Watching Them Grow! (Play music "In My Arms" by Plumb)

Bella and cousin Alex hanging out, watching "Cars."

Max started doing the "army crawl" about 3 weeks ago, he is now getting up on his knees. It won't be long now before he is crawling! He is growing up so fast!

"Bella please don't help your brother play so much!" Sometimes she forgets she is bigger than him (for now)!

Max and his older sissies, Chelsey and Sydney

I don't know why Fall makes me so melancholy, maybe it is the beginning of the school year, or just the change in the air. Leaves change color, children get older, it is a landmark of life. I sit and watch my children, all so different in their own way. They are growing up so fast, to me this is bittersweet. It is fun to watch them become individuals with their own unique personalities but it's hard when they don't need you for the little things anymore. My old boss told me a long time ago, "When you are young it seems as if your life drags on. When you graduate from high school, it gains momentum, but after you have children, your life is over." At first I thought this was funny, but now I see it from a different perspective. I watch Chelsey as she goes about her life, she is so beautiful and such a hard worker. She has so much integrity and compassion. It is so wonderful seeing her become the woman she is destined to be. She makes me so proud and I love her with all my heart. Several years ago Troy told me that Sydney was going to be one of those girls who kicks a guy to the curb if he pisses her off. How could he have known? Sydney is adorable and fun. She is my buddy. She told me "I love it when we hang out, just you and me." She also said "I want to have a sleepover at Grandma's." How many 16 years-olds say such a thing! I enjoy her so much and love spending time with her. She is such an amazing girl and I really appreciate all her help with the babies. My wish is that I could just hold my children in my arms forever and never let them go. They have to be able to spread their wings and fly, but sometimes it is so hard to toss them in the air. I remember a saying:

"Children are like grains of sand, if you hold onto them too tightly,

they will slip through your fingers. If you hold them lovingly in

the palm of your hand, they will stay there forever."

As much as we want to protect our children, we have to be able to let them learn from their mistakes. We can shield them as much as possible but we also must be able to let go and let them fall, experiences will mold them into the individuals they will become. The blessing for me at this time in my life is to be the parent of several different ages and mentalities of children. Bella is tricky, she thinks and acts like the older kids, she is too smart for her own good. However, I am always mindful that she is still a baby. Parenting at this level is more of a challenge than I could ever imagine, but I am learning so much. They grow up so fast, and we can't do anything to stop it. Nothing could be more difficult but more rewarding than this!

P.S. Thank you all for your kind words regarding my blog. It is such a pleasure for me to be able to do this for all of you so you can be a part of our life. We love you!

Happy Birthday Troy!!!

Troy, I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday and tell you how much you mean to me. I love you for so many reasons. I love how much you love our children. You are such a wonderful father, sometimes you are more of a friend to our older kids than you should be but I know it is because you thoroughly love spending time with them. I love to watch you with our babies. Bella is such a Daddy's girl. She will walk right past me, just to jump into your arms. I watch Max cry when you turn and walk away from him. He just wants to be with you. You are so loved, there is nothing more precious than being loved by a child.

I love the way you take care of me, pouring me a bath at the end of a long day of work, trying to pamper me as much as I will let you. I love how I will pick up my phone to call you and you will say "I was just about to call you! You are spooky!" I love how you are always so quick to tell me to buy something for myself, even if we don't have much extra money while convincing me by saying "you deserve it!" A fun day for me is spending time with you whether it is going to Costco, Wal-mart, or Home Depot. Cooking with you is also fun, except when you start adding your "secret ingredients." You can always calm me down when my world feels like it is falling in around me.

I will never forget how proud you were of me when I graduated with my hygiene degree. You are always so supportive of all of my "projects" and you are my biggest fan. I know I don't look like the same woman you married, having lost a leg and gained a "few" pounds from being pregnant for two years (pretty much), however I love you like I did back then, now a hundred times more. I can't wait to grow old with you, to watch our children grow up and to see you with their children. You are my sun, my moon, my love, my life. Happy birthday, Honey, I hope you have a fabulous day!


I just wanted to give you some of your favorite things for your birthday: Faith Hill, the Manning brothers, and FOOTBALL!! I wish it could be more.

Canning

Sydney and I canned peach/berry jam last week.  It was so much fun teaching her how to do it!  She was so excited to learn and did such a good job!  I love that she loves to spend time with her old mom!  She reminds me so much of myself and the relationship I have with my Mom.  My Mom is really my best buddy.  We love all the same things.  I feel this relationship developing with my girls and I LOVE IT!

