Dinner at the Fisher household is definitely a unique experience. There is a lot of controlled chaos. There is a lot of noise. Most importantly, there is a lot of laughter. Instead of trying to explain what a typical dinner hour looks like, I thought that I would just bring you into it. Pull up a chair and join us for dinner.
Keri: Who would like a baked potato tonight?
Fisher Children (singing in unison, with no prompting of course):
“If you like to talk to tomatoes…If a squash can make you smile…If you like to waltz with potatoes…Up and down the produce aisle...Have we got a show for you! VeggieTales, VeggieTales, VeggieTales, VeggieTales"
{No…I’m not making this up!}
I finish serving the meal and sit down to join my family.
Levi says the brief but meaningful prayer. Amen!
Immediately the kids begin to argue over who gets to do “High/Low” for the night. We finally decide that it is Austin’s turn and he begins with a British accent.
"Mother, what was your high for the day?”
“I got all of the laundry done!”
Austin, continuing in the British accent, “And what was your low?”
“I really didn’t have one”
All the kids: “Nope…nope Mom…you have to have a low. It’s the lowest point of your day.”
“Ok…I had to do the laundry.”
Austin: “Aislynn, what was your high for the day”
Aislynn: “I got a lollipop in Spanish.”
The boys immediately break out in song:“Lollipop lollipop. Oh lolli lolli lolli. Lollipop *POP*
(Yes, they actually stuck their fingers in their mouth and made the “popping” sound.)
Mike and I burst out laughing and look at each other “where the heck did that come from?!”
Austin continues around the table and stays in character the whole time. (Oh, by the way, even though you are a guest here this evening, it doesn’t let you off the hook…so get ready to answer!)
Once Austin finishes with everyone around the table, he becomes quiet. This is our cue…someone at the table has to ask Austin what his high and low were.
Aislynn: “Austin what was your high today?”
Austin psyches everyone up and begins making motions in the air with his arms:
“Suspense…suspense…suspense…”
He keeps at it for so long we all finally shout “Austin!
After “High/Low” the chaos begins. We are reminding each child not to interrupt and that there is a certain decibel level that our ears can handle. The funny thing is that they are not being obnoxious or unruly…they are just truly excited to share their day, thoughts, ideas, etc. with us.
What? What is this? An actual brief moment of silence?? I jump at the chance and say:
“Have I mentioned how overwhelming my life is right now?”
Michael (not missing a beat):
“You think your life is bad? Think of the hobo down the street. Obama wants him to take his cardboard box, rip it into pieces, and share it with the other hobos.”
We are all laughing…even Aislynn, who doesn’t understand a lick about politics, but still thinks it’s funny. I am impressed that my 15 year old has a good understanding of the philosophy of our current president.
I look over at Michael. He is twitching. I stare at him for a moment and then the rest of the family stops what they are doing and stare as well.
“Michael WHAT are you doing?”
“I’m having a seizure, but it’s ok…I’m controlling it.”
We ALL bust a gut and laugh for a good five minutes or so. I laugh so hard that I’m about to fall out of my chair.
(Sidenote: Do you know who the Animaniacs are? If you don’t, you need to listen to this clip to have a good understanding of what is coming next (you don’t need to watch the whole thing…just get an idea..although the funniest quotes are at the end of the clip.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsBq_K1WLsESo…as we continue to eat our meal, all of a sudden Michael begins talking with a perfect “Animaniacs” voice.
"Helloo. My name is Mr. Fisher and I’m a stack of wheat. I’m not wearing any pants.”
My kids burst out laughing and Mike and I look at each because we have no idea what Michael is talking about or why our children think that this little episode is so darn hilarious! Apparently we are missing out on something.
But…we can’t help but find Michael’s impersonation hysterical and join in the laughter.
(By the way, this complete randomness is very normal at our home.)
No. I have not made any of this up. This is a typical dinnertime at the Fisher household. I don’t think I could make up this stuff if I wanted to. There is a limit to my imagination. Luckily for me though, there is NO limit to my children’s imagination.
I can honestly say that dinner with my family is such a joy. I truly mean that. My kids have such a sense of humor that they always make me laugh. One thing is for sure…it is rare that we have a dinner hour that we are not laughing and enjoying each other’s company. I think that God understands how important having fun and laughter are to me, so He gave me this extra special blessing in my life. There are times that my heart grows sorrowful when I think about my children being gone and on with lives of their own. My heart sinks a bit. Those thoughts are fleeting though as I remind myself how important it is to enjoy the here and now…because before I know it, those days will be gone. I can’t help but smile from ear to ear right now…already excited about tomorrow night’s dinner. If your ever in the area, stop by and join us. You’re always welcome!
P.S. Tonight I was serenaded by Levi – “We All Live in a Yellow Submarine”
Posts
