Delayed

Delayed is this post.  Delayed was the visit.  Delayed is my baby.  That's what she wrote on the papers she faxed.  Delayed.  It was tough to see those words even tougher to muster it up that day because I knew this is what would happen. 

My baby had been suffering from one cold after another.  One tells me it's hard for babies to clear out the gunk.  I was sick, she got sick.  Her cousin was sick, she got sick.  The pediatrician didn't say anything sounded bad in her lungs when she was in for her nine month appointment.  I figured she would be fine.  We talked about her delay, a little.  I made mention of the fact that she did roll over in the appropriate time frame but hasn't really since.  She will fight against the roll.  My first baby was the same way, so I didn't fret.  My baby sat at the mark deemed normal.  She's on track.  Then by nine months she really wasn't crawling, scooting a bit yes and her language is lagging.  The doctor* and I talked and she advised me to let her know things were progressing in a month. 

*I should point out that I do not over worry and that we absolutely love our pediatrician.  She has called our home to follow up with different things (Henry had RSV when he was really little and she called the house to see how he was).  The doctor and her nurse know our kids well and I feel she checks in on how mom is doing as well. 

The month has passed I had to admit it, Sophie does have a delay (lack of rolling, can't move from a lying on stomach to sitting position, doesn't crawl, doesn't crawl stairs, doesn't reach to stand, doesn't stand and the language is behind) for whatever reason.  I am also concerned of this lingering cough, running nose and over all irritable baby.  Enough is enough.  I made the appointment and it just so happens the day I did was the worst day for her.  She just looked miserable.  All this time though, no fever, slept well and what I thought was "just her way".

In the beginning of the appointment I went over the concerns of her cough, cold, etc.  She looked in her ears.  Both infected.  I wonder how long have they been infected?  My mind is racing.  I already went over the chart with the nurse with a general timeline of how long she had been on again off again sick.  Too long.  How long?  I feel horrible.  I also know the chest x-ray is coming.  I dread this.  I've been through this before. 

Next we talk about the delay.  I well up with tears, she hands me a tissue.  "We'll get you some help, see where she's at, we'll get her on track".  I also knew this was coming. 

Tina

One told me this would be a good idea.  Don't let her get further behind.  One said she's a third baby she's just behind a little.  After all was said, I knew in my heart of hearts that I should get help now so she's not further behind.  So that's been very heavy on my mind. 

In the last week Sophie's become a whole new baby.  She's in general happier and I've heard a few more "words" from her as well.  I would guess the ear infection has been plaguing her longer than I'd even like to think about. 

I am still waiting for a call from our county to see about a home visit where somebody to assess her.  Scares the heck out of me.  I've been working on helping her the only ways I know how.  She's kind of resistant and very picking on when she wants to "practice". 

I am sure she will get up so speed and there isn't anything majorly wrong.  She does need some assistance.  New ways for me to help her?

We love her so much and only want the best for her.

Tina 

Sixty Seconds on Tuesday

I took this picture years three years ago about this same time of year.  In my eyes I still see this beautiful baby even though his hair brushes my belly.  The same belly that swelled to make this precious gift. 

I am so thankful for His blessing of the two pictured

You can join Sixty Seconds on Tuesday if you'd like.

Multitude Monday Vol. 3

Multitude Monday

{36}

A gorgeous day at the zoo.

{37}

Beautiful hearts to hangout with at the zoo.

{38}

Awesome weather.

{39}

Push mowing our large yard.

{40}

Kids that played well while I mowed.

{41}

Pediatrician who hands me a tissue.

{42}

Splash pads on a hot day.

{43}

The calming sounds of instrumental music.

{44}

Learning patience from others.

{45}

Neighbors who run baking powder over at 8:00 so I can finish making blueberry muffins for my muffins.

{46}

New neighbor who tells me my dog is on Main Street.

{47}

Another neighbor who tells me sad news of a local man.

{48}

E-mails, texts and phone calls while our husbands are fishing.

{49}

Blogs that inspire me on my faith journey.

