Black & White Wednesday

I've wanted to do this for quite some time and today I actually remembered it is Wednesday so here you have it, Black & White Wednesday.  I so love black and white and think this is where I will start my focus in photoshop.  I did not use photoshop for this picture but hopefully I will participate more often and think ahead so as to bring a really nice b & w photo.

For today I have a picture of my Mom, Karley and Sophie from when Sophie and I were in the hospital for her birth. 

I have to laugh, I notice that Karley really is starting to get some hair!

If you are stopping by from Long Road to China please feel free to let me know how I could make this picture even better!

You can join Black and White Wednesday over at The Long Road to China.

My MacGyver - Construction

Last Thursday we packed up a covered trailer full of saws, tools, baby items and our clothes to head three hours north. 

We went to help my sister finish siding her house.  My husband isn't into construction per se but as I've mentioned on my sidebar...he's a MacGyver of all sorts.  This helped my sister out tremendously as she was on a deadline to get the project completed.  It was pretty cold and yet we were still thankful that it didn't rain!

Here's the love of my life figuring out how he's going to tackle this task.

And these are his helpers:

My Dad

My Step-Dad

My Mom

And later my sister.

I didn't get a picture of her working outside.

Instead I got a picture of her with my little Sugar Pie.

The kids got Easter baskets since we won't be there for Easter. 

My Sweetie Pie

My Cutie Pie

My two nieces.

Also not pictured (probably because we were in the kitchen cooking or something....)

Me & My Step-Mom

The siding is completed and so is our weekend.  It was busy and we are glad to be able to help Tonya.  We drove home, went out for dinner and got our camper.  It was a long busy week and weekend!  But a blessing every minute!

Hope you are all having a great week!

Minnesota Zoo

Wednesday morning we took a short trip (hour drive) to the Minnesota Zoo.  We met Laura and her kiddos there.  But first we met picked up Holly and her cutie pies and  you know we stopped at Caribou for coffee!  

It had been a few weeks since we had seen the other kids but they were all just as cute as ever right when we all arrived.

Herny & Alexa were a little shy but it didn't take long and they were doing this:

This last picture is my favorite!  We were on the last leg of our Zoo day and the kids were all pretty beat.  You can tell because not a one was on foot.  It was a great day!  We got a Zoo pass so will be going quite a bit this year.  It was such a nice day!  Oh, and in case you were wondering why so many were wearing green of some sort....it was St. Patrick's Day.

Just writing this post makes me excited to get out more this Spring and Summer!

God Bless!

Whew! What a Week!

Last week was a very busy week for us Fisher's.  I have a million pictures of the things that have been going on.  I thought about doing a long post but it ended up way too long.  So I am going to have post about the Zoo with my friends for tomorrow and our out of town weekend later in the week.  Sorry....is that cliffhangerish...he, he.  Don't you just hate those? 

We've been looking for a camper on Craigslist.  It's was quite the adventure to say the least.  I think the price range we were looking in was hot, to say the least.  You really had to be on the ball in order to even go and see one.  Adam had been looking quite intensely in a 200 mile radius and Tuesday I added fiercely into the mix and sent a *few* e-mails out there.  Finally, I found exactly what we were looking for in our price range.  Get this, it was in the next town over from ours, a mere 5 miles away.  I was shocked!  I called and e-mailed that we wanted to come and look at it at 6PM.  Then really hoped they would call us back and they did.  The seller said he posted it and went to work out and had a ton of calls in a matter of approximately an hour.  We went and looked at it and made an offer. 

YEAH!

We picked the camper up this evening after we got back in town from a weekend helping my sister out at her house.

So here's our camper!

On the same day we bought the camper I went the the kids to look at a pre-school for Henry for next Fall.  Even though we had great advice on homeschooling, we decided to go with a private school for pre-school.  He will start in September two days a week for three hours each time.  I want to say I appreciate all the comments both on the post and via e-mail about the homeschool post!  You guys are rock stars!  The school is very nice but I have to say just thinking about how old Henry is getting very sad.

Tuesday after we got the camper I went out and ran (sort of) 4 miles.  I have mixed feelings on the run.  I was pushing myself to run 3 but only need to run 2.5.  It was getting dark and I think I had a lot of adrenaline from all that happened earlier in the day.  I was going too fast, on a new route, and it was getting dark.  I ended up walking too much.  BUT I finished it in less than my normal running time.  So good or bad?  Not really sure?  I didn't run on Wednesday (Zoo day) or Thursday (travel day).  I did run on Friday from my sister's house.  I took Karley in the jogger stroller, with flat tires with a ton of hills.  Thought I was going to die and oh yeah, took the dog.  I think she thought she was going to die!  I only ran a little over 2 miles but man, that was very hard.  I decided stroller running wasn't for me.  Then when my sister got home she said, "Oh ya, never do I leave from here as there are too many hills and aren't those tires flat?"  Okay...so I didn't do so bad.  But I actually hurt from it and haven't run since.  This is bad.  Very bad.  Back into a groove at home, from home, this week. 

