="center">Cheers!! Well done little man! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594076171961687506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiddbjb0bPN9OxoJ9r9gGXFWATRoL938R2CKdd_IY3rfZ4OCbr_-vOdIszKaGmezpmBRbEMeZSKG2RbtF_qN8iqOZv5nq0W407TZ8UoBPpuQI0NQfJbFSiY5Ns3xzd9FvyntSoVoE2LbM/s400/IMG_5161.JPG" border="0" /> <br /><p>The week following, Collin completed the entire set of readers for the year. Starting the year, this was NOT his favorite subject but has begun to fall in love with it. We added up all the pages he read <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">independently</span> and the grand total was over 1500 pages! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594078008337534914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXMvSFXM57Zn_bYFjLr6fe5vvhJaXuT_YXl90L1TSrDDxaQ4HNkGFgUW8AFzYhdihbET-B_IMU4dBMLGEQMRl80gO3xE1_antQ3NSMiQFVYfkZLO3a2OCm50RWAnDI2srllTuZU-r9vc/s400/IMG_5166.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594078014849457554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxg6SxhkPaToVS37ND7-ooGygGGYK-cVJmBkvclR-r4fHg4aXvOxzta4cQXV6SqgE0y8WlvzWN_nguSLPMYdntV40LZeCLgYqPQw-7HOL19Pa8CRGBCDZT6ews0gHYhF3P83-lvBHIONg/s400/IMG_5167.JPG" border="0" /> <br /><p>Collin is growing in so many ways but we wanted to make sure we take some time to enjoy this accomplishment. Swimming was his activity of choice. And thanks to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Groupon</span>, we bought their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Clackamas</span> Aquatic Park coupon already so we were good to go! </p><br /><p>They were so worn out but had a BLAST...here is an "after" picture. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594078015932123778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwNG81U9zCuQsiNnHq8odrUGf6I4o1Nezg3gPKL3NFwR8KtJKsWsDmBb2ETUanXGT-_o9za0rzZcVNvTG-7peKRG3ng1NPCGshwjFw2GLn23xi8gq4h8ngoURAEL0mCuCK0y3DC8WXGs/s400/IMG_5208.JPG" border="0" /> <br /><p align="center">Awesome job Collin! </p><br /><p align="center"><em>So blessed to have this teaching "job" and these darling boys!</em> <em>We are so proud of them! </em></p><br /><p></p>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-31974950154346664852011-04-04T20:37:00.001-07:002011-04-04T21:01:28.741-07:00Ahhh, Life With Boys #6We are "traveling" around the world giving this <a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2010/08/expedition-earth-journey-through-gods.html">curriculum</a> a whirl. When we found ourselves knee deep in Italy. Europe, in general, makes my heart beat a little faster and add my bit of Italian heritage and I'm hooked. But what caught my boys attention out of all of it, you ask? <br /><div><br /><div>It <em>wasn't</em> testing out Michealangilo's upside down painting methods or being exposed to great works of art like the statue of David (although many giggles were had when they realized the dude was naked). It <em>wasn't</em> paying a fortune for imported goods to create an authentic Italian feast for the family. It <em>wasn't</em> using new materials and creating a replica of the Roman Coloseeum (although their lego men DID enjoy being gladiators for the day). </div><br /><div>Nope...a little clay volcano was their height of interest. After learning about Mt. Versuvius and it's explosion over Pompeii, I mentioned as a side note that we would give our modeling clay volcanoes a shot at exploding on Friday after they had time to dry. EVERY DAY, little hands tested those volcanoes, eyes inspected, pitiful pleas were heard to give them a try just a little early. </div><br /><div>It was torture but Friday finally came... </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591942629305652690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfMhb8NwbIpG5yyyuYE1e_zvEqfU2WFtVFL9EecFLhsQh7EHCz-apQGU90Ohp1sMwbPRRdbCmporjYhlt_MjasvQ_UQBl-KFrB9msa-pAS9fOTizGe0JmVcLdqfyOdn2Re_oeS-sGvWo/s400/volcano+2.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591942620129585858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQKtRvOyfCFnTFNYHBZV_19ZsEGCvHRyIvXo5GIR3vmxrErtNTtggJi15CJ91BTATwAwLUj02c-EUHABpo2HbzIvVLH23QBZWMEM0byzHTXn0H5H0CbXz6iJCL4u41Yfd3J9oCT6YQLU/s400/volcano+3.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591942633307309186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eYyazQtoLH3vRUg4veGOi3UpPNyUDveha5zXIUmvaAJvkuOc7LRQKX0jKm2HCmuVXARlz8EFJE2DBSjhg1Ha08WzLj26G32HJ3iX9z9TzVOvLsA0R4a8Z1VDw1FRu3_EB6D_PbnbgSo/s400/volcano+1.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591942638074118466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjDdztNXKD8r97E9gyN5LCI30kQkM4t4U6QRj8TQLwsA17CeoHcHEf69Asx3jUNKrlz1mHGrG4PT1KyefhX4oSgT-uMW3kB8imCBwdGf2Ja8T4wBWo0NJ6Ni96g9pk_TCo5Q5ibCb1sc/s400/volcano+4.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591942645736974066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxaJ5r53tN77ihWdPhYLQBt4_mMEdEpk7a0BKZuDJgYX-NycT_8Bwct-yeXbNVJ5MfuWEQ4fROPxmBkqS3xb4sojI2ZcV8Hvyb12_z9oDyAhxxrsN7X8LTo3hyphenhyphenDe3xJvGAgbTvaznB3A/s400/volcano+5.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591942902246415634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFiCgPLjf06ADcNISO2JCU1h6wHZTYU4JBQjnXUWwRtw_un0m7WxtPgMHNhUNht5dfnyW9SsbA3e16h6C8OO7Odec6rvjfDKu-pAoMR6vNWeGQEeiR5WPp8GZZKiVb6joxqTYM2xa0Q0/s400/volcano+8.JPG" border="0" /> <br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Ahhh, Life With Boys! </span></p>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-57336360469759788712011-03-10T16:45:00.000-08:002011-03-10T18:02:48.043-08:00Project Simplify: Hot Spot #1I am linking up to a great blog I love to follow called <a href="http://simplemom.net/project-simplify-hot-spot-1-revealed/">Simple Mom</a> . Over the next few weeks, she has encouraged others to take on different "hot spots" in our home that need decluttering, cleaning and organizing. Click the link on the right if you want to know more about it and join in. <div><div><div><div><br /><br /><div>I was MORTIFIED when I saw what the first hot spot was going to be. I would have been fine if I had to show you a picture of my counter tops, desk, entry, cabinets, etc but my WARDROBE....UGH! It is in dire need of some attention. You may never look at me the same! :) </div><br /><br /><div>Here it goes - the before picture</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582618570667559170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgZNZ52q2PbZ3yqAIZNyJPNA29my-sIGd5YhCVeiqlJHCNxFHc_lkuHwW77TY0agEwp7oEB7duEt7VaNfkyZfUBKzXAR2GscRZgw8oH_WwE0OB-ilcP4Ztuh_FHGHh_TcW6jl6Bj3FTM/s400/IMG_4967.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div>Okay, now that the secret is out that I'm not the tidy one in the family, i humbly went to work not leaving a single item unturned.<br /></div><div>Here's my proof:<br /></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582619765925690162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0yQisv2h7q_FQF-7haPBPXgPVCMbaWvMNIiffErm-mTbOU3dGxJwqloCfbog8kqzlQ2z4iAY6rPAvasxVqkStCXK-kvcDC8BGosiaJwne-_T_rgUMC3yY62kbfFISil0AxrHVObwkZs/s400/IMG_4969.