Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Sometimes you've gotta go where everybody knows your name . . . and your nickname, and your fifth grade crush, high school heartbreak, your pet peeves, darkest fears, favorite foods, strengths and weaknesses, and everything in between.

In thinking about it, we've seen each other through a lot. Births and deaths, love and heartbreak, marriage and divorce, wealth and meagerness, school, careers, and major decisions. It's nice to know that there are people who have been with you through it all.

Anyone reading this blog already knows how I feel about these gals, but let me just say again for the record. I love them! It was good to be all together again over the holidays (minus one, we missed you Sage!)

Thank You Santa

Christmases with 2 year olds are by far the most rewarding. There was electric excitement in the air on Christmas Eve. The kids were literally bouncing off the walls as we tracked Santa's journey on the computer and laid out his cookies and milk.

Fisher absolutely loved the seemingly unexplained showering of presents (primarily thanks to my parents who spoil him rotten.) It was full of cars, tractors, trains, and tools. He was in absolute heaven.

The girls had a crafty Christmas and are now well-equipped with every art and craft supply under the sun.
After three rounds of opening presents were finally completed, my mom found Fisher squatting next to a figure of Santa saying, "Thank you Santa for the presents." Thank you Santa, indeed. (And yes, those are red long johns, complete with functioning "trap-door" bottom.)

Christmas in Review

Christmas is an exciting and exhausting time for us, thanks to the blessing of living so close to friends and family. Here is just a recap of all the fun times we've had.

Christmas Family Home Evening with Grandma and Grandpa Ross (Grandma made each grandkid a pair of cozy PJ pants!)
Sleepovers, Knitting, and Playing with Grandma and Grandpa Fisher

13 kids armed with knives, frosting and sprinkles for a sugar cookie decorating fest!

A day full of fun at Trafalga, complete with pizza, arcade games, and mini golf (Thanks Gary!)

Sleepover with cousins & Wii Tournaments (sorry Hansens for the rearview shot!)

Fisher's first experience at the movie theatre, joined by all the cousins - he loved it!

Christmas Eve Dinner with the Fishers, Papa Ace and Edna

Piling into the back of a pickup to check out the Spanish Fork Festival of Lights

Friends Reunion with Hillary's Friends

Mini-family reunion with the Morrisons at cousin Tanner's missionary farewell

Shopping, eating, cleaning, eating, playing, eating, eating, eating!

A goose egg, likely to rival any other in human history: you can always count on Fisher!

A rare and infectious viral rash: you can always count on Quincy!

Sledding and playing in the total blizzard we've had

Whew! It's chaotic and crazy, but we know how blessed we are, and we wouldn't want it any other way. Now, we just get to gear up for the New Year's Festivities!

Our Christmas Letter

This year has been one of growth and learning for all of us in the Ross family. Dan learned both the potential (and limits) of his body in two more triathlons and the Wasatch Back Relay. Hillary is trying to learn the art of multi-tasking and balance while being the mother of four busy kids.

Taylor is learning to be more aggressive in soccer and basketball, and learned the importance of being baptized in November. Loryn is learning A LOT in kindergarten, and she is honing her skills as a social butterfly. Fisher is learning his letters and numbers, but would rather specialize in the subject of trucks, tractors, trains, and planes. Quincy is slowly learning to walk, but has already mastered the art of melting our hearts. At fourteen months old, she is itsy bitsy and completely delightful.

More than anything else, we have experienced the sincere kindness of friends and genuine love of family. We are deeply grateful for you as we realize that these relationships are the true treasure in our lives. We have seen small miracles and witnessed the hand of God in our lives. And at this holiday season, we are especially grateful for His love and the gift of His Son.

Merry Christmas from Dan, Hillary, Taylor, Loryn, Fisher, and Quincy.

Lucky Me

I love this group of people that we have always affectionately called the "Fisher Five." We've expanded a little now, but the more has definitely been the merrier.

The holidays are always an opportunity to reflect on our blessings, and the luckiest of us usually list family near the top. I am so grateful to have had a family that has consistently and constantly loved me, supported me, and encouraged me. Very few could say the same, so I count myself among the most blessed.