{50}

Baby who signed milk today {extra thankful}.

Tina

Seven Quick Takes Vol. 3

Seven quick takes it hosted at Conversion Diary.  Jennifer is going to have some great posts from Mt. Angel Abbey.

{1}

As I waited for my Chinese take-out the other night I noticed an an Asian boy sitting in the booth putting together a puzzle.  I've noticed similar sites at other Asian restaurants.  How these children play, read, put together puzzles among other things, so quietly and politely.  If you were to ask me if my three year old (approximate age of said boy) could sit while I worked and customers came in I would laugh, very hard.  Is it parenting?  These women who were working there all seemed to have a quiet demeanor, soft spoken, just like the boy.  Are my kids loud, sassy, defiant because I am?

{2}

We had a rough day with Sophie yesterday.  I'll post more about that later.

{3}

I haven't read my Bible since Sunday.  I've fallen off the schedule for Bible in 180 days.  But I think about Jesus and doing right by him daily.  Think about teaching my kids more about prayer.  More than just our dinner prayers.

{4}

I hope to finish the last bit of decorating in the kids rooms.  Both need only  a few things to be complete.  Paint is one of them, hence the delay. 

{5}

I love this, "Children too are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward".  Ps. 127:3

{6}

We went to the Zoo yesterday.  It was a beautiful day, great friends, great conversation and yummy ice cream cones.

{7}

I am working on getting back on a schedule with the house and kids.  To have a better balance and I wold also like to give menu planning a better shot.  We eat better when I do.  Do you menu plan?  Do you feel like you have better meals on the table when you do?

I hope you all have a great weekend full of happiness, family and friends!

Blessings to you!

F is for.........

The Fisher Family of course! Check out the rest of the books over at 4 the Love of Family on Thursdays.

On the left page were the first pictures we took as a family of five.  The top picture was just before we left our room at the hospital and the picture on the right was taken just before we got into the car to drive home.  Adam & I both said we felt complete.  Funny because on the way home from the hospital with Karley we both said how we didn't feel complete.  

On the right page, the top left photo was taken at Christmas and the photo below it was taken at Easter.  The photo to the right was taken in Duluth in June.

This year has flown by and look at how she's grown!

Take a Peek

I always wanted to have the blog header that you just knew it was my blog when you saw it.  Say like if you saw it on TV or something.  {I laugh}  I do like blogs that have their own personal look.  I just never seem to be able to keep a look, or if I find one or create one, I like it for only so long. 

I've always wanted to do a black look ever since I started blogging but read time and again, "do not have a black background".  So I went with white.  What's the difference?  So here it is, BLACK.  I like it {for now}. 

When I created the last header I used a tutorial that had and example more like what I have up there now.  I didn't really think I had enough pictures I would like that were my own.  Today I realized I do.  They aren't the best but they are mine.  It's a journey both in words and photos.

It's also a lot like Jenny's blog.  You see, I like her blog and I hope that she's flattered that mine now looks a lot like hers. 

 

Changing this took care of the comments problem I was having but now I have a problem with the extra large pictures.  Adam says, "Go big or go home", so I'm finding a way to keep the pictures big.  For some reason it's not as easy as just changing the widths in html.

And because each post is "supposed to have a picture" I thought I'd throw in a couple of my clowns.  These were from the weekend.  The back story....Henry loves hooking things up...you know...like Daddy does. 

I hope you are having a great week!

Garry Bjorklund 1/2 Marathon / Grandma's 1/2 Marathon - Race Re-Cap

We left for Duluth early Thursday evening managing to dodge tornadoes, rain and heavy wind gusts most of the way there.  We stayed about 15 minutes ahead of tonadoes but did get rain and wind.  We heard sirens going through a few towns and saw five tornado spotters within a couple of miles.  It was dark and a little scary but we made it! 

We camped just a few miles from Canal Park in Duluth.  It was actually really nice for us to camp vs. staying in a hotel.  With kids our ages it was nice that they could ride their bikes and have down time in a campground vs hotel.  It worked well.

Friday morning we went to the DECC to get my race packet and have spaghetti lunch.  This also worked perfect because we didn't have to sit and wait for a meal like in a typical restaurant.  {Restaurants have been getting interesting lately and we've come to the conclusion at this point we'd rather get a babysitter and enjoy ourselves when eating out.} 

The Whipper Snapper race was next on tap Friday.  They had all these boys and girls line up and "race".  First were girls under four of which they had like four heats.  Karley wanted me to hold her hand so off we ran.  We were probably the last people to make it to the finish line which certainly didn't matter to us.  Seeing the sun on her face, hair blowing in the wind off the port, looking up at me, while holding my hand was the best mother moment.  She was beautiful, running along so gleefully, proudly, energetically.  The imagine of her has been burned in my mind forever.

After girls ran the boys four and under ran.  Henry was a little unsure about it but in the end he did it and he absolutely loved it.  I was afraid he might not do it.  I was so bummed at the thought of him not running because I knew he would love it.   He's been practicing his running for a few weeks now!  I took this picture on Thursday morning.  He asked if they could go for a "run".  I so love that they are interested in doing athletic things.  I don't even care what they do just so long as they do something to get themselves moving.

 

It was pretty warm and windy so we went back the campground and made an early night of it as we were all wiped out.  Or so we thought.  Both Henry and Karley were so overtired they were kind of crying and whimpering for much of the night.  It wasn't the sleep I was hoping to get but that's what happens with kids right?

Saturday morning I got up at 3:50 AM showered and got ready to leave for the DECC at 4:30 AM as the bus to the starting line left at 5:00 AM.  I sat with a really nice woman named Katie.  We chatted the whole way {go figure}.  It was a cool morning with overcast skies....perfect running weather!

A woman sang the Canadian National Anthem, The American National Anthem and then the gun went off.  Cheers, cheers, cheers until you got to the start line.  Because I am a slower runner {slower runners line up to the rear so as not to cause traffic for the faster runners} it took me just about three minutes to get to the start line.  When you cross the start line you hear beep, beep, beep as one of each pair of shoes crosses the line.  The churp is the chip that will track the actual time from start to finish. 

I lined up close to the 2:15 pace runner in hopes to stay as close to that time as possible.  I thought if I could at least keep the pacer in my sites {figuring I could see about 1/2 mile ahead of me} I would be happy with my results somewhere at the 2:20 - 2:30 finish time.  The first six miles went really quick.  I was ahead of the 2:15 pace runner and actually never saw him after the first 1/4 mile.  I was amazed.  I started taking water at mile 5.  Then around mile 6 my entire body especially my legs felt like a ton of bricks.  Crap.  I gassed out at mile six or seven.  I kept thinking, "What was I going to do?"  I thought I better just take my gel pack, what was I going to save it for at this point if I was lead?  So I took it and I swear I could actually feel the change in my body and I was totally different in a matter of minutes.  I trucked on.  At rates better than I thought.  Until Lemon Drop Hill.  UGH.  I ran the first half of the hill and if there wasn't a second part I wouldn't have had to walk.  But there was, and I did.  Normally when I walk mentally it's over but that's a long way to walk with your head hung low.  I picked them up and ran on.  It was hard at times but I knew my family and friends were just ahead. 

Then I hear it.....Eye of the Tiger.....ha!  I just kept seeing Rocky climbing the stairs....hearing the words, "You've got to fight Rocky, you've got to fight"  So on they go.  My legs have a life of their own, not connected to my body, except that my mind makes them push on.  I see this amazing sign by a teenager saying, "Hello complete stranger, I am proud of you".  I point at her, smile, give her thumbs up.  She smiles.  I know she understands that her sign made my day {I also saw the man playing bag pipes, cheerleaders, many many signs, a frat house offering beer, a sidewalk lined with troll dolls, men in drag cheering, water hoses being offered to cool runners, among other things}.  Now I see my Dad & Sally.  They are waving, clapping, cheering.  I am glad they got up early and drove an hour and a half to see me.  I keep going but broke down and walked once again.  Only for a short distance, then I signaled for the long limbs to lift higher and further.  Over the freeway, around the corner, more family and friends.  I know they are there.  I see the love of my life first.  I see my nieces, Kris, Dylan, Cole, our kids, my sister, my Mom.  They are all cheering.  I hear cow bells.  I am thrilled. 