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>I went through her strict criteria to determine what I needed to toss, sell/donate or keep. I cringe seeing all those clothes in good condition sitting in my "donate" pile (see below). My idea of a good time is NOT clothes shopping. I'm never the size I want to be, it always costs more than i want to spend, and at the end of the day I'd much rather buy something for my boys than me! Pitching the clothes makes me take a hard look at what is really in there! Many of these clothes hadn't been worn in years! If I was being honest, it was long overdue for them to go. I have to say, after they were gone, it felt great! </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582619778478159234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmR0zP2WFXEwdbxNWvztlhxfzckg1Uvvq2S40yALjXF94QzhvEUIcKGkbNUqYOGX0_qc74E2RZUaL3MwsF09Wd9NUYGkrPTDU3uDKrXk5fpOVdgd8PBoEnFCKkN1BEfe18hg6NzI_IZYE/s400/IMG_4974.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>An unexpected perk was I solved the mystery of why i never have enough hangers to hang up our laundry...they MAY have been in the back of the closet (and that was only MY side **ha**)</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582635641144931458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX6_plyhTCHi9BF7yOuRZRRl0f7aASB82np9E5AZxtRcIGwscje6anmDNtqI9yZ7QI_MiROQlucFQPMaxtlZkVksqz7gTlO6v4yakZwsYsr1G1t-pjtWH5kZh5VIb_HS7tw21yRaZhM0/s400/IMG_4970.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>The after shot:<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582619783678199138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdG13y_g7GbvcLPGgyzzZu__uZShGVdKNhiQLXzez2SouCIv90RnVgYtPJ7LVdkReI-nc-E_0ZatPsJ4NQAdVHY0XHs6N46WrzqyQWq-fhYgydibkbjQ9_FU8u7G-8ZmpH0lIkvnnxEII/s400/IMG_4973.JPG" border="0" /><br />Hot spot #1 conquered!! Stay tuned next Friday for hot spot #2 before and after!<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-8565675025872166792011-03-08T20:21:00.000-08:002011-03-08T20:45:39.519-08:00Ahh, Life With Boys #5In the madness of the morning of school projects...Brody and Mama are busy sifting through various letters and their sounds when they finish on the letter which is the focus for the week...the letter U.<br /><br />Brody points out some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pictures</span> that match to the sound while Mama nods in encouragement.<br /><br />Even though Mama KNOWS she will lose her little men's concentration in seconds, she can't help herself. She leans over with a twinkle in her eye and whispers...<br /><br />"You know what else the letter U starts?"<br /><div align="left"><br />Suddenly both boys stop; curious by the hushed tones.<br /><br />Mama leans in the as if to reveal the most tight kept secret of all time...<br /><br />"Underwear"<br /><br />Belly laughs and squeals fill the room and all learning is lost for the moment.<br /><br />One simple word...so hilarious!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ahhhh</span>, life with boys!</span></em></strong></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-20891296232682177122011-03-07T22:30:00.000-08:002011-03-07T23:28:07.284-08:00Big Changes<em>Announcing a first in the Fischer house...</em><br /><div><br /><p>After years of working in an office building, sharpening his talents, and carving out a career and name for himself...</p><p>Kyle recently took a new job that not only has tremendous potential for career growth but also will allow him to work from home.<br /></p><br /><p align="center"><strong>We are very proud of him!!</strong> (notice his press release below)<br /></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Life looks a little different around here now.</span> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">We've been painting, reorganizing, and preparing the way for this new adventure.<br /></span></p><br /><p>There are not many people we would willingly give our school room up for but we kind of like having the big guy around.<br /></p><br /><p>What used to look like this...</p><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvucLyAbCmbbgNLW9UBcMZB0P4OURO-pq-eGv6pFxmOmcosV3RJQzdtA6gLzHvjeCARvwTRUS10jOjC2ABQ7NClSWt_VmETmpnajS96ACdD-1RzvNBNh2ll_Cl1hpV6o-tsyYIrglXCo/s1600/IMG_4507.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581598826595376290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvucLyAbCmbbgNLW9UBcMZB0P4OURO-pq-eGv6pFxmOmcosV3RJQzdtA6gLzHvjeCARvwTRUS10jOjC2ABQ7NClSWt_VmETmpnajS96ACdD-1RzvNBNh2ll_Cl1hpV6o-tsyYIrglXCo/s200/IMG_4507.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KjWMY2PYwb-thX8wZ5m-J3-IQOj-bJNORJlmOnJUrVBg7ZDtE2AmMx3_8sI2lJ1iMtclf_mTefZYwM3RI07seSdiVOYMbSOKAicxVmYSXlHqaI8dZ2W1mt2AnTxYt8zUwUYxd4OBULU/s1600/IMG_4508.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581599169021645058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KjWMY2PYwb-thX8wZ5m-J3-IQOj-bJNORJlmOnJUrVBg7ZDtE2AmMx3_8sI2lJ1iMtclf_mTefZYwM3RI07seSdiVOYMbSOKAicxVmYSXlHqaI8dZ2W1mt2AnTxYt8zUwUYxd4OBULU/s200/IMG_4508.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></div><br /><p></span></span></p><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p>Now looks like this...fully <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">equipped</span> with the essential candy bowl that was the highlight of when the boys came to visit daddy's office! Collin made sure to get it stocked for him. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581599592242182706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTGF0ViCtmMvD67zklPvDommbZs3SBhqKHVIxPkRNN_RYTxowsVclfWDsBZ-2TU57ojDdAxPnW5eSPchi-brUnb-eKpDCokL-hAVlEOXTyj7Vr_SzodbCLj_aklnGE5sQwb7l7-iUmwc/s320/IMG_4968.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></p>After trying to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">shove</span> our school supplies into a closet with no success...</div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581601160120063762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFrD_iIhIm8zpNX9Xv4qHaoSXUad84XKq-LbO0npu-68DsH4h4VqUI9oHsRbleN3rZv6-Ujik6SgU6gUd1Py6xA5zzO0PKn5QZEhOK1EGOEMsiH7n01JHcpWV7Ho0F_C3FLGhhXxRpTs/s320/IMG_4963.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br />We were FORCED :-) to go on an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">IKEA</span> spree and came up with this solution. It works out perfect except for the aching back Kyle had after hours of assembling (thanks, K!). What do you think?<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581603068205180978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkICt9K_4mWvCCdKvHYWDo817uDmbaE7-NbiW0dtBXCyCLvi3Rb4jL7P_bgKU9PcCgl-qsI-n0DXlKuTZ-B8jeb3Z4tMqy5ZleaIk9ATqDh8iikOE3FpFUSZlN37bsJLiws_RgWPGPin4/s320/IMG_4965.JPG" border="0" /><br /><strong>We are all working from home now... in different avenues but as a unit. </strong><br /><strong>What an exciting season of life! </strong><br /><br /><br />Check Out The Press Release About Kyle's New Position:<br /><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Taylor Brands Appoints Director of Product <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SportsOneSource</span><br />Media Posted: 3/1/2011 Taylor Brands, the maker of<br />cutlery products, announced that Kyle Fischer has been appointed director of<br />product. Fischer was most recently category manager-tools for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Fiskars</span><br />Outdoors-Gerber Legendary Blades.Taylor Brands makes cutlery products under the<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Schrade</span>, Uncle Henry, Old Timer, Smith & Wesson, U.S. Army, Boy Scouts of<br />America, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Primo's</span> names.He has also held senior level positions at Scott's<br />Miracle-Grow and The Garden Grow company. Fischer will oversee the development<br />and execution of various product lines for Taylor. In addition to this he will<br />lead product strategies and a robust consumer research initiative. Fischer<br />will report to Jody Agnew, Vice President of Sales. "Taylor Brands <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">LLC</span><br />continues to invest in our business and in our great retail partners," said<br />Agnew. "Kyle has a broad background that ranges from forecasting, supply chain /<br />manufacturing management, product development, and marketing. He has an amazing<br />attention to detail and the ability to make rational decisions while always<br />keeping the end consumer in mind. These skills will not only help our<br />organization internally-it will prove invaluable while planning our continued<br />growth with our customers' business."</span></em><br /></p><p align="right"><a href="http://www.sportsonesource.com/index.asp">http://www.sportsonesource.com/index.asp</a></p>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-34687659306151459782011-02-15T18:34:00.000-08:002011-02-15T18:36:38.674-08:00Love is...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqG3IECaP8SM2awaATRQypMAukhTseAKjORtp5wCRwlmMhEKaTCAzk4atXOPuZK1Wg1nI959g8p1h2XVjWZX09d5L4MB7iYj9tOkY7QRDedfQ1PuPpoQYI1t-Bk11A6BGAGiTF0t35ZWE/s1600/IMG_4921.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574110320351332354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqG3IECaP8SM2awaATRQypMAukhTseAKjORtp5wCRwlmMhEKaTCAzk4atXOPuZK1Wg1nI959g8p1h2XVjWZX09d5L4MB7iYj9tOkY7QRDedfQ1PuPpoQYI1t-Bk11A6BGAGiTF0t35ZWE/s400/IMG_4921.JPG" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:180%;"> ... a Lego heart built by an 8 year old little boy!</span></em> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Happy Belated Valentines Day<br /><br /></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-58501456259502129602011-01-11T16:18:00.000-08:002011-01-11T16:28:34.301-08:00Calling All Readers...<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hello??? </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Anyone still out there?! </span></div><div align="center"> </div>Where does the time go! I am excited to say, that despite the craziness of life, I think I have found some time to write. And, oh, have I missed it. I love to write. It may be random, but look out baby, I'm coming back into the blogging world! Stay tuned! More posts to come!<br /><br /><div align="center">In the meantime...a random picture of us exploring Fort Stevens. </div><div align="center">It was raining...shocking, i know! :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561088686836997538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQ84wLlXBumuIqIaJLi-1LHNxpL9L7imLlkz4Fk7ELrqgUwVKxPp9oT-S8MwGupg7hwouypBECFk8OPohGEShdJ_FYj2n3kqkWiylLUC08pxQUTSCLOyV9qil1CZ2oYNgRhBKIE1tvZs/s400/IMG_4623.JPG" border="0" /></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-37805627513588612912010-09-29T08:24:00.000-07:002010-09-29T08:26:14.569-07:00Guest PostHey friends! You'll find me over at this great blog called, <a href="http://simplehomeschool.net/organize-your-homeschooling-day-how-to-start-and-stay-on-track/#more-4880">Simple Homeschool </a>today...I am excited to have my very first guest post! Let me know what you think!Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-51306720350773604382010-08-17T15:16:00.000-07:002010-08-17T15:30:31.452-07:00Kick off...school year 2010-2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMFHJGfGkiRoyyhqh2yfYhIpNeQ1ITTwLcNhh8tP9mzh6Yn3hsa-NCz8LJVqzKVD9gbVeknV-oNTSB7LyHfLFkp60MDtJ39XaXY1SXkhcijGZsafULD4rihwl9ceIHE0K-yp5owsB0Ok/s1600/IMG_4316.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506506392573276498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMFHJGfGkiRoyyhqh2yfYhIpNeQ1ITTwLcNhh8tP9mzh6Yn3hsa-NCz8LJVqzKVD9gbVeknV-oNTSB7LyHfLFkp60MDtJ39XaXY1SXkhcijGZsafULD4rihwl9ceIHE0K-yp5owsB0Ok/s400/IMG_4316.JPG" border="0" /></a> Fresh crayons, markers and glue are all stocked and ready at hand. The school room has been reorganized and cleaned. New curriculum, fresh paper, and sharpened pencils stacked and ready. All signs...it's time to kick off another school year!<br /><br />We learned so much, academically and about each other, last year! Although I wish I could have written a bit more about the journey it felt very much like my first year of teaching all over again. Learning new curriculum, keeping the home going, juggling the needs of both kids and adjusting for the kids of "mom" putting on the new hat as full time "teacher" was a sharp learning curve for all. To be perfectly honest, some days were ugly. There were also days when I stepped back and said, this is the greatest job ever! Overall, I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">home school</span>. It's working for us now and we're going to run with it for another year. I'm excited to present some new materials and plans for Brody and Collin that have been in the works for the last few months. <br /><br />Let the learning begin!Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-19943026137649168782010-07-16T18:39:00.000-07:002010-07-16T18:48:14.715-07:00Ahhh, Life With Boys 4<em>It's those panicked words, coming from the backseat, that will quicken any mothers heart; </em><br /><em></em><br />"MOM, I HAVE TO GO POTTY!!!"<br /><br /><em>It's at those moments that I am so pleased to be a mama of two boys! Yes, we've graced the road sides from Portland to Salem making other travelers chuckle as they witness the little guys aim for trees, bushes and grass! So if you see a bush that is particularly thriving, you can thank our little Fischer boys for their contribution...</em><br /><em></em><em></em><br /><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ahhhh</span>, life with boys!