Reindeer Bags

Stuffing reindeer bags for the students in my mom's school class is a time-honored tradition for our family. From the time I was old enough to have memories, I remember helping my mom divi out candy and toys into these bags she gives her students for Christmas. In fact, she even went into labor with me while performing this sacred rite thirty-one years ago!

Now, my little girls look forward to helping Grandma stuff the reindeer bags every year. Monday was the night, and the girls had a blast.

Big Daddy Pope

Growing up (and still), Natalie Pope was one of my best friends. And her dad was the one that took us to Southern Utah each Spring Break and Lake Powell every summer. He is the fun/crazy dad that built a human slingshot in his backyard (YouTube, Jay Leno, NitroCircus) and a cannon that shoots bowling balls.

But he's also a great humanitarian. He was featured in the Deseret News yesterday for all his efforts. As of January, he is retiring from his CEO position and moving to Kenya to be closer to the microcredit bank he started there. He's totally amazing and his work is absolutely worth looking into. Check it out at the links below:

http://www.yehu.org (a microcredit bank primarily for poor female entreprenuers)
http://www.basabody.com
http://www.coastcoconutfarms.co.ke

Truly Pathetic

I don't know about you, but there are few more helpless feelings than being the mother of a sick child. Poor Quincy has barely moved or eaten for a week. And I've done every trick in the book. Blankies, treats, baths, medicine, doctors visits, and lots of cuddling. But nothing seems to work.

If there is an upside to prolonged sickness, though, it's the snuggling. It's the only time they ever sit still long enough to give them loves. And in Quincy's case, it's also the only time she'll sit still long enough to put a headband on. Unfortunately, I couldn't really capitalize on the moment because she looks absolutely miserable. Maybe she could be the poster child for some children's hospital?

True to the title of this post, I must have also looked TRULY PATHETIC today as I trudged my two little ones through the snowy and bitter cold parking lots of doctors offices and hospitals. Sometimes I just have to laugh at the sight I must be. I had to park in the nether regions of the hospital and drag Fisher through slush and ice as I held Quincy. He, of course, slipped and started crying. Once I registered with the hospital for labwork, I then had to take the kids back to the car, buckle them in, and go to a different section of the hospital to have the labwork done. There, I waited like a leper in the specially marked "influenza" waiting room. THEN, some nurse suited up from head to toe stuck a six inch tube down each of Quincy's nostrils to "de-goop." This, of course, traumatized Fisher as much as it did Quincy.

All in all, a day to go down in the record books. Both for snowfall and total treachery.

Happy Holidays

Big Boy Haircut

As evidenced by this picture taken last month, I like to keep Fisher's hair long to showcase his long, curly golden locks. (that by a cruel twist of fate were given to him rather than any of my girls!)

But after a severely botched attempt to cut his hair myself this week, I took him to the local SuperCuts to have it repaired. Ultimately, we walked away with his hair shorter than it has ever been and sporting a fashionable new "big boy" haircut.

'Tis the Season

I am currently making a slideshow DVD for my in-laws for Christmas. Ssshhh! I am photoshopping, compiling, and editing hundreds of pictures of the entire Ross clan. I am fairly certain that I am going blind from looking at the computer screen, I've ignored my children for embarrassingly long stretches, and I'm ashamed to admit the things I yell at the computer when I lose pictures. 'Tis the season to be jolly. Fa la la la la la la la la.

Everywhere Little Girls

We spent Thanksgiving with my mom's family in Sandy. On that side of the family there are a lot of girls, and quite a few aren't even pictured. Aren't they beautiful? On the Fisher side of the family, there are more girls than boys too. And now, I have more girls than boys.

I've gotta say I love the many, many girls in my life. In fact, the song from Annie comes to mind. Little girls, little girls, everywhere little girls . . . Jenny, Sarah, Tiff, Em, and Megs, can you still hear Miss Hannigan singing from the Laynie's old school record player?