This weekend Jenn, Kristen and I canned homemade salsa.  This is quite the process, not only because of the huge amounts of tomatoes it involves, but because of the onions, anaheim peppers, and jalepeno peppers that physically affect anyone who dares to come near them!  We learned a few things:  1) we already knew not to cut jalepenos without a mask and gloves, 2) also do not cut anaheim peppers without at least gloves, and 3) if for any reason you choose not to do 1 and/or 2, have a bowl of milk nearby.  A google search revealed that if you get the oil from peppers on your hands, dip your hands in milk products, i.e. milk, yogurt, ice cream, sour cream, etc.  DO NOT wash them with water (we learned the hard way) because your fingers will feel like they are on fire for approximately 2 1/2 days (also learned the hard way).  Just a tip for all my friends and family.  For the record, the salsa is awesome and it was so much fun spending time with my sisters!

Happy Birthday Shoutout for September!!

The other day I had an idea. It was my brother Mike's birthday September 6th. He was on my mind all day, but in my hectic life I got so busy I actually forgot to call him to wish him a happy birthday. I know he probably didn't even notice, but I did. I felt so bad. I love him so much and I never get to talk to him so when I do call him I feel like I need at least a half hour just to catch up. A few days later my father-in-law Mike called to find out all of our birthdays and the light went on...I decided to do a monthly birthday blog entry! This will help everyone remember each other's birthday, including myself! I am starting in September because this is my craziest birthday month, trying to remember everyone and wish them a happy birthday. I am working on getting pictures of everyone so be patient with me. So Happy Birthday to:

Mike Derr (brother) - September 6th

Lindsey Barfuss (friend) - September 6th

Cathy Cevering (sister) - September 12th

Todd Petersen (friend, business partner) - September 13th

Naomi Goodman (mother) - September 14th

Michelle Derr (sister) - September 17th

Parker Fisher (son) - September 17th

Chase Derr (nephew) - September 20th

Troy Fisher (my handsome husband) - September 23rd

Labor Day Pool Party!!

The Saturday of Labor Day weekend we all were invited to Chuck's and Kris' house for a pool party. We did it Saturday due to an impending weather change which was going to drop the temperature from a sweltering 97 degrees to 60 something degrees, with rain. Good call! After the Farmer's Market, we were all hot, the pool was a welcome sight. It was the perfect day for a pool party. Chuck and Kris are always so gracious and show us all such a good time. I think everyone enjoyed the water, especially the kids. Parker is always a fish, and missed going to his mom's house to spend time in the pool with the family. He was so cute and helpful with the babies.

Thank you Kris!

Kris is my sister-in-law. She is married to my brother Chuck. I have known her more than half my life. She is one of the most sincere people I know. Charity is her mantra, she will give and give and never expects anything in return. She will always ask if she help or if she can bring something to a "get together." If a baby is crying, she is the first one to try and calm them down. If I am desperate for a babysitter, she will change her plans to help me out. I will never forget on my wedding day, she flew in with Chuck to surprise me. She walked into my mom's room where I was getting ready, I broke down in tears when I saw her. She said "I couldn't miss this day. I had to be here." She has been such a wonderful friend to me for so many years and I know I haven't thanked her enough for all she has done for me.

When Max was born I went through one of the hardest times of my life, going through the week without Troy (he was out of town on business). I don't know what I would have done without my wonderful support system of my mother, Karen, Kristen, and the rest of my friends and family. The week after Max came home, I think the enormity of the situation, along with extreme hormonal issues hit me all at once. I had a complete breakdown and was sobbing uncontrollably. It was Valentine's Day and I was feeling so overwhelmed. Just then Kris walked in with a casserole dish in her hand. She said "I just wanted to bring you dinner." She saw my face and asked "what's the matter?" I broke down. She hugged me and cried with me until I felt better. I can't even tell you how many times she has laughed with me and cried with me. We have been through so much together. Kris, I just want you to know how much I love you and appreciate you for all you do. You do so much for everyone in our family, tirelessly entertaining the "in-laws" always treating us as if we were anything but "in-laws." You are always running around making sure everyone is having a good time. I don't think I have ever seen you in your own pool! I just wanted you to know I notice. You are an amazing woman and I am so blessed to have you in my life.

Here Comes Fall! The Farmer's Market

Me, Sydney, and the babies met Mom, Jenn, Nate and Logan at the Farmer's Market Labor Day weekend. Although Pioneer Park in downtown Salt Lake is my favorite Farmer's Market, it is a little scary! It is an adventure hanging out with all the transients, fighting downtown traffic, and finding parking. If you are planning on actually purchasing produce, you go to the "other" Farmer's Market on the safe side of town, but if you want an experience in diversity and ambience you come here! It's always fun with my family.