</em>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-20079158301803816992010-06-24T13:19:00.000-07:002010-06-24T14:42:04.613-07:00Tropical Getaway<div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUwHgxMsvTeoM4OFxCCT6xUlw2GViTCldlM_6xlnABCARX0yPPVFvvgxLfF38gv3gnc6ukY5QYeRjIVI6kjfSt6nG9f_8ntI8LnGWi7ZlX_VkZTx2Lt0tzu4kuuxhTTjtH23ETQjTP8g/s1600/IMG_3897.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486454350683384866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUwHgxMsvTeoM4OFxCCT6xUlw2GViTCldlM_6xlnABCARX0yPPVFvvgxLfF38gv3gnc6ukY5QYeRjIVI6kjfSt6nG9f_8ntI8LnGWi7ZlX_VkZTx2Lt0tzu4kuuxhTTjtH23ETQjTP8g/s400/IMG_3897.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Right in the middle of our torrential rain pour we had here in June, Kyle and I got to sneak away to our little island adventure. Thanks to our family and friends who had the kids for a week, we got to sit in the sun, relax and reconnect. We feel so blessed to have had this opportunity.<br /><div><div><div><div><br /><div>Healthy living has been a focus for us this year. We are working on making it a lifestyle and have been keeping each other accountable by racing each other to 100 days of exercise. That's right, i said 100 days people!! We celebrated our first day there by running workout 100 on the beaches of Hawaii. That works out to exercising 4 - 5 days a week since January. I understand, to some people that's no big deal but it was a change for me in consistency and purpose in this area. Can't say it was easy but I can say that I feel like I am in a good routine. I have more energy, toning up, eating better and can even celebrate a good burn during a workout. We tried to fit in some exercise most day in Hawaii which I was game for since it often ended in a trip to Starbucks on the way back to the condo! :)</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486439321171854466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhKRmGFiGVXu1aWdUccRXcVn1yRj3JITwYW9XHZV5QMOmzzhDIZ5G6k8J0kf1NjvVl8Tc9RCGPZj5T7AHmrHL33t1uHJXFY13oKtcHLgjggfMJt4ELQE_1uEn94vCgjudmLY4TBsHC5g/s400/IMG_3664.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>We didn't do too many tourist things this time. We did head to the Haleakala and hiked into the crater to the first cinder cone. At 10,000 feet, it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">definitely</span> takes your breath away, literally! It was quite a hike, sandy and steep! If you are looking for a workout to work your back end...this is it folks!<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486439338359414690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipm8buzs82Toj490m8hZCg4D-IGxhz1R5rLGI9ucPHRtKDSLuxzLIG7y1xsHtVcoN5zmFhbeQZjOBlKN2mGRfdVLScw-wGY8Y9At5Z_WJDH1iNfMVUtu2VdIYNBMzBnVaXtZy2wdFYEhg/s400/IMG_3740.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486439357759753074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWYeadpI9_4uCIAPmcURTgmMbdWPkOQ2SgrGwKlmiLRWgSFPBsyVCRzNEivNyalX0h-dVXRxPjen1O0q69tZ3-dPTV9wKWA6yGnwzZX48WC2fR-QSUDBQeFJh3cJtqD5lp6sZsNqtJD0/s400/IMG_3758.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486439345594080722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJb8sGGkxxLPjHjBSvewiBlTAitkKDw40SWcdk26ZzNO4m79cDnQRMwYOBMvJLReYWX7eBX9WncNnoRKOo2LsdYAFGphp-e3Go_M5sPb5E-rJCIqczl1XaHeKhGBPqjr3hoqx91OW-d6U/s400/IMG_3761.JPG" border="0" /> </p><br /><p>The rest of the time you'd mostly find us laying on the beach, snorkeling, or enjoying some great dinners out.</p><br /><p>Here is a picture of one of the five sea turtles that showed up every evening outside of our condo and a view from outside of our lanai. We went snorkeling out in front of our condos to try and find the sea turtles one morning but came up short. The next day we met another couple who said sea turtles are a favorite food of Tiger sharks. We decided we didn't need to see them up close! :)</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486454384469832130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9SVw7vnYu-QzGskfVNipHG0LlgUWtDQOP31RXTr5lzYzzQntO_vW4WM1318jYsj7fBRYeMRyAdJFNSZfv-DfwlbehrIIAceA4Jd7pYGbVSDYqk2m3xsCFoxMrnP8g2PiI0-AAS5bNLA/s400/IMG_3846.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486454392313858370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeoO8GTeoettXkBtxxxJSLPLSB3oykqUha8kcTgyHDPG4EMEuPJm8vhRbHnuab2PojSNe_dojnPUADlzJGk9rsMNTQhHL6Cre6mW1tR00rKT7ZLis3Sg0cyReQJ8RuLMCgzVSkx0nUMs/s400/IMG_3852.JPG" border="0" />Snorkeling with my handsome man!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486454372924677234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVoPkV19QSe612yBZlGtqJzLWORUg8drsTZawPHyvY8s3gjlEaQmTh3eRCkO0c25_ptl05r6uU9rvrSJLZSpQtFE9BL6CkQkSnww4CAXAEjzWE-3XTGRkzIv12X4crEaRLe93XnjHdbw/s400/IMG_3685.JPG" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mahi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mahi</span>...YUM!<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486454357884259042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSUOkoA9CGn9w4IAzyLjAlGpOEvxpS-wTSEiaQLsoKAV0IxSKECYPuyaUm-Aq9PZNn10yh-liIZPsk1lNBCRWc5veYnpik6A2Ke1j7FoGF9U0SJNNyXWiBnCashhA2VmvOwX_4_tcFh0/s400/IMG_3777.JPG" border="0" /></p></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486456348269676914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmEauQYwbk5f6DpugC7vbmzXoNOnhDa0h_jnsYDg30v5cEI7TaJJl2p9RnUP8c-2WR74hXs-EmRNzJncAhr0eFwPUn_v03ZGNYvzAyt5K2kxb-RMLtvMsS69sB0JfqlG2_Fj-8zLG6sY/s400/IMG_3709.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Mahalo, Maui! </p>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-69238530885020002782010-04-28T09:00:00.001-07:002010-04-28T09:26:32.788-07:00Mama MilestonesI fell in love with the crib the moment I laid eyes on it...dark cherry colored, beautiful thick slats, something of high beauty and quality...yes, that would only be right for my precious first born.<br /><br /><br /><br />7 years later...Brody's little toes reach the end of the crib turned daybed/toddler bed and he was eager for his first big boy bed. I hunted down bunk beds and last night you should have felt the buzz in the air...the bunk beds were going up and the boys could hardly stand the wait. Oh, they were so excited!<br /><br /><br /><br />As we cleared the room it was time for the crib to get broken down. It wasn't until that last screw was taken out and I crumbled into tears in Kyle's arms that it hit me - this marked an end of a season of life. Little hands and feet have grown, they are full of life and adventure and my role as a mother has morphed into something new...and my heart breaks just a little bit letting that go. It's a mama milestone.<br /><br /><br /><br />It's a milestone for the boys too! They think their room is the coolest now...who can resist these smiles!