Thanksgiving Weekend

Five pounds later, a fun-filled Thanksgiving week draws to a close. From weddings to funerals, football in the backyard and on the big screen, and three fabulous turkey dinners, Thanksgiving is over and Christmas has begun.

The Gift of Today

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I attended a funeral of a 40-year old man whose death was sudden and unexpected. Though I didn't know him (I am friends with his sister), I was touched by the experience. Perhaps it was because it was the season of Thanksgiving, but I was particularly aware of my gratitude for the many blessings in my life. I couldn't shake the thought that each day is a gift. Tomorrow is never guaranteed to us.

I'm sure like all of us, I have often had the mentality of "just getting through the day" instead of actually "spending" the day. I chided myself because I may have had a few too many of those days this year than I should have. What if the day we are so eager just to "get through" is our last? It's a fatalist thought, but one that I will definitely benefit from.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! How thankful I am for all of you. (I can say that because I know who is reading this blog). And I love each and every one of you.

The Legacy Continues

There are few constants in life, not many things you can depend on. One of the few things that never change, though, is my Papa Ace's refrigerator being stocked with mini cans of Tree Top apple juice. Or his insistance that I eat, or take home with me, some nuts.

One of the prevailing memories of my childhood was drinking tiny cans of Tree Top apple juice on the back patio of Ace and Laynie's house. Now, that patio is being used by another family, my grandma has passed away, and Ace lives in an apartment. So much has changed . . . but not the Tree Top! Like the North Star, I tell you. On a recent visit, Papa Ace wouldn't let us leave his apartment without a can of apple juice in each of my kids' hands. Isn't it great that some things never change?

Happy Birthday Jameson!

Happy Birthday Beautiful!

If there is one place I have failed it is in the big sister department. I've always mothered and smothered him more than I should. I've let our age difference become an obstacle rather than an opportunity. And I've been outspoken at times when I should have been supportive. But, all that aside, I adore the kid. We often wonder how we came from the same gene pool, but that is the real beauty of it. He is so many things that I am not, and I genuinely appreciate that. And who can resist his "Blue Steel" pose?


And he is an amazing uncle. Every kid should have an uncle that wrestles with them and chases them around the house. Or tickles them until they cry. Fisher calls him "Mint" for no apparent reason. But we sure love Uncle Mint.

Taylor is Baptized

Saturday was a wonderful day for our family because Taylor Elizabeth got baptized. She looked beautiful in her white dress and looked just like the pefect little angel that she is. It was a warm, sunny autumn day and everything went smoothly. Grandma Donnette was able to speak and Grandma Jody gave a prayer. And Taylor and Loryn sang a sweet little song. We were grateful to have so much family so close that could spend the day with us.

Prick Or Feet?

Halloween happily (or not?) fell on a Saturday this year which meant we faced the tall order of filling the day with activities until it was time to go trick-or-treating. We started off the morning with the breakfast of champions, donuts and chocolate milk. And then proceeded to paint our pumpkins.

After lunch, Megan and Tiffany joined us for what was quite possibly the most pathetic attempt at carmel apples ever performed. They were truly deplorable and disgusting. But we assured ourselves we'd get better with practice. We brightened our day by visiting our Papa Ace and feeding the ducks outside his retirement home.

We ended the night with a quick stroll around the neighborhood for some trick-or-treating. Surprisingly, Fisher loved it and was disappointed he had to stop when his sisters lost their steam. He absolutely would NOT dress up, but he was more than delighted to ring doorbells and shout, "Prick or Feet!"

Primary Halloween

This year the youth in our ward hosted a Halloween Carnival for the primary kids. The girls were excited to have one more chance to get dressed up in their spiffy pirate costumes. They were each the most tenacious donut-on-a-string eaters I have ever seen. They didn't give up until their necks were stiff and they were covered in glaze. I was in charge of face painting where I showcased my incomparable art skills, he he. The youth concluded with a stunning performance of Michael Jackson's "Thriller." It was a great night--I love prolonging holidays over several days!