How was your week?  Aren't you just loving this Spring weather?

So how about some fun zoo pictures?

Breakfast Anyone?

My good friend Kris asked me for the following two Egg Bake recipes.  My Mom & her friends served these for brunch the day after our wedding for all of our guests who stayed at the Lodge we all stayed at. 

I love them both.  Sorry I don't have any pictures....I know, my bad.  I did make them for Sophie's baptism but didn't think to take pictures.  Next time I'll add them.

Let me know if you make one or both!

Enjoy!

Brunch Bake

1/2 Large Loaf Day Old French Bread
3T Melted Butter
1 lb. Shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese
1/4 lb Ham or Salami (Julienned)
10 Eggs
1 1/2 C Whole Milk
1/2 C White Wine
3 Large Green Onions Minced
2 tsp Dijon Mustard
1/8 tsp Pepper
1/8 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1 C Sour Cream
1 C Parmesan Cheese (Shredded)
10 oz Chopped Spinach (Squeezed Dried)
8 oz Sauteed Mushrooms (Optional)

Grease 9x13 pan.  Spread bread on bottom (torn pieces), drizzle with butter.  Sprinkle Monterrey Jack cheese & ham.  Sprinkle Spinach & mushrooms on top of cheese.  In bowl beat eggs, milk, wine, onion, mustard & pepper until frothy.  Pour over everything.  Cover & refrigerate overnight.  Remove 30 minutes before baking.  Bake at 325 1 hour covered.  Stir in parmesan cheese and sour cream together.  Spread on top and bake 10 minutes longer.

YUM!

Broccoli  Egg Bake

12 Eggs
1 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 C Broccoli - Fresh Small Pieces
2 C Cubed Ham
12 oz Hash-browns
1/4 C Chopped Green Onions
Salt & Pepper

Mix all ingredients together.  Put in greased 9 x 13 pan.  Refrigerate overnight.  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes uncovered.

Just typing this out makes me hungry!!!

Lazy Friday

Remember I told you how Henry was bashful when we asked him if he liked Alexa? 

Today, I was talking to Alexa's Mom and just saying Alexa got Henry running out of the room. 

Then later while we were eating lunch I asked him if he likes Alexa and this was my answer.

Then I was telling Adam the story of this picture and Henry ran off saying, "Don't show the picture".  Sorry son, I'm we're here to embarrass you.

I guess I'm here to embarrass myself and my new passion determination for bread making.

As you can see, I've been having trouble.  The first few loaves were way too dense.  I added less flour but it still wasn't what I wanted it to be.  I've gotten bread from Great Harvest Bread Co. and sadly my loaves have been nothing like it. 

My kids have been pretty patient with me and to my surprise have still been asking for PB & J. 

We haven't had store bought bread in about two weeks.

Today I went too far on cutting back on the flour and this is what I got.

The ends of the loaf were really good. 

I think I am getting there. 

I have a new loaf mixing as I type. 

Wish me luck and if you have any additional suggestions please let me know.

I stepped outside to snap this picture a few days ago.

It's weird I know, that's why I took it.

Clear morning minus this little poltergeist thing floating over the driveway.

If you know if some ancient thing that could be buried under the driveway don't tell me.

Lastly, I was just messing around of a photo of Sugar Pie.

What do you think?

Maybe the color thing is too freaky?

Honestly?

Okay....back to the bread.

Friday Follow

Here's a fun way to meet new bloggers.......

Friday Follow over at One 2 Try or Hearts Make Families or Midday Escapades.

Leave me a comment so I can link back and follow you too! :)

Have a great weekend!

The Last Days of Snow Pack

It has rained here all day and I think it will tomorrow too.  That means our snow pack is about gone.  YEAH!  I took these pictures about a week ago and thought I better share them before snow is a thing of the past.  Well, sort of.

Without further ado.....

Henry called the snowmobile track a train track. 

He figured out (Mom advice) that it would be easier to walk on the "train track" than on the snow and away he went. 

I got them both up there and away they went.

Until...

Little Karley Janie fell.

My heart melted when big brother tried to help her up.

Mom to the rescue.

Away they go.

She really did like the outing. 

Not a peep from her.

My Priceless Fishers

Oh, I almost forgot....Adam & I have bet going.  If he doesn't plow anymore this season, I get a whole day to myself.  If he does plow then he gets a day to himself.  Who do you think will win?

Winter Playdates

Last week I had a a couple fellow bloggers and their Cutie Pies over for lunch and a playdate.  We had homemade blueberry muffins (a staple in our house) for a snack when everybody arrived.  Remember, we live out in the sticks so I thought I better have something for the kids after the long journey.  I guess Alexa asked her Mommy if they brought clothes.  I guess she thought they were in the car a long time and overnight clothes were required?

For lunch we had soup and salad and PB & J.  Yum!

Kids played everywhere and they played well.  Henry, although not pictured on the mini tramp learned a few new tricks.  He said later that night that he was "going really high like those girls".  That would be Alexa and Alley (below).  I asked him something later about Alexa (long red haired Cutie Pie) and he got really bashful and hid his face.  I was telling Adam about this to which he asked Henry something about Alexa and he got all bashful again.  Pretty sure he might have a little crush on Alexa.  Watch out Laura & Matt!