I am almost in the chute.  Just around the bend, after the bridge.  My Dad & Sally wait above for me to run under and cross the finish line.  Around one more corner, in the chute.  He calls my name over the load speaker as I finish.  YEAH!  I finished!

Gun Time: 2:15

Chip Time: 2:12:12

I am happy.

I meet my family in the tent area.  My husband hugs me, whispers in my ear how proud he is of me.  I am emotional, he gives me a kiss.  I thank him as this would not be possible without the sacrifice he's made for my accomplishment. 

We end the day at Canal Park by watching our friend Brad run the same spot I did an hour prior.  He's running 26.2.  His first marathon!  He did awesome, trained hard.  His wife sacrificed time as well, juggled schedules to make sure that he got the miles in.

The kids were tired as were we so we headed back to the campground for naps, dinner and after the kids went to bed Adam & I had a campfire and a nice conversation.  I sure do love this man. 

Sunday we drove home, cleaned the camper and had a relaxing day. 

That's my 13.1 adventure and these are the shoes that took me on it.

Multitude Monday Vol 2 - Race Edition

It's already been another week and I have so many blessings again this week.  Is there a limit?  I think not.

{8}

Having legs that carried my body 13.1 miles to the finish line.

{9}

A husband who allowed for all my training.

{10}

Husband who pushed me out the door when I didn't want to go.

{11}

Children who think running is fun.

{12}

Children who are inspired in exercise.

{13}

Children who ride three plus hours in a car rather well.

{14}

Great Little Campers.

{15}

Family & Friends cheering.

{16}

Husband who drives almost everywhere we go.

{17}

Nice text messages prior to the race.

{18}

Nice text messages after the race.

{19}

Phone calls of well wishes prior to the race.

{20}

Phone calls of congratulations after the race.

{21}

Long hot showers (as apposed to short shut the water off during camper shower) at home.

{22}

A healthy heart that will pump for 2:12 minutes while I push and push.

{23}

A loving hug from my husband after the race.

{24}

Words whispered in my ear, "I'm so proud of you".

{25}

A sign on the course held by a teenager that said,

"Hello Complete Stranger

I am proud of you"

{26}

Water Stops.

{27}

Strawberries.

{28}

Gel packs.

{29}

Other runners.

{30}

Grandma's Sponsors & City of Duluth.

{31}

All volunteers.

{32}

Friends who get up early to bring me to the DECC.

{33}

Support and strength for the past four months.

{34}

Shoes that kept my feet, ah, my normal feet!

{35}

Shoes that kept my back injury free.

You can link here with your own gratitude post.  Blessings to you this week!

Seven Quick Takes - Vol. 2

This week has gone by so quickly.  I am out of town so this is a scheduled post so I am not able to link up but I wanted to do it anyway.  I was just over at Jennifer's blog Conversion Diary and she's on a break until June 21 so I doubt there is anything to link to anyway. 

{1}

I managed to escape the bird twice this week.  I was ready for him/her too.  I kept thinking it's just a bird....is it really going to land on me.  After I thought about it, probably it would have.  We had some a few years ago in our own yard and they would peck at the dog.  I remembered it right after I thought that it wouldn't really.

{2}

We are in Duluth for Grandma's 1/2 Marathon otherwise known as the Garry Bjorklunnd 1/2 Marathon.  I hope I finish. 

{And not look like I am dying.}

{3}

My kids are really into "running".  They like to go for a "run".  It's a 100 yard truck down the street.  BUT

They have a whipper snapper run this weekend.  It's a 100 yard dash for those under 7.  They get a little treat bag and a medal.  We will see if they want to do it.  Henry might get a little shy but if his "Kardee" runs it he might be okay.

{4}

My Grandpa is feeling better with his new medications.  He was retaining a lot of water.  I mean A LOT!  He took off 25 pounds!  Sadly his heart is working at 20% and when it gets to 15% he will be in real trouble.  I am very sad about this.  I hope to see him soon.

{5}

We watch Deadliest Catch on Tuesday nights.  This season has been bittersweet. 

We will miss Captain Phil.  Other than that we don't watch tv very much anymore.  We even get Netflix and the movies sit for a week or more.  Sometimes way more.  Probably should suspend that. 

{6}

My Bible in 180 days is going to take me a lot longer than 180 days.  I am currently 13-14 days behind.  I am not sure I will ever catch up but I am still trucking along. 

{7}

I am so tired I can't even think of another QT.  I really must shower and get to bed.  Tomorrow comes around as soon as I hit the pillow.  Except when it doesn't.  Here's something....remember when I said we don't watch that much tv?  Well, really we don't but there's a great commercial on right now from the inventor of Patagonia....I don't want to mess this up but I think the quote goes like this,

"You can't do something great, unless you do something"

Hope you have a great weekend!

PS.  Sorry, I didn't have any pictures today.

E....is for Eat

We all know it....this is a house that likes to eat!  So I thought it fitting to have the Alphabity Letter E this week be for Eat!  Sophie's favorites right now are any kind of fruit and cheese.  That's what she likes! These are mostly younger {not that she's very old} pictures. 

Mutlitude Monday Vol. 1

I've been reading Holly's Multitude Monday posts since she first started doing them.  I thought of doing them way back but it must not have been the time for me.  Last week I found some great blogs and re-found Ann's Holy Experience blog, which is home to Multitude Mondays.  You can read more about Multitude Monday here.  It hit me.  He must have thought it was now time.  So I am going to listen to the Spirit in my soul and start with my Multitude Monday's.

Over the course of time I will post 1000 things that I would like to show my gratitude for. My thanks.

{1}

Jesus on the cross for me

 

{2}

My husband

{3}

Henry

 

{4}

Karley

{5}

Sophie

 

{6}

Being a wife to my husband

 

{7}

Being a mother to my children

This is a broad list that will be more specific in the future.  But for my first post I wanted to say how thankful I am for these things foremost.

The Fisher's - Plaque

I wanted to share this awesome gift I received for entering a contest "Funniest Kid Story".  I won by entering this story about my HD.

Okay....as Henry's Mom I thought this was really cute:


I should say that last year this time we put in a retaining wall of timbers. This allowed us to put in a playground on the hill which we live. So from then until now any piece of wood is called a timber. Henry was 2.5 at the time and is now 3.5.


At breakfast:


Henry, arm in the air, "Mom, I think I have timbers in my arms".


Me, "Oh, hunny, those are actually called bones".


Henry, "Oh, they're not timbers?"


Me, "No, hunny they're bones".


The contest was hosted by Alison and her blog titled, "The Crazy-Busy, Absolutely Nuts Life of a Working Mom"   .  You can see the other things she makes at Designs By Emerson.  

As soon as I saw my creation....

...I started thinking of Christmas gifts!  I know it's early but why not start now and be done before the holidays?  Or how about an anniverary gift, house-warming gift?  Or just a gift {if you're like me, maybe a gift to yourself}?  Anyway, I am thinking Christmas gift.  I know of a couple of Godparents that this might work for!!

Alison has been so kind to offer 10% off your order just mention the code FISHER when you check out. 

Enjoy!

7 Quick Takes

I've been peeking around other blogs on this rainy day of inside play. I found Jennifer's blog via Jenny. I really liked the 7 Quick Takes so I thought I'd give it a whirl.