Runt of the Litter

I know a lot of mothers who, on any given day, can tell you how much their children weigh, how tall they are, and what percentile they fall in. Good for them because I never can. I can tell you that Taylor has always been extra tall, Loryn and Fisher are normalish, and Quincy is small. So there you have it.

But I went to the doctor yesterday and he reminded me that Quincy is in the fifth percentile for weight and always has been. This I will remember because I think it's nuts. I think it's completely bizarre that one of our children can be so small. She's one now and all of her 12 month clothes drown her. She is quite literally the runt of our little litter and we love her desperately. (But I hope she grows!)

Rough Day at the Office

To say that Dan has had a bad week (or month . . . or year) at the office would be a colossal understatement. So, after a long day at work, our girls' devised a plan to give dad a back massage when he came home. We lit candles, turned the lights down, turned on soft music, and then each of the kids pitched in to give daddy a back rub. I don't know how relaxing it ended up being, but it was the sweetness of their thought that counts.

Shisher

Fisher pronounces his name "Shisher." And Shisher has been in a bit of a funk for the last couple weeks. Thus, his poor mother has been in a bit of a funk, or should we say, at the end of her quickly fraying rope! Bless his sweet little heart, though. We can't help but love him in spite of himself. In a temporary glimmer of quasi-happiness, Shisher sported these snazzy shades yesterday. His resemblance to Elton John was at once hilarious and frightening.


After spending some time with me and Shisher yesterday, Auntie Tiffy recommended the book, "Pain Free Parenting." Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks we need help. Thankfully, she had the patience to make this pile of leaves for him to slide into and to read him several books. Then, she really went the extra mile and helped me ice over 8 dozen sugar cookies with royal icing, which is a pain-staking process, particularly with four kids tugging on your pant leg. My mom helped out too. Thanks a billion!

My Baby is One

It's crazy to think that one year ago, I was bringing home a newborn, facing all the challenges and excitement of introducing another child into the family. It's amazing how much can change in a year. My little baby is growing up. She's still pretty tiny, but she's sprouting teeth, testing her balance on standing, and developing more personality every day.

Each one of my children, like all children, have an individual personality and brings something unique to our family. My experience with Quincy has been so sweet and senitmental. Knowing that she is quite possibly our last child, I just want to savor every moment. She is so tiny, so sweet, so happy, so precious. The other kids simply adore her. In so many ways, this year has literally flown by. It's bittersweet to know that the days of having a newborn may be forever behind me. Babies definitely bring an irreplaceable energy and spirit into a home. It makes me resolve again to cherish every fleeting moment I have with my little ones.

We celebrated Quincy's birthday a few days late (luckily she didn't mind) with her grandparents, a few presents, and the traditional cake-eating fest. She was pretty dainty and delicate in her eating, so her sisters and uncle helped her get a little more messy. She preferred the ice cream that grandpa was obligingly sneaking her.

Crazy Hair Day!

In honor of Red Ribbon Week, the girls' school had a crazy hair day today. They were both so excited to sport their "crazy" do's. Funny, I sort of feel like every day is crazy hair day in my world.

Happy Birthday You Two!

This week we celebrated the birthdays of two of my favoritest people: my mom and my baby girl. Unfortunately, my attempt at a party for my mom took a turn for the worst as my family entered the early stages of a 4-day long bout with the stomach flu. I'm sure her birthday cake wasn't very appetizing knowing that I was cleaning up kids' throw-up in between bites.

But my mom is a trooper, what can I say. She is truly incredible and I don't tell her enough. She never ceases to amaze me and I will spend the rest of my life just trying to be a fraction of the mother she was to me. So Hapy 35th Birthday Mom! (We measure age by looks in this family).

As for Quincy, she turned 1 on October 21st. I felt so guilty that I let such a monumental milestone go unacknowledge because I didn't have the energy to get off the couch. Luckily, she will never know the difference! Never fear, we will let her perform the sacred rite of tearing into her first birthday cake this weekend.

The Teething Season

Touchdown! She is destined to be a football fan, I can just tell. Anyway, my darling little Star is sprouting four teeth almost simultaneously. Her bottom two just grew in only to have her top two rear their ugly heads.

