Wondering what to do for your child’s next birthday party? Can’t figure out how to pay the bills, put food on the table, and stay in the black? Looking for some motivation to finally get your house clean and organized? Stumped on how to fold a fitted sheet? Well, you came to the right place!
Thanks for popping in! I’m glad you’re here. I’m FishMama, though my mother calls me, “Jessica Ann,” and my husband calls me “Super Ultra Lightening Babe.” (Really. My cell phone is in his speed dial as “SUL Babe.”)
FishMama is a real life nickname, believe it or not. Our last name is Fisher. And growing up, my husband was always called, “Fish.” After we married and I got my first email account, my user name was “jagfish,” combining my initials with his nickname. Years later after we had our first four kids, all boys, we started calling them “the FishBoys” as an easy way to summon them all at once. The moniker stuck and eventually a friend started addressing me as FishMama. So, there we are. We’ve since added FishChick and FishBaby to our brood, making one great big FishFam. Confused yet?
Well, stick around awhile, and it will all make sense — eventually.
Here at LifeasMOM, I share a bit about a day-in-the-life of a mom with many children, managing a home, a small business, and a homeschool. It’s my hope that mothers (and other home and family managers) would be encouraged and equipped in all the aspects of life typical to motherhood:
- cooking – home of Ultimate Recipe Swap and Freezer Cooking Days
- cleaning
- child care
- family fun
- education
- budget living – check out Frugal Friday
- parenting
- and simply enjoying this ride called womanhood
I am not an “expert” in anything but my own family, but I’m happy to share the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the last 13 years of motherhood. I am the mom of six fantastic children and I get to call one handsome man my sweetie. I love my life.
But, the nitty gritty of home management can really make me grumpy. Ya know what I’m talking about?
This blog is for those who want to do what’s on the to-do list and still keep a smile on your face. While I certainly haven’t arrived, I’m on the Road to Joyful Motherhood. I hope you’ll come along.
If this sounds interesting or crazy or both, consider subscribing to my feed, either in a reader or via free email updates. You can also follow me on twitter or become a fan on facebook. I also have a food blog called Good Cheap Eats — because I obviously have too much free time on my hands.
What’s the BIGGEST CHALLENGE in your LifeasMOM? We hope to solve those here.
{ 95 comments… read them below or add one }
You ARE a Super Ultra Lightening Babe!! =)
I look forward to reading what you have to say every day. Thank you for all of your insight.
@Susan, that was the best laugh I’ve had all day. Thank you!
You made me laugh! What a great intro
“…because I obviously have too much free time on my hands.” Sooo funny!
Allie
To: “Super Ultra Lightening Babe”
especially those cakes!
I love following your blog!
From: “Household 6 Hot Mama”
(husbands are wonderful aren’t they!)
Thanks, Ann Marie. And thanks for linking me up!
Party! Party! Party!!
Hey FishMama! Stopping by from the UBP. This is my first comment here, but I’ve had your fabulous blog in my reader for a long while and follow you on Twitter now.
I’m kinda nervous commenting on such a super ultra lightening blog!!
Ha! Anyone who knows me in real life would say there’s no reason to be nervous. My word….
LOL, Super Ultra Lightening Babe sounds like such a California nickname. Thanks for the link to the Block Party.
It’s actually from the movie, The Incredibles.
love the blog! I really like how clean and organized it is…and that was an excellent introduction!
@Em, thanks!
dropping by from the philippines
i joined the blog party too! hope to see you at The Mommy Journey
Welcome! Thanks for stopping by!
Happy party week! I always enjoy this blog when I pop in to visit! My biggest challenge in mother hood is keeping my babies inside long enough to get close to their due dates!
Thanks for all the great info you post!
Thank you, Audra.
Great UBP post! As always I’m huge a fan!
Thank you!
Your site looks great. I’ve been following you on Twitter for awhile (I’m @dbirks) but this is the first time I’ve commented on your blog. I’m also a homeschooler and I’m definitely looking for ways to save money and get food on the table!
@Deana Birks, glad you de-lurked.
I’m stopping by your blog for the first time via the UBP! I love it, so I’m going to subscribe!
Welcome!
Alright, you hooked me with the “how to fold a fitted sheet”! Great blog! Following you from the UBP.
That gets ‘em every time.
lol Glad it was helpful. Welcome!
Stopping by from the party. You have a very fun blog here. I have enjoyed poking around
Partying with the UBP and glad I found you. I am a great mom but so far from the definition of a SAHM/SAHW. Subscribed to learn some tips and tricks from you.
Huge Fan! Great Post!! Love the Incredibles!!
Hope you will hop over to our adventure:
http://aguilarfamilyadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/blog-party-2010-join-in-with-our.html
Stopped in from UBP ’10, but you are seriously one of our all time favorite blogs, hands down. We probably IM one another something off one of your blogs half a dozen times a day. You have such great posts and recipes! Keep on blogging, we adore your blog!
Stop by FTSN for some peanut butter pie when you have time!
http://www.fromthesamenest.com
~ Michelle
How fun! Thank you! This week I heard more than a few complaints. So, it’s nice to hear some good stuff. Thank you!
I always look forward to what you post!
Blessings!
http://enjoytheprocess.blogspot.com/2010/04/ultimate-blog-party-2010.html
Hi! Linked over from UBP, but I’ve been following for awhile. Still a fan. You crack me up. -your writing style, I mean. I read, and it feels like we’re good friends. That’s some good writing
thanks.
Aww, that makes me smile. Thanks.
Hi! Stoppin’ in to party with you for the #UBP10 hop! I love meeting new bloggers! You are not a new blog for me but I’m saying HI and I already follow you on FB Fan page and twitter!!!
I didn’t know the name thing- Fishmama! Love the story and happy that I popped into your blog today!!!
Have fun partying!
@Susieqtpies at Scraps of Life http://cafescrapper-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com/2010/04/ultimated-blog-party-2010.html
a woman after my own heart with multiple blogs
I have two as well. Stopping by from the UBP! Will definitely take part in the Ultimate Recipe Swap as part of my food blog, http://theamateurkitchen.blogspot.com
I love finding blogs about moms with big families! I am the oldest of five! It was the best best best way to grow up! I can’t wait to keep reading! You have a gorgeous family!
AWWