Happy New Year!!!!

2009 was a FABULOUS year for the Fishers.  Sure there have been ups and downs but overall, it's been great . . .

It was our first full year back in WA,

Alli's eating issues finally became a thing of the past, and

our darling little Eli Zachary joined our family!

In true Nikki fashion, I am of course sick with a nasty cold ~ this seems to happen to me a lot on New Year's Eve ~ go figure!  Luckily, the rest of the family seems to be doing well.  Alli has been such a sweetie the past few days and told me again tonight "I had a fun day with you Mommy"  Nothing better than hearing that.  Eli has been his EZ sweet little self as well.  He's been rolling to his tummy a lot this week (including at night, which has been interrupting the sleep!) and today he finally figured out how to roll from tummy to back.  Poor thing looked a little confused when he did it so I'm not sure if he wants to try that again soon. 

We'll post some pictures tomorrow of the Fishers in 2010.  Wishing you all many blessings in 2010!!!!!

Saying goodbye . . .

Great Gramma Madalyn Stock passed away this evening at 8:09 p.m.

She will be forever missed but we are thankful that she is now with Jesus.

God blessed us with the opportunity to say goodbye.

G and his family were with her for her final moments.

Alli and Eli were able to visit her one last time.

We knew the end was likely near but never dreamed it would come so soon.

Another reminder of how short and precious life truly is.

We love you and miss you Grandmama!

TWO Tooth Wonder!!!

That's right, Eli's second tooth broke through this afternoon (5 months, 1 week, 3 days old)!!!  Now our little guy has both bottom teeth and is still in great spirits :)

A Wonderful Christmas . . .

Christmas could not have been better this year!!!  We had such a wonderful time with our families and are excited that the fun is not over as we are celebrating with more family tomorrow :)

Here's our holiday in pictures . . .

Our little elves after Christmas Eve service ~ it was a late night but they were both in good spirits :)

Alli had such a great time opening gifts at my folks on Christmas Eve.  She had the best time playing with her cousins!!!!

As you can see, little Eli was VERY excited for his first Schneider Christmas Eve :)

Santa came to visit us . . .

He even enjoyed the milk and cookies Alli left for him and was nice enough to leave her a candy cane and thank you note ~ what a sweet Santa!

Alli was definitely a fan of Christmas this year ~ loved opening presents!

Me, Alli & Eli in our matching PJs ~ G refused to participate . . . can't imagine why ;-)

The BEST presents in the world!

My favorite present from G!!!  The funny thing is that he got me my last favorite purse 9 years ago and I thought it was time for a new one but I'm terrible at picking one.  G on the other hand knows just what I like ~ I have such a great hubby!!!!!!

My favorite gift for Alli & Eli ~ Barbie Pop Pop (G's dad) made these for the kids. 

Aren't they too cute?????

Eli was even willing to pose for a picture in his chair ~ Alli was pretty busy with her presents ;-)

Although Christmas is not about the presents, one of our greatest joys this year was watching Alli's excitement over opening gifts.  She loved everything and has been playing nonstop!  We are so happy to be living here again and have the opportunity to spend the holidays with our families and in our own house.  What a gift to not have to travel anymore!!!

Time to remember others this Christmas Eve . . .

As you know, I am extremely proud to come from a family that proudly serves our country in the military.  My dad retired from the Navy after serving 26 years and I had the good sense to marry a wonderful man who also chose to serve our country in the Air Force.  Today is Christmas Eve and I am so lucky to have my family home to celebrate with me but many are not quite so lucky.  So many brave men and women have volunteered (by joining the military) to be separated from their loved ones this Christmas.  I remember how hard it was when Garrett was in Iraq for the 2005 holidays (see pic) so I ask a favor . . . As you celebrate and enjoy the holidays this year, please remember to take a moment to think of those brave men and women of our Armed Forces and their families.  I know that all I wanted that Christmas was for my husband to return safely.

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this dwelling did live.


As I looked all around, a strange sight to see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking on the mantle, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.


Medals and badges, awards of every kind,
a sobering thought came alive in my mind.
This house was different, it was dark, it was dreary.
I had found the home of a soldier, I could see that most clearly.


The soldier lay sleeping silent, alone.
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
His face was so gentle, room in such disorder,
Not at all how I pictured a U.S. soldier.


Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up on a poncho, a floor for a bed?
Then I realized the other families that I saw this night
Out there lies the soldiers who are willing to fight.
 

In the morning around the world, children would play
Grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day
But they all enjoyed freedom, each month through the year,
because of soldiers like the one lying here.