{1}

The three short runs ago I was chuggin' along and started hearing this fluttering noise through my iPod. I was thinking, "what the heck is that?" It kept on, getting louder. I turned my head over my shoulder to find this bird trying to, uh, land on me? Scared the run right out of me. Literally. I was so freaked out I had to quit my run 100 yards later. I didn't have an ounce of energy in me. What's that all about? I was disappointed in my run. Guess what? The next time I ran by that same spot it came after me again. At least this time I was a little more prepared for him. Maybe it was a her? I thought of that...maybe I was too close to a nest? So I ran more in the center of the road in "the spot". Well, another run last night....I was even more prepared. I was on the lookout and I was on the total opposite side of the road. Ya....so what the bird said. He/She came from far away in somebody's yard and was gunning for me. I AM NOT KIDDING! It hovers over me as I run, like it's going to land on me. It still freaks me out. I have to admit....the thought of a rock has crossed my mind.

{2}

Tomorrow I run 10 miles and just as much as I am nervous about this run, I am also nervous about the 13.1 the following week.  It will be exciting and yet I am still unsure about the ability of my legs to carry on for the 2:30 minutes I think it will take me to accomplish the half marathon.

{3}

The hubby is coming home from work early today and we are going to the Under Armor store to buy me some cool running duds.  I hope I can find something that looks nice and fits ok.

{4}

Tomorrow we are going to a party at some new friend's house.  Even though she is a new friend it feels like we've been friends forever.  I just wish we didn't live so far away from each other.

{5}

The big kids have one more swim lesson.  They both really liked them.  Karley is a natural in the water.  I think it's a Fisher (Auntie Daffy) trait.

That's my friend Kris with Karley.

{6}

I got a camera lens this week by a recommendation from my grade school friend Paul.  It screws onto one of the lenses I have.  It was super cheap ($14) and I don't really know what to do with it.  Wish me luck.  As I've been looking around at these blogs today I've seen some really really awesome photos.  I aspire.

{7}

Sophie (10 months yesterday, post to come) sometimes needs her morning nap, sometimes doesn't.  Karley (almost 2.5) sometimes needs her afternoon nap, sometimes doesn't.  I have mixed feelings on both.

I hope you have a great weekend!

D is for.........

I have decided to kill two birds with one stone.

I want to make a book for Sophie's one year birthday party and realize that I better start now or it won't get done.  I also have always thought it would be fun to participate in Mama Bear's Alphabity Moments Carnival.  She's on the letter D which just means I will go back to add A, B & C.  I wouldn't want to start Sophie's book with the letter D! :)  I think you could join in at any time and make up the letters you miss on your own or link back like I am going to do.

Anyway....here is my first page of the first book I am actually going to finish! :)

Blessings to you!

Another CSN Promo!!!

Yes, another CSN Promo!  I think it's the best one yet!  Remember my $25 Gift Card Giveaway from CSN Stores that I just had or remember this promo?  Well, if you missed the chance {Mimi & Laura} to win the gift card, don't fret!  Eileen has just informed me that YOU, yes YOU! can contact her to do a review of your very own!  SWEET!  I think so!

So without further ado give Eileen a shout and let her know I sent you!

Eileen Walsh
Promotions
CSN Stores
ewalsh@csnstores.com
http://www.csnstores.com/

Enjoy!

Farmer's Market

Today the kids, my good friend Kris, and I went to the Farmer's Market.  It was actually the first time we'd ever been to the "The Big" Farmer's Market.  We saw a lot of beautiful flowers, fresh produce, fruit, locally made cheese, and bread, .  We also spied some "treats" we managed to avoid! 

I had hoped to take a few more pictures but it was pretty busy and the lines needed to keep moving.  I did manage to take this one shot. 

Here's what I picked up for our family.  I should also say that my kids eat everything in this picture.  I so love that!

I also want to say a big thank you to my awesome friend Kris for taking Karley in the stroller!

As we ate dinner tonight I made a comment to Adam that of our entire meal only the milk and croutons {not purchased by me even} came from the grocery store.  How cool is that? 

Hope you are having a great weekend!

I'll be making some rhubarb custard bars, cucumber dill salad dressing and I think we are going to grill kabobs tomorrow.  I am already hungry!