Monday, March 12, 2012

St. Patrick's Day



Elmhurst, IL has to be home to the world’s longest St. Patrick’s Day parade. I swear every resident was either AT or IN the parade. But, if you eliminated every elected official from the parade, there was very little left. Well, except for what seemed like 1,000 Irish dancers, 1,000 bagpipes and of course the Armpit Orchestra. Proof.


But for this kid, it didn’t matter. The fire trucks, the school buses, the sirens, music and candy were enough. More than enough. He sat on that curb and never moved for an hour and a half.

And as the parade marched on he got more daring. He started smiling, didn’t cling to us and even learned the art of snatching candy.


And her, well she was just glad someone was holding her and she was a part of the action.


For a minute Saturday, I was back on Main Street in Bloomington, IL watching the Veteran’s Day parade with my dad and brother. My bag ready to go in eager anticipation of the candy that was thrown, bundled up in warm clothes and with a belly full of pancakes and grateful for a day off school.

And I have come full circle. We battled TRAFFIC that almost forced us to turn around but in the end it was worth it. Totally, completely worth it. I got to watch an almost two and half year experience his first parade. I listened as he told me over and over again, “They’re coming”

to the next car, truck, motorcycle or fire truck in the distance.

When I would stand he would tell me to “sit down and get ready"

I tried to get sentimental with my husband, who wouldn’t hear of it but I just kept thinking this moment is what life is all about. This moment with my kids, my husband, my family and friends, it is what defines life. Not the traffic jam or stress that occurs when your house is on the market. That moment when you realize his first parade is more than just an event. It is an experience and more importantly a memory that I am savoring, remembering and grateful for. He may not remember it but I will.

Until next year, Elmhurst...

Friday, March 9, 2012

Tidbits of Talk {Volume 9}

Happy Sunny Friday! I skipped last Friday because life just got in the way. Seriously, in a good way and a bad way. I will write more about it next week but let's just say this week has been good..

~I had dinner and drinks with two of best friends in the world and their husbands last Saturday night. Seriously, even though we had to leave to relieve our babysitter at 11, being with them for just a few short hours is good for my soul.

~My sister in law started a new job this week at Starbucks. No, she is not a barista. She is actually designing the interiors of my favorite coffee shop in the world. How awesome is that?

~I watched Brady play at birthday party last Sunday and realized how independent he is becoming. He took off running the minute we got to Jump Zone (aka Germ Zone). He made sure he kept me in eye sight but for the most part he spent a lot of time with his “friends”. Does this mean he is growing up?

~Are you on Draw Something? Holy cow is it addicting. Seriously addicting. My user name is KristiFischer

~March has been wild and it is not even half over. Birthday parties, a baby shower, a bridal shower, two weddings, a rehearsal dinner, and a St. Patrick’s Day party. Whew…it’s a lot. But you know what? We are a better family busy. And the other plus in all of this? We will see my parents 4 week in a row. #Winning

~ Have you had Lean Cuisine Steamer meals? They are so good. And healthy. And easy to make. That makes life a bit easier.

The weather is supposed to be amazing and I am looking forward to weekend filled with family, fun and sunshine! Happy Friday Friends.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Cate- Six Months

How can it be that she is six months?


It seems like yesterday she entered this world on that steamy September day and now we are celebrating her half birthday.

How can it be that her big, blue, button eyes twinkle when her daddy or I walk in the room?
I watch her as she is methodical with her eyes, darting and tracking us with our every move. I make eye contact with her, she gets so excited, burying her face in her daddy's shoulder and smiling to let me know she sees me.

How can it be that she already has a tooth on the bottom? The drool is everywhere all the evidence we need to tell us she is getting big.

How can it be that when I look at her I see her brother? There is no doubt they are siblings. While mighty different in mannerisms, they are connected. From the chubby cheeks to the long lashes, they clearly belong to us.


How can it be that it took me two kids to stop and enjoy the small things ?
How can it be that her baby feet and a reflection in the mirror remind me how simple life really is?
And can it be that when I look at her, I see me, my family, the one that Glenn and I created, and swell with love.