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465222492912732242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPp41fuY6pBPG9ooCUqYCqogYA9y-BnZoZcuOFgb5pXP-Kg35MWGuJSLUpsP3B8dAOBInsYxQI6RroVURvsQa2A8RY3-orvIa4uXSYcMalXmVCscKe-jckx0MIdb7AkScjoUBXUQavdg/s400/IMG_3526.JPG" border="0" />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-77282428281970462302010-01-11T16:32:00.000-08:002010-01-11T16:39:08.678-08:00Ahhh, Life With Boys (3)<span style="color:#330099;">For Christmas, one of our sweet aunts gave Collin a box of experiments to do. He was thrilled. First and foremost, he pursued what they called "Sea Monsters". </span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">It hatched...it's disgusting...and thriving!</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">Looked on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Internet</span> today to find out how long I have to look at this thing in my kitchen window...</span><br /><em><span style="color:#000066;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Triops</span> have a relatively short lifespan of 20 to 90 days and grow quickly to their adult length of one to three inches. How large they grow depends on the amount of light and food they receive. After hatching, they often double in size daily!</span></em><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">3 INCHES...90 DAYS....DOUBLE IN SIZE DAILY!!!!!</span></strong><br /><em><span style="color:#6633ff;"></span></em><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ahhhh</span>, Life With Boys!</span></em></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-29019943319487837842009-12-30T21:20:00.000-08:002009-12-30T21:26:53.882-08:00Ahhh, Life With Boys (2)<span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#330099;">What does it mean when ... in between trying to break up the beating your sons are inflicting on each other with rolls of wrapping paper you are purchasing, the gentleman in front of you repeatedly offers, or rather, insists you go ahead of him because "he's in no hurry".</span><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#000000;">Ahhhh, life with boys!</span></em></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-1772734465761714962009-12-30T20:40:00.000-08:002009-12-30T21:18:59.611-08:00Whirlwind of Activity<em><span style="color:#990000;">Quite honestly, I've fallen way behind in this blog and don't even know where to begin. Between homeschooling, two boys, house, holidays and </span></em><a href="http://fischersfour.blogspot.com/2009/12/surgery.html"><em><span style="color:#990000;">surgery</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#990000;">, sadly, the blog was last priority. So in an effort to bridge the gap here are a few snapshots. What is the saying? </span></em><em><span style="color:#990000;">A picture is worth a thousands words? Hope so! Here's a quick run down of the last month (or two).</span></em><br /><br /><div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#993399;"></span></em> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">We've been...</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">Celebrating, Kyle's birthday. Happy Birthday Kyle!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#993399;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421257076642988610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp7TTP-utCycOeiY87vLxG9YPO5mDeOtta42hm-L-H3jNLu5CbUD8IzmqwH1EStS2YMRNlm3Q9j1kqd7pjmszWxuc6AxdNZNCVUYj7tB0cMHS1SZRB9h2OrVAVYae-9u-CjJ0gIykt3c/s320/IMG_2898.JPG" border="0" /></span></em></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">Losing teeth. Looking good, Collin!</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#993399;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421259860910761778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYStksRsp4tEt72t-ddAQy_b0vPvConbn-rq5do1GSiQ6Rxgj6ibkrNgYZaGThF_S-AWc8YxYRlERsfFzohxeJPRC2LbEJbjBmxQajRwwVDZZlPa3oLmqszhXBuXLnceN7z4TNbMueGsw/s320/IMG_2603.JPG" border="0" /></span></em></div><em><span style="color:#993399;"></span></em></div><div><span style="color:#993399;"><span style="color:#000000;">Celebrating 11 years of marriage! </span></div></span><div align="left"><em><br /></em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421256195935100130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gcZLkx2MyD7Ms3y4KheHO20lkI2dy5ZxcnKlXV6zk0Ll2k_yhZOPim7Tb2yDfYlBP_U80hnxGUldS9Ro9XqfUHg1msiIfuwIYMXiZNwDo3eAbksGdx-8xiTapRvK_6RexqrpJOA4baQ/s320/IMG_2929.JPG" border="0" />Watching our little muscian's first piano recital.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421257057061258850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNQCUSqRkASUDuj9VclTvXJmrfdR-zZb_yT4FO3jP2IfWJpcD-OA3u5c72XPxqG89whjZhECJJAlveqoV17XMdCH7tDrrKJCKbEdw8tszbfWSeJXhyjrlVJRDlD84yTshZ5Sy-Qsk_JU/s320/IMG_2920.JPG" border="0" /><br />Reaching out to others during the holidays with our <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/">Samaritan's Purse shoebox</a>.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421257082914094002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFkJIoZ4ovQ9fHTtOYPRA82ZQeAAtte2TtuKXfNaV8qoMLtt0-IK8Fv3lbTNE4Qch9Q1iIWvEcPejYXpMc1tYth5UrTMnrOjIlQzzAWBilFF_i1TWzTd_BbmPWPl5DucEA05a7oA5tg8/s320/IMG_2905.JPG" border="0" /><br />Christmas fun!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LnQ2VqxVafQsdwntyrpYyqO1jRaOp0Fvq7VmV2JvtsPnwAYanccuGqU6WJcPFzfeDzy18lLLQOO0VE28KhBEQCQLWIPkWzptOaD5WPRRRpBsPGwJJaeBaVQen0y991rWHPFTH5E7Ggk/s1600-h/IMG_3012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421256192069170098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LnQ2VqxVafQsdwntyrpYyqO1jRaOp0Fvq7VmV2JvtsPnwAYanccuGqU6WJcPFzfeDzy18lLLQOO0VE28KhBEQCQLWIPkWzptOaD5WPRRRpBsPGwJJaeBaVQen0y991rWHPFTH5E7Ggk/s320/IMG_3012.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6LH4oM4s-t_f1okDSV2UcdDgZKWMmEUsmRXA6TCTMj9OS3u-LbCK4vgf83jv51I7Iqv7ZNV2Ae1S6PPhzSLtWWHnNxhRNeiPxOe883V2u3s1KtnzHsVnFWIhu5-0ZqkWhIEGlN2Cj74/s1600-h/IMG_3014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421256181264690050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6LH4oM4s-t_f1okDSV2UcdDgZKWMmEUsmRXA6TCTMj9OS3u-LbCK4vgf83jv51I7Iqv7ZNV2Ae1S6PPhzSLtWWHnNxhRNeiPxOe883V2u3s1KtnzHsVnFWIhu5-0ZqkWhIEGlN2Cj74/s320/IMG_3014.JPG" border="0" /></a> Girls weekend full of laughter to San Fran with my good friend Angela. Hello Ghirdelli Square!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421257062518351186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZSK81sWMhrKIUBHJTgR_9iD7g1A7yCMXjSvNXeib5uDKsU2AhC_ARh-cEV0eN4Vn5A2FLNWM7ntf6wRBSPWFAcRqmKNkQpikpGlLF3r-EPQGjKW62GQefXuPGVaVJs7zJ0If6h9oBCY/s320/IMG_2870.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421257070878363938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD3AGbvOoRdHGdKJDndU10HocE2yOUtHAdWGpri3DzNiMjhGjAojdgTsmWv495tYGrMvHqoSdUoHiFjVuVA2EBUg-BUhsC4aM215jQWBFaFcgfJstlvBPOm1UAhsWb0kHQ2-7O6F2u24/s320/IMG_2875.JPG" border="0" />Off to get a Christmas tree with a surprise visit with Santa.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421260410555523618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MkqauYZQb5Fv8fiaXBLK-h4dYf4obGRgKoiIOZPfiXgs9vLtOq3KNaazzBl-yVIPuENiVEeJFDVEgos7wvocJ58sqwybjEKZMuY_2VBYIDjNVCBe8A7rLdJRhL9oG5VyxPzci4WPZH4/s320/IMG_2913.