She hasn't slept through the night for the past several nights. I know, I know, I'm a whiner. But I've enjoyed a full night's rest for so long that it's a kick in the pants to start getting up in the middle of the night again.

The poor little thing is miserable and if I didn't feel so bad for her, I might be thoroughly annoyed. As I write this, she has just awakened and it looks to be a long night. The joys of motherhood never cease.

Comfort Music

People talk a great deal about comfort food. Chicken soup for the soul and all that. But what of comfort music? When life has really beat you down and you need to indulge the deepest of your emotions, forget chicken soup. Give me John Denver and Cat Stevens! Never mind that these men are not from my generation. Never mind that it has never been cool for me to completely adore them. Their music is cathartic, healing, and sweet to my soul.

The strains of their music can instantly bring me to tears. It conjures heartache, sweet memories, sentimentality and everything in between. As a child, their music is what filled our house. As a teenager, it was one of the strong and strange commonalities I shared with my friends. As an adult, it represents a refuge and a reminder.

Yes, it's true. I have been openly laughed at for loving John Denver as I do. Especially considering my age. In high school, my friends and I took every opporunity to see him in concert. The most memorable trip was a very small and intimate concert at Teton Village in Jackson Hole. We were literally the only people under 40 in the venue. Such a rare sight, in fact, that we were interviewed by the local newspaper. Sure, most other teenagers were listening to over-produced and fabricated, sappy pop or indulging their teenage angst and anger in grunge and punk bands. Not me, I love the simplicity, honesty, purity, and poetry of John and Cat.

Eight is Great

I fear the unknown. Especially when it comes to raising my children and watching them enter the uncharted waters of new phases in life. When Taylor was a baby, I was pretty sure I wouldn't like the awkward, giggly third grade phase. My own version of that time of life is seared into my memory.

However, I am have been delightfully surprised to find myself as the very contented and proud mother of an eight year old. Taylor turned 8 this week and I couldn't be more fond of her. It has been fun to watch her develop a unique personality of her own, find her strengths and talents, and stretch her wings a bit. As she tells me about the boys at school who "like" her and asks me to download Miley Cyrus songs, I find myself giggling rather than recoiling. It's a delightful time of life and she is becoming a strong and sweet young lady.

I have already extolled the many virtues of Taylor at length in this blog, but in honor of her birthday, I must go on. Taylor is socially guarded and self-conscious, but sweet and silly with the best of her friends. She is embarrassed to admit emotion or failure (I wonder why?), but is deeply sensitive and nurturing. She is an amazing big sister. In many ways, she is an old soul. In other ways, she is surprisingly young and naive. Unlike many of her peers, she has not been eager to grow up too quickly and still has a very innocent quality. I absolutely adore her and can't wait to see what another year brings.

Mrs. Piggle Wiggle

I started reading the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books with my girls the last few weeks and we are having such a good time. I read them when I was about their age and absolutely loved them. Now, we are sharing the experience and laughing together. It's also great that I can bring up our reading in conversations about discipline. "Uh oh, it sounds like you've got a case of the slow eater- tiny bite takers." If you haven't read them, you must give them a try, regardless of your age.

One of Those Weeks

Exhale. It's Friday night. Whew. Have you ever just had one of those weeks? Of course you have. Well, it's the weekend now. Hopefully that will bring the rest, perspective, and refocusing we all need.

In addition to everything else we were already dealing with, I found out my spunky, classy, one-of-a-kind Grandma Maridon suffered a stroke and brain bleed this week. She made it through neurosurgery to repair the bleed, but the road to recovery appears long. She is making progress, however, and is able to intermittently speak coherently and recognize people.

So, as the week draws to a close, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Soccer season is almost over (yeah!) I actually finished my laundry (miracle!) and I relented and fed my family a real meal of lasagna and yummy bread tonight in strong opposition to all my Biggest Loser goals. Because I still believe in comfort food. A good, hearty, traditional meal can have a healing and stabilizing effect on people.

Shameless Photo Ops

My Little Angel

Prouder parents would be hard to find!