I couldn’t help but wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in lands far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye.
and I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.


The soldier awakened, I heard his rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Core.”


The soldier rolled over, and drifted to sleep,
I couldn’t control it, and I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still.
as both of us shivered from the cold night’s chill.


I didn’t want to leave him on that cold, dark night.
This guardian of honor, so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over with a voice soft and pure.
He whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”


One look at my watch
and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend,
May God bless you this night.

One tooth wonder

Eli cut his very first tooth today (5 months 1 week old)!!!  Bottom right.  He's been drooling like crazy for weeks and we could see both of the bottom ones trying to come through but this afternoon, the bottom right finally broke through.  So cute!  You would never know he was teething by his attitude ~ he is so happy and laid back :)  My baby is growing up too quickly!

It's beginning to look and feel like Christmas . . .

It's been such a busy month that I've gotten a little behind in posting pictures of our holiday fun, including picking out and decorating our Christmas tree, visiting Santa, decorating a gingerbread house and much more.  I warn you, there are lots :) Enjoy!

Alli playing with our stockings

Eli's first taste of candy cane at the tree farm with Great Pop

Off to find the perfect tree . . .

 We found it!!!

Eli was hiding in there :)

Alli was very intrigued by what Daddy was doing with her tree!

Time to decorate . . .

Eli was more impressed with Ziggy than the tree

Our visit with Santa. . .

Alli's preschool performance . . .

She was so excited to have all of her grandparents there!!!

She was so into the singing and signing ~ so cute!

She even volunteered to play one of the Kings during the story of Jesus' birth.  The crown was about 3 sizes too big but she was so proud and it was adorable!!!

Enjoying a cookie with her Daddy after the performance.

Decorating the gingerbread house ~ way more candy was eaten than used to decorate ;-)

Me with both my babies after finishing the gingerbread house.

Eli rolled over . . .

and G forgot to tell me!!!!  That's right, turns out Eli started rolling from back to tummy last Saturday!!!  G assumed I knew, that there was no way Eli did it for the first time with him, so he failed to mention it.  I only happened to learn last night when I heard G telling Eli to roll over again, and he did!!!  Boys!  I'm with the little stinker all the time but he saved that fun first for his daddy :)  Guess it's only fair since I witnessed Alli's first roll.  He's not thrilled to be on his tummy but is not doing it at night so no middle of the night pages . . . yet.  I'm sure that will come just like it did with Alli.

In Alli news, last weekend's trip to Boston seems to have turned her into a mini monster who throws these incredible tantrums.  Truly hoping this is a very quick phase!  When she's nice, she's very nice but when she's naughty, watch out!!!  I guess my mom's wish came true . . . I had a daughter just like me ;-)

We invaded Massachusetts . . .

G and I took the kiddos to Boston for the weekend to visit with friends.  Although we enjoyed seeing everyone very much and miss parts of our lives there, neither one of us plans to do that again anytime soon ;-)  Let's just say it was a comedy of errors that we have no desire to repeat and little Eli is definitely NOT an E.Z. traveler!  It's good to be home :)

Kyle's Auction . . .

was a HUGE success!!!!  The Auction was last night and we were overwhelmed by the love and support shown to Kyle.  Sadly, Kyle was not feeling well at all and had to leave early but he was glad to have gotten to attend and was touched by the support.

It is impossible to thank everyone as this was such a team effort, but there are a few folks who I must mention:

• My amazing Mom-in-law, Adele Fisher, truly was the brains of this operation and without her, this event would never have happened.  She worked tirelessly to secure volunteers, donations, and everything else we needed.  Thank you so much Adele!!!

• Brady Hammrich, our fabulous auctioneer.  He had everyone in stitches and did a great job of raising bids and donations.  Thanks Brady, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time!

• Keith Garton was our chef and prepared a delicious pasta bar that was enjoyed by all.  Thank you Keith for your wonderful food and for donating your time, it was much appreciated!

• The teachers, staff, students and PTSO of Orchard Heights Elementary School, who secured many donations and showed up in great numbers at the Auction.  It meant so much to have your support!

• The teachers, staff and students of Marcus Whitman Junior High School who helped set up for and helped with the auction and secured many donations.  Kyle is lucky to attend your school!

• Patti Wamsher, Kyle's former day care provider was an amazing help in all aspects of the auction ~ from procuring donations and selling tickets to setting up, baking for and attending the auction.  We could not have done it without you Patti!

• John and Joanne Sprague and Cindy Peterson, who donated their time and expertise to registering everyone for the auction and making the payment process so smooth.  We truly cannot thank you enough for donating your time and expertise!

