Major (select) Fisher

I love this picture of Captain Fisher at a luau in Iraq in 2005

Garrett found out today that he is being promoted to Major (O-4) in the Air Force.

We are so proud of him!!!

Not sure when he'll "pin on" those gold clusters, but as soon as he does, the bars will be replaced by

Until then, he is Major-Select Fisher.

Happy Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day, a very special day to me and an opportunity to thank all of the wonderful men and women of this country to serve in our Armed Forces. I would particularly like to thank four special men in our family who have served our country: my Dad, who retired from the NAVY after 26 years of service as a CWO4; my wonderful husband, who proudly served our country in the Air Force for 8 years, separating as a Captain in August; Uncle Greg, who is a retired ARMY Lt Col; and Cousin Brandon, who also served in the ARMY. We are so fortunate for all of the men and women who put our country above all and protect the rights and privileges we all have. Thank you!!!

Here is a picture of my favorite Veteran from his tour in Iraq . . .

The Air Force Does it Again . . .

What a roller coaster ride the past six months have been . . .

Last Fall, we made the decision to separate from the Air Force and move back to WA. Originally, Garrett's last day was going to be May 18, 2008 (terminal leave begins about a month and a half earlier).  Then we decided to extend until August 1, 2008 ~ typically, such a decision is no problem so long as your commander signs off on it, which Garrett's did. So we went forward under the assumption that we would be moving home sometime in Summer.  Well, the Air Force decided not to approve the extension, shocking both us and Garrett's co-workers, who attempted to file more paperwork in hopes of changing the decision.  It didn't work ~ we received two more rejections.  Garrett's Lt Col. filed one last request but Garrett was convinced it too would be rejected so he began interviewing for civilian jobs in WA, we bought a house in McCormick Woods, told Alli's school that her last day would be March 27, 2008, and we began planning our move.  This whole time, I was afraid the Air Force would suddenly come back and say "okay, we're extending you," which we no longer wanted.  Garrett was adamant that this would NEVER happen but I continued to be skeptical.  Well, as of 5 p.m. this evening, Garrett has been having to face the fact that "I WAS RIGHT"  That's right, my skepticism was very well deserved because the Air Force has now extended Garrett until August 1, 2008, which means he will not be done until sometime in June.  Ahh, the fun of having no control!!!  Good thing I was pretty convinced this would happen or I would probably be quite upset, as it is, I have said I told you so and not to ever doubt my intutition again ;-)

The Fishers are Moving HOME!!!!

That's right folks, despite all our plans to stay in the Air Force and continue moving around the country, we decided it was time to go home to WA! It's amazing how much your perspective on life and your priorities change once you have a little one


With Alli getting so many little illnesses and not being able to go to day care, we realized how much we want to be around family and friends. It's time. We so want Alli to grow up with her grandparents, aunt, uncles, and cousins. We miss home and are ready to return.

That said, we have no specifics yet. Our house in MA will be going on the market next week so we are busy making sure it is ready to show (thanks Mom for coming out to help with this!!!)

Garrett will not officially be out of the Air Force until the beginning of May (he will be on terminal leave about two months prior to that). Now, we are in the process of searching for jobs in WA. We are both working with head hunters so hopefully it will not be too painful of a process! Once we have the jobs (or at least one job) lined up, we'll be heading home. Not sure yet where we will live . . . but I guess that's part of the fun We'll let you know when we have more details.

Please keep us in your prayers!

Garrett Wins Another Award!!!

My fabulous hubby has done it again . . . On Friday, Garrett was recognized as the Professional Employee of the Year - Administrator by the Connecticut Federal Executive Association for Excellence in Government Awards. Alli and I are so proud!!!

Garrett's Award

My handsome husband has once again shown what an amazing person he is. On top of being an amazing husband and father, he is also a fabulous Air Force Captain. In fact, his office has named him employee of the year!!! Alli and I are so proud of him :) He has been off work since Alli was born and will return to the office next Tuesday. It will be sad to not have him around all day but I'm sure we will manage and he needs to return to serving our country! Congratulations Garrett - it's wonderful to know that others recognize how great you are!!!!!!!!

Remembering Others This Holiday Season

Now that December is here and the holiday season is in full swing, I thought it was important to remember all of our brave men and women willing to be parted from their families to ensure that you and I are able to spend time with ours. My husband is one of those brave and wonderful men who proudly served this country last holiday season in Iraq. 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.



'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.

Decision 2006 . . .

As many of you know, we thought the military would be moving us to a new location (preferably closer to the West Coast) sometime next summer. Well it turns out that Uncle Sam is having budget problems and has decided to extend all Air Force personnel (minus pilots) to four year tours. While ordinarily that would be a great thing, allowing for more continuity, in our case it felt like a death sentence. The thought of another year of commuting and surviving another likely deployment seemed like too much to bear. We tried everything we could think of to get the Air Force to move us - we even considered going to Alabama where Garrett would become an instructor at an officer training school (not something he wanted to do), thinking it might be fun to try living in the South. Unfortunately, nothing worked. So then we figured it was time to cut our losses and say goodbye to military life, especially since they are trying to convince people to get out of the services by offering large amounts of voluntary separation pay. However, we love being in the military and really struggled with the decision of what would be best for us, especially since we had no clue what to do if we got out of the military. Finally, after a very long couple of days, a lot of stress, not much sleep, and a ton of praying, we made a decision last night . . . we are going to stay in the Air Force for a career and take whatever they throw at us. This means a couple of things. First, we will remain in New England (assuming they don't change the policy again) at least until Summer 2008. Second, it is a very strong possibility that Garrett will be deployed again for another six months during our time here. I hate the thought of this and know that I will question our decision if/when this happens but I also know that we made the right choice for us. Fortunately, we have wonderful families who have agreed to help out by coming out here for alternating six-week stints to help with the 'lil fish while I'm at work if Garrett does get deployed.


The best part about this whole ordeal is that it forced us to examine what we want and don't want. Although stressful, it was a great learning experience and we discovered quite a few goals and fears neither of us realized we had. We know that everything happens for a reason and perhaps the reason behind this speedbump was to figure out what we really want to do with our lives. Although we feel confident with our decision and know that it is right for us, we also know that there will be difficult times ahead and we ask that you keep us in your prayers.

Two more weeks in Alabama

Well, I've been down in Alabama at Squadron Officer School for three weeks and have got just two more to go. It's been fun and all but I can't wait to get done and back to life in MA. I know, I know, how could I possibly be getting sick of Alabama? It will be tough living without the grits, monster trucks and rebel yells but I've got a lot of pink to be buying when I get back and I just can't wait to get started. Seriously though, I/we are really excited to be having a little princess and if anyone has any suggestions for good, intimidating shotguns I should start shopping for just let me know. I figure it will come in handy 15-16 years from now...............


Nikki's mom flew into Boston yesterday morning and will be there until I get back which is great! Nikki has been a real trooper the last couple weeks but I feel much better now that she has someone there to help her out. Plus I hear that we are getting stocked up with home made chicken soup and lasagna. Nothing to complain about there.

Hope you all have a great week!

Garrett