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Playing in the snow!<br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421259401577469154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajnoYMnMGA5q-RqW16oJ4nBuI8Hqc5b81NHYULSVulpjPdtmJnViZ4i9Ji5DRR7EC0xYS4_o_R3rQ7d6m3iCBf2UTkkr4j4AcXgGfx1ytLCx3KQjoQ0ruJCwM_Rfyw-gqaB9GPraz8hA/s320/IMG_3069.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#660000;"><em>I hope your winter season has been full of memories too!</em> </span></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-28476649223391495712009-12-30T20:07:00.000-08:002009-12-30T20:39:19.692-08:00SurgeryThis post is entirely too long overdue but not one that I could just pass on because there is so many blessings to tell.<br /><br />For as long as I can remember, I have had pain in my lower abdomen and back. There were many triggers that brought on the pain; stress, cold, fatty foods, exercise...or simply nothing! While some weeks were a pain that was manageable and could push through, as the month went on, the level of pain was intensified. It was a pain that was comparable to my active back labor during childbirth and would last for about 15 - 20 minutes before it was over. This would happen multiple times through out the day and night. I could count on about 10 days with no pain in the month and my pregnancies were completely pain free as well. The was pain was intimately intertwined in every aspect of my life as well as my families.<br /><br />I've had many visits to the doctor - followed up with many pills and shots that I have tried over the years. There was no success for my tired body at the end of the day. With the decision that we were done having children, I decided it was time for surgery.<br /><br />With a recent switch to a new doctor I felt the confidence to do exploratory surgery. We had speculated over the years we were dealing with endometriosis but had nothing definitive. The surgery was over in a short time after finding fibroid all over the inside and outside of my uterus and the decision to have a follow up surgery including a hysterectomy was apparently clear.<br /><br />My procedure was referred to the chief regional laproscopic surgeon who accepted the challenge and by his side another experienced doctor to assist. God graced me with talented doctors and wise advise along the way - not to mention my hubs that sat through several doctor appts along the way for support.<br /><br />I cannot even begin to convey my excitement when I say, I do not have my pain. My hysterectomy was done lapriscopic and went off without a hitch. My healing has been quick. God has been so good in paving this road for me and the support that I have received. Where to start...<br /><ul><li>an army of people praying for me</li><li>my hubs who managed the home front, meals, children, stocked me up with magazines, coffee and love</li><li>friends and family that made meals - not kidding, i didn't have to cook for 3 weeks with all the food I recieved. Even a full out Thanksgiving dinner that was prepared for us from the Turkey to the pie and everything in between! Thanks Stearns family!</li><li>Grandmas to entertain and playdates with friends</li><li>cards</li><li>help cleaning the house</li><li>lattes delivered</li><li>"Joy" box with encouraging packages for different days through out the recovery</li></ul><p>The list goes on! I am so humbled by the love that was shown me. Praise God for the outcome! Thank you everyone!</p>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-55288358377477038022009-12-08T19:12:00.001-08:002009-12-12T19:38:50.038-08:00Christmas Newsletter 2009<div align="center"><em><span style="color:#006600;">For to us a child is born, </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#006600;">to us a son is given, </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">and the government will be on his shoulders. </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">And he will be called </span></em><br /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#006600;">Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, </span></em><br /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#006600;">Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.<br />Isaiah 9:6<br /></span></em><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="color:#003300;"><em><span style="color:#990000;">We hope to find you and yours well this holiday season. It is such a treat this time of year to hear from friends and family. To hear where they are at, how their lives have grown and changed and appreciate what they bring to our lives. And so, we bring you a short little snippet of ours. We hope you enjoy!</span><br /></div></em></span><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">As a family, we've stayed busy spending time out boating, church, hanging out with friends, Blazer games, Friday night pizza night or a quiet family game night. Kyle and I celebrated 10 years of being married and traveled to Maui for the first time to celebrate.<br /><br />Kyle is at Gerber driving their tool business as their category manager. He’s managed to wrangled a crew from work and a few friends to create a basketball team and participate in a Portland league this year. He still loves his sports in any shape or form he can get it – even by coaching Collin’s T-ball team. He has made fitness a priority this year and even ran in his first marathon. </div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413969140206035602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhQrTqaU8vwUAT-rde6siUojXib-yXATUvMxB1dqWHkXy7hYOGVsapZflsSx7gsK-g43yVtZx4AGfe_TM7jr3T5LvoYDvn8kJVSLTiNSXrNXG-tJcMgtrLIuxuNFuh0VuQ1_JbOCz5RE/s320/IMG_2321.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />I stay busy on the home front. It has been a delight putting my teaching hat on again, as I've begun homeschooling Collin and Brody. It has been a journey of learning for all of us but such a treat. After many years of dealing with pain, I had two surgeries this year to correct the problem and am working on recovery now. I've been blessed by so many helping hands through the recovery. So far, by God's grace and the use of a talented doctor, my old pain hasn't resurfaced. I'm all the more equipt now to keep up with these busy boys of mine!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414545718570158610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjItEoZ272oTmPDmiw6kP1rULNHXM1XVnLBOzxPu4JIqRn71ckROpT4wZa8AIYqqbUEeNjkRAlepjaqWG6k3Z4CrGVtNr48xrupMIa6b1yAN4Gub7hjOgkWb4Yb38uiLuCJ1MV1p5mE8/s320/IMG_2153.JPG" border="0" /><br />Collin is growing in all sorts of ways this year. Above all else, he delights in Legos. He’s got an incredibly creative mind and is constantly coming up with a new Lego creation. Math is his favorite subject and quick learner over all. He’s on his second year of piano and participated in his first piano recital this year. Collin has also been busy with swimming, science class, basketball but especially loves just being home and wrestling with his little brother. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414545707387427554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFMXCqopAhd-8ZmMkds1KDQa_SXr0t2dq6rH_evCBcxiI6bhbVFBvqqtOlLzYxwA7DP5xVlBtP5_CF6_7dQhAFoq8IVnXQTH8aX2cEyym6qILmXMX1pKc9NWmQ_0uJWVmd4Iwy8C9NTs/s320/IMG_2520.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Brody is our little athlete. Every morning, he wants his favorite outfit of shorts and his Blazer jersey to get started on shooting hoops. He’s conquering potty training right now (so if our bathroom looks like a circus with prizes hanging from the ceiling, books, candy bribery, fancy potty seats and the sorts – you’ll know why) and working on beating a binki (pacifier) habit. All in a long hard days work!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414546216688080674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51oO1nNEwxWSAMuVsnrwxf3oH-xm2YbdSavl0snrKJQuNWYACeC6azzDUw6pnvT6qno3M_n1HQxHzuMcX2t14mmCopdqs0Pvro4RI4QrJ1fJqhTlQ-EubBLqa6ZEj6WAOlntRfG7s4JU/s320/IMG_2892.JPG" border="0" />The excitement is building in our house for the big day of presents and food. The boys completely get the holiday now and you can feel the buzz all around you as they eye the gifts (or give them a little shake) all the while planning for the big day. In the midst of it all, we continue to quiet our hearts and enjoy the season for what it's all about - the gift of Jesus Christ. We wish you a time of reflection, family and fun this Christmas. </p><p>Much love,</p><p>The Fischers</p><p>Kyle, Anne, Collin &Brody</p>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-69497241085597242032009-11-12T07:57:00.000-08:002009-11-12T08:03:11.213-08:00FREE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtJARnikso0QflzVnWvU3rGMts9BGqmSunzv5X1pAqhX5y_C7OBxFuN-XVp_KhAvk3AFSREokRbspg9i8enBSiILnMyNjgBbruxZtOs1rCB7cH3Hz0xvPrp7R2ILEK9f7NlCDI5y4114/s1600-h/tree4.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403248145468844914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 55px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 71px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtJARnikso0QflzVnWvU3rGMts9BGqmSunzv5X1pAqhX5y_C7OBxFuN-XVp_KhAvk3AFSREokRbspg9i8enBSiILnMyNjgBbruxZtOs1rCB7cH3Hz0xvPrp7R2ILEK9f7NlCDI5y4114/s320/tree4.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>This is almost too good to be true! If you are getting ready to order your photo Christmas cards this is your chance to get 50 free...free shipping too!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Go check it out <a href="http://freebies4mom.blogspot.com/2009/11/50-free-photocards-shipped-free-too.html"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">here</span></strong></a>! It works. I just ordered mine.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Happy shopping!</div><br /><div></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-74494158042772493362009-10-30T12:19:00.000-07:002009-10-30T12:23:18.588-07:00Autumn Is In The Air<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYfxOnM2DoIdLZnuArwCbDp6n_pdeApN4uwLIpt2mgP0dm0IuoyAyoCzEbIXlEVMnka_utzrOLqd5TBMCZvpdhVw4XrlJKkdG5G2GM5_A7xvSUhVLO2hz7eHb_JwttgibU-Lzxt0BNI0/s1600-h/IMG_2682.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398475225551050898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYfxOnM2DoIdLZnuArwCbDp6n_pdeApN4uwLIpt2mgP0dm0IuoyAyoCzEbIXlEVMnka_utzrOLqd5TBMCZvpdhVw4XrlJKkdG5G2GM5_A7xvSUhVLO2hz7eHb_JwttgibU-Lzxt0BNI0/s400/IMG_2682.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We've been busy visiting the pumpkin patch, making apple turnovers and pumpkin pie, creating costumes and carving pumpkins. </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;"><em><strong>Fall is my favorite season!</strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;"><em><strong></strong></em></span> </div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-26897944504247697332009-10-21T14:52:00.000-07:002009-10-21T14:59:41.325-07:00Life With Boys (1)<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><strong>Only boys can turn finding three flies roaming the house into a full blown hunting expedition - including multiple nerf guns, rapid fire, sneak attacks and karate moves! </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><strong>It was a sad scenerio for the poor flies but the boys triumphed!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><strong>2 down....1 to go!</strong></span><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Ahh...life with boys!</span></em><br /></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong></strong></span>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-49215541840793463912009-10-06T20:10:00.000-07:002009-10-06T21:00:36.046-07:00"Fischer"men<em>It wouldn't be right to move on from summer without mentioning our Fall Salmon fishing. Kyle took a better part of two weeks to go fishing up with the Thomas clan and friends. This is a time of year that Kyle (all of us) look forward to through out the year. Our extended family, the Thomas clan, not only let our Fischer family bombard Camp Chinook but have welcomed friends, fed us, taught us, shared their secret potion...pretty much completely spoiled us! Now if that isn't family, I don't know what is!<br /></em><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><div><div><div>Here are a few snapshots from this years adventures:</div><br /><div>The boys were so excited to give the fish a bonk. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389695976544044818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnO9TAnxiMp09TPdsru3QPe-XqQ0IW8-whVOm-qaKaeDndWnQA9U7YgUGpZjRHE3A_CQYDnjQ0hB4aegEi6YhfCAFk6n3N8ejBA8zeltHhmUpUm3SGbhHiQcmSx562muH-nzXZV29vaA/s400/IMG_2547.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389695453996583538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94C5FypBA8A3iCskOUf9ZprO2jKm7yPiwUGvWIU_A8nmDg-Zm78QeVPEfQVj81Jerf0kUrUGSGXc8oWqX2i84sStTgKrBG_kplR0t0dQmUPC6CBiR4YnrctsfWsgwVKEA39xvW0J1CjM/s400/IMG_2546.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Lovin life on the boat.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389695437860258274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Rk91gAuGZxXKpegEyICaaAbT-4G2wSJVZTK-H3iltlOylagS0JmlvpP5D7LWl-_eWgd4WJNVoDAFVvyI0v4nTkXdCSIPjcphdPPlTMAYoqRy3ixymtHCIaNooM3RhoI_0jz5LVKD3r4/s400/IMG_2532.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389695442661557266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVp5eYLUWmGT8C4fjp7vVv0ibLDBN6fjqHowGD7s_LTwlB4al17RJ4Zv5htoMRZdXLscD7Hr5oC2Hy2oyewVQceDDsmzzU_qF9zky7FK2veyVhqnOzcQPG7g-0LBtHt-IgUwVANUCaTA/s400/IMG_2531.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Our catch!