• Jean Schneider, my mom and Kyle's Gram, who did much of the behind the scenes work and baked all of the yummy desserts that were served at the auction (all recipes are included in Kyle's cookbook available for $15!).

• The many individuals and businesses who donated items to the auction, those who attended and of course everyone who prayed for the success of the auction.  We love and appreciate all of you and your support!

God bless all of you!  Please keep Kyle in your prayers so we can get him feeling better.  This is an amazing young man and I am so proud to be his Aunt.

Alli the comedian

Last night since G was in class, Alli & I had dinner with my folks (Eli was happily snoozing under their Christmas tree).  Alli was sitting across from my dad and half way through dinner says (very innocently) Papa has a big noggin ~ Mom and I bust out in uncontrollable laughter.  This was Alli's clue that she said something very funny and she started smiling and giggling.  Dad didn't seem to think it was quite so funny.  Go figure!  Alli of course loved that she was so funny and kept saying What did I say?  Oh yeah, Papa has a big noggin.  Let's talk about Ducky Papa's head more!

Too cute!  My dad will be thrilled that this made it on the blog . . .

Our "EZ" Angel

Is there anything more precious than a sleeping baby????  G put Eli on his playmat this evening so we could eat dinner.  It was very quiet so we had to check it out, this is what we found . . .

He was zonked ;-)

Sibling rivalry???

After decorating the tree, while still watching the Cougs get pummeled by the Huskies (OUCH 30-0!), G was snuggling with both kiddos, which was pretty sweet.  Then we saw the pictures . . .

Alli is looking a little less than pleased that Eli is with her & Daddy!

Getting a little better, maybe she's starting to realize he's really not going away :)

Eli has nothing but smiles and admiration for his big sis!

Win the day for Crimson & Gray!!!

It is once again time for the Apple Cup.  For those of you who are not from WA, that is the big football showdown between the Washington State University Cougars and the University of Washington Huskies.  No question who we're rooting for ;-)

Go Cougs!!!!!!!!

You can see that Eli is not too sure what to think of game ~ his face sums up how most Cougs are likely feeling right about now ;-)

Such a wonderful Turkey Day ;-)

We are stuffed and tired but very happy!  We had such a great day with our families and ate lots of yummy food :) 

Here we are on our first Thanksgiving as the Fisher Family of Four!!!

The kiddos looked so cute in their matching outfits and for the most part, had a great day.  Eli is teething so he was a bit uncomfortable but was a trooper.

As a side note, here's a little trivia for you . . . 11 years ago (Thanksgiving night 1998), G and I finally figured out the whole dating thing and shared our first kiss ~ we've been together ever since ;-)

Happy Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for this year . . .

First, we are so thankful for our two healthy children!  It was just last Thanksgiving that we learned we were pregnant with Eli and now he is here with us :)

We are so thankful to be here in WA near family.

We are thankful that we chose to live in this particular neighborhood.  Our neighbors are wonderful and have become dear friends.

We are thankful for the generosity of the community here and across the country ~ so many people have rallied behind our nephew!

We are thankful for the births of our dear friends' children this year ~ Lauren, we are still so excited to meet you!  Kaden, welcome to the world little one ~ enjoy your first Turkey day.  And of course, Baby Selah and Baby Abigail, we are so happy to have you as friends!!!

We pray that each of you enjoy your Thanksgiving and take a moment to share those things for which you are thankful.

A Pirate Party

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, we've been incredibly busy with the Auction ~ only two weeks to go!!!

Today, G took Alli and Eli to a friend's 4th birthday party, which had a pirate theme.  I met them there after church and got to see all of the fun :)  Here is a shot of our little "wench" as G called her.  Not my favorite term but G assures me it's not bad, just Pirates and Wenches ;-)  As you can see from the pictures, everyone got involved in the fun   . . .

Concentrating very hard on the puppet show

Eli was just so excited Mommy arrived ~ think he even noticed??? ;-)

Hmmm, maybe the Fisher boys just don't show excitement

Eli found his thumb!!!

So we realize that not all parents would be as excited by this as we are, but we think it is great!  Well, Alli is not as impressed as she desperately wants Eli to love the binky, but G and I are thrilled at this point :)  He has been trying so hard to suck that thumb since birth but couldn't quite figure out how to do it, often sucking on his knuckles instead.  This morning, I went in to wake him (I think he would sleep until noon if I let him!) and he was sound asleep, happily sucking his left thumb.  I was so bummed that I didn't have the camera but no worries, he was happy to suck it many times during the day, allowing me to get some cute shots ;-)