Also pictured on the mini tramp is a playdate regular at The Fisher House....Charlie.  You will recognize her blue eyes here.  And of course little Allie....she's new here but not new to playdates with this bunch.  It was just her first time at our house.  Her Mom is one fun woman known as Queen Jolene!

This dolly is Cori (Charlie's sister) and she is also a regular at our house.  I reference her Mom, Holly a lot on my blog. 

I thought I had enough places for all the little kids to take naps, yes, I thought.  But this little camper was just happy as could be hanging out with his Mom.  Isn't he a Cutie Pie?

Here's the whole gang.....

....minus sleeping Braden (Laura).  Cori & Charlie(Holly), Allie(Jolene), Sophie, Alexa(Laura), Karely & Henry.

Great time was had by all!  I have to say the next day was kind of lonely around here.  Can't wait for the next playdate!

The Kitchen Sink

Sophie didn't really mind taking a bath as a newborn.

She just didn't like getting jammies on afterwards.

My thoughts were that it was too cold.

Then she started liking it?

Go figure.

Then I moved her into the big bathtub.

This picture wouldn't isn't a true picture of what happens.

She cries and cries. 

She's not a fan at all.

I thought maybe Henry & Karley were too much?

So I moved her into the other bathroom by herself.

No.

She cries and cries.

Still not a fan.

Again, picture not indicative of what's really going on.

After talking to my friend Holly,

I thought I'd try this.

The kitchen sink!

It worked!

I think she was overwhelmed by the bathtub size.

She loves bath time again.

Hope you are having a great week!

Garry Bjorklunnd 1/2 Marathon / Grandma's 1/2 Marathon

I'm in!  I received an e-mail today indicating I was randomly selected to run The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, otherwise called Grandma's Half Marathon.  There were 8200 registrations submitted and only 5000 would be selected.  I am very thankful that I got in and I am a little nervous.  Just because I ran it in 2001 doesn't mean it will be as good.  I tried once since the 2001 run and didn't make it to the race due to injury. 

This is the training program I am going to follow by Hal Higdon.  My sister will be running the full marathon and she's using this program.  She has already started her program and last weekend ran 7 miles!  I am up to a mere 1.5 miles and had to walk twice.  I guess we all start somewhere right? 

My weekday running will start at 5:30 AM and I will fit the weekend running in whenever I can.  Right now it's still dark at that time in the morning but soon enough I'll be running when the sun comes up.

So after 9 years, I'll try again.  I guess I am a runner in my head and on the pavement!  Wish me luck and I hope not to overload the blog with running stuff but I am sure there will be some.  :)

How about you?  Do you have any exercise goals for 2010? 

It's a beautiful day!

32nd Street Blog Parade

Abigail at Rear Window - Observations at 32nd Street is having a blog parade.  You will see the ad for it on my sidebar.  It's a fun parade with some great prizes!  Stop over to see Abigail and the others!  You can link up your blog and hope to win some of her prizes!!!

Here are her questions:

1. What's your favorite time of the day, and why?
I'd have to day early AM.  I've always been one to get up early and go to bed early. 


2. If health wasn't an issue, what food could you live off of?
I don't think I could ever tire of Spaghetti.

3. If you could have one wish granted (besides wishing for more wishes), what would it be?
For all babies/children to be healthy.  Breaks my heart.

4. What's one thing that you get teased about a lot?
Not so much anymore (at least not that I know of) but having red hair.

5. If you could choose one movie, book, or TV show to spend your life in, which would you pick? What type of character would you be?
I'd pick Ordinary People.....I would want to write myself into the storyline as Conrad's friend and help him out.

6. If you could have one talent that you don't already have, what would it be?
To be more creative.  :)

7.If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?

I'd go back to France.  But only if the French were a little nicer.


8. If you were an awesome singer, which genre would you sing?would you go on vacation?
It wouldn't matter to me...just to be able to sing & play the guitar would be so awesome!

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what would it be?
Costco....although I think we spend that much there in a year anyway!  Not because we like spending that much money but we due most ALL of shopping there.

10. If you could live in any point in time, when would it be?
I'd like to live in the '50s.  Sometimes I think I tend to live my life like I do anyway...minus the computer.


11. If every outfit in your wardrobe had to be one color, what would it be?
You mean like it already is?  B L A C K without a doubt.

12. If you were one of the seven dwarves, which one would you be?
Bashful....HA!


13. What's the last album you listened to?
Funhouse - Pink


14. What's something we'd be surprised to know about you?
I've shared this before so some of you probably do know this but I'll just say it again....I used to ride a Harley-Davidson.  Rode to Sturgis with friends.  Met my husband two months after I bought my second bike and rode it for one year.  Fear of my kids not having their mother keeps me from having one until they are all out of the house.  It's all about the family these days.  It was fun to have when single. :)
 
 
What fun Abigail!  Thanks for having this parade!