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389702505477926290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9lSdIynLuBSc7o1-v0DmQUB9lok0sjsRE7Co5d4SU7Ykx6JErkRaaL1sLlNhkvxsdDe91Dj-5HO7fGQORpSE8uJbeiMc8Tin3sEfT_ExcBugl0Y3RQ2Ro0ZVROLztP-DeR9XnFlvEis/s400/IMG_2379.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389695984122286898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1ZQGP2EaXz2Iy4zgaZGM5XTtWZrf4cGbgFHJBowOCTHGjFkgqwfipAnNkZo1Qa0U3fiw5OZbsv8d1KNERFyD1nq8k-qCbQZ0bnajayLE8bcfaBYRe3Dxxj6edrlTGnzhkBxMexdm4pQ/s400/IMG_2550.JPG" border="0" />I was taught by the masters how to fillet a fish.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389695970338936290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWHNheQQyAkusJVAG0E_QlYBbCI-gxSp8kfCfOE3v12KIE_Kw2yXPBIKDOjfiUJWMNE4-CFPVODX0aYSc6pXiuYMixVK_zH-BP9FWaVgRZEdnaURbj_lQk6w8tXJVeh-aQZv0b939vmM/s400/IMG_2390.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389694378707995346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ9C8rLYMyQ08RqE5j-Fm8bub2JaPd3d2cAIwApl6feV_zCv1I3mn1fpi1jVN_b7-bNGNiQza9FieMu-0ZNGuUq1_KMPoLPzXJsVjjhBwzWq06c35NTFr2UPCWtHfEW0qlzV-cEGVMpo/s400/IMG_2401.JPG" border="0" /> Of course the teacher in me couldn't let the opportunity go without taking the boys out to Bonneville Dam and fish hatchery to follow up the fishing season. It was a fantastic field trip - would recommend it! Don't forget to hit the little icecream stand by cascade locks while you are out there!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389699148530799474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPO_kKSViGUfdLv6ZuXlclwkSR1l4Crl3K5cXfHxqxaHmkpVRl6g9mhrZfjFZCqKOvHXCRgfO0hIdp2e1Mkr_MrmcOnRwjcrCOFcBF8YAF1Vp-gEaQcKSbFYOILQBj9oboOnspUeqqp-k/s400/IMG_2584.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389699135799212098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrxda1hAj8Xbsy85knVQSi_KvAdmTBqU6yfnpBR7iNrGboalPxwSpCMpjGjxnKduuT6SG9-OA9AXtjXVJpVZZYtAHO2PFGJNtn5_Sw0hE6YiODzmP5a0hTqXYItXFlQIqIleOyfvclCQ/s400/IMG_2596.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389699126878327314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8RmrJx4hGEW6bT6HbG07SEcS_M8quJdQ7mayW-7Vt56MqFhWw1pUJeNYa9E5oMVVxvurFeae2aNV70xD-HU5EUHfSGBh-0XofIMWHLwlFTnByCnePllfF_u-8wRm4FLczjCY6VaeePk/s400/IMG_2598.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-70574680377084310772009-10-02T12:18:00.000-07:002009-10-02T15:31:11.989-07:00Welcome to 1st GradeWe have a bit of an announcement this year. We are (drum roll please)....<br /><br />Homeschooling!<br /><br />It has been quite a journey that has led us here. After much consideration and prayer, Kyle and I have decided to give it a try. We've collected some great curriculums and have jumped in with two feet. It is fun to take out my fun teacher materials from boxes and put it to work. It's a bonus to have a licensed teacher in the house!<br /><br />It's a quick trip down the hall to school.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388086809433884274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4pee4lfPe6leZMMGyCZ7HPoPxNo-kLQcYBrRRVTs4Db1_OiQouGfXfYFvGiKqAkOqPyoQylKCLUa6aLnUf2kOTMiqk2vO7kJsPsJHQDMxhA9ey0wE7adpYNCwU5P_r7EUQgBcfXPQes/s400/IMG_2524.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388086802619249938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMqpiuQgPfeYrutrXGNPWaZHYin8N4hnQ6xzYhBerCxBeFDInUmjrDf5ZsXPCeXAyFmW5e4D1jio9lYksJJasaG7-pwLL_5KE-3NA7vLHGcPEhvrvRJGwqSgf2yB5D31hJ4b5GBjNCDI/s400/IMG_2523.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><strong>We are off on this grand adventure! Let the learning begin!</strong></span></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-38575570828300759032009-09-21T14:44:00.000-07:002009-09-21T14:48:03.540-07:00Oye!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLc6xbRweTcb9gghsvOzToV4fohcvzTxqhPiCshVcffXljd2HYMKRO3uiKYL4N-UoxtH2PaaBXwd73GrWZAoORRnTWvqROeAAbocICkTyxO03nVSGfFmQSB-2pD17jwKzscmPkX8DA8E/s1600-h/IMG_2600.JPG"></a><em> There have been so many things that have been going on in the Fischer household. I can't wait to update all soon. But right now, I'm trying to tackle the laundry! Oye!<br /></em><div><em>Stay tuned...good things to come!</em></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391936295946469038.post-59018063219260445442009-08-18T13:44:00.001-07:002009-08-18T14:11:00.910-07:00Beating the Habit<div align="center"><span style="color:#000066;">A</span><span style="color:#000066;"> neighbor stopped by today and we chatted at the door for ten minutes. Who knew how productive a 3 year old can be in ten minutes when you take:</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3366ff;">3 SEALED packages of gum</span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3366ff;">1 gum chewing obsessed preschooler</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3366ff;">and a distracted mom...</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000066;">Here is the damage</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371408191198929090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3_b-AldQp9FEOEqS7HvAdozZRxJuXhKqhwSY0RCXcvcY36gF0fWbp12vgRBjiO7QyPRgZFMh77_kFwA67l9pxBW73ocixhBL7Bc_6_KMGT1OE-Dfxc0PPdYLGni5qGCDx64FCBxYxBo/s400/IMG_2340.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>All three packages skillfully opened and dismantled through out my car</strong></span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>5 pieces of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">partially</span> chewed gum</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>another piece shoved quickly into his mouth when he saw me!!</strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000066;">These boys will keep me on my toes! Although to his credit, he is trying to break a nasty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">binki</span> habit and a little gum chewing has proven to fill the void during a sensitive transition time! ;)</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000066;">So instead of getting pictures that look like this:</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371413039783527650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6goAcJeh7uFhdQJUt5bXMLuylRH5RVGaDTnFmhlsthrMgMeWlgHYGhyg2mgs82K5kqgKZ2l7J1vWN5GERyuE0tybnAW-lDTbPxZuMYJ2WWQyNSzxFrcUHfmBLuWBcGHxkA5wwIczWCs/s400/IMG_1611.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000066;">We are starting to get more pictures that look like this:</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371410695115714018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS5hRMWANiVlpWtw40aak73nlH44yas4CbFvBDehjN3pjuRPKgyto2g1lTilPrPIZxAQcM-ZawPLm2U4bt4BvZvj2cBfZXI15oyS4MOfoinX-Gq8MPcu14GaRKQurFCuGfO5fJQO-uHI/s400/IMG_2297.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><p align="center"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Keep at it little man! We love the smile! Just take it easy on the gum!</strong></span></p>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895465263214419307noreply@blogger.com1