Murray Park is much safer if you dare to drive into a "sea of senior citizens." This can actually be scarier than transients. Today we actually bought peaches and berries, so I can make homemade jam. Troy also bought bread and goat cheese. I love to "can" in the fall. I inherited this tradition from my Mom. I remember as a child waking up to the smell of sugar and fruit processing. My mother always canned peaches, pears, apricots, cherries and different kinds of jam. I only attempt one kind of jam and I also can homemade salsa.


It is always so much fun when Daddy comes with us. He really likes it when he gets there, he usually buys more than I do. I truly believe he is a closet chef, a trait he learned from his Dad. His dad Mike is one of the best cooks I have ever met, especially on the grill! After we shopped, we went out to lunch with Mom, Jenn, Kristen, Troy, the babies, and myself. The older girls love to go too but they had plans with their Dad. I will be making jam tomorrow, satisfying the "domestic goddess" part of me.

Bella & Max

Everything changed forever in our world when Bella and Max came into our lives. They are both an amazing gift to our family. They are both so individual and bring a different dynamic with each new day. Each and every member of this family is completely smitten with these babies!

Bella is a spit-fire! She is so bright, every day she does something new that shocks me. She not only speaks in sentences but she really knows what she is talking about. A couple of days ago Bella proceeded to tell Chelsey, Sydney and I, "look at the bug," pointing to the ceiling. We asked her what kind of bug it was and she went into detail about how it was on our back and crawling. We asked her "Bella is it squishy or fuzzy?" She replied "fuzzy." I then said "is it fuzzy or squishy?" She stated "squishy." She basically repeats whatever you say last. Needless to say we are having a blast with this.


She reminds me of Nemo on the Disney movie Finding Nemo. If you tell her not to touch something, she will touch it just to spite you. She really is a stinker, but because she is so cute she gets away with a great deal, especially with her Daddy. She is such a Daddy's girl, to him she can do no wrong. She melts everyone's heart when she reaches up to you with her little arms outstretched, and says "I need you." How do you say no to that?


What a wonder Sesame Street is! I think we watch this show about 4 hours a day. Bella will repeat over and over "sunny day, sunny day." This means it is time to activate the DVR (a modern miracle) and watch one of the multiple Sesame Street episodes we have recorded. Due to the insanity factor of watching the same one over and over, we have accumulated approximately 25 episodes. However, because of her obsession with Elmo and Dorothy, she not only knows how to sing the alphabet song in full, but if you ask her what a "D" is, she replies "Daddy." If you ask her what an "N" is, she replies "no, no, no." A "P" is Parker, a "C" is cookie, a "J" is jumpin' J (a song on Sesame Street), and on and on. She can also sing "Sing, Sing a Song," the theme from Sesame Street and even Josh Grobin songs, (when Dad and Mom need a break), the songs in Italian are more difficult for her, but we're working on that. She really does surprise me, it's hard to believe because she's not even two years old yet. So thank you Elmo, thank you Dorothy!


Max on the other hand is so content. He just hangs out and plays with his toys. My favorite time is when I walk in the door at night after a long day at work, he is in his exer-saucer or having tummy time on the floor. I walk over and say "hi Max!" He looks up at me with his big blue eyes and grins from ear to ear. To him I am the best thing since sliced bread! He brings me so much joy!


Life is so hectic around our house. Teenage kids running in and out, wanting money, car keys, poster board, help with school work, or a shoulder to cry on. Babies crying, needing food or fresh pants, or just to be held. One day when all of this was coming down at once and I needed just one moment to myself to go to the bathroom, there is a knock at the door. "I need you." I looked at myself in the mirror as I was washing my hands and asked myself "do I have time for a nervous breakdown?" Now Bella was crying for me, I looked back at my reflection and conceded "not today." This is my life.


Sometimes I wonder why the blessing of all these children happened at this time in my life. Every day I realize the miracle of life by looking in my beautiful children's faces. We all have a purpose here on earth, and I know is is an awesome responsibility to help all my children reach their full potential. Somedays I feel like I do a good job, while other days I'm not so sure. I always try to remember what Grandma Sessions always told me "Do your best, that's all angels can do." I also remember something I read, if someone you love makes mistakes you need to "Love them for all that they are, and all that they're not." I hope my children know that they may not be perfect, they will make mistakes, but no matter where their choices lead them, their Mom is always in their corner, no matter what. This I learned from my mother.


I love you babies, all of you!




"You are a piece of a puzzle to someone else's life. You may never know where you fit, but others will fill the holes in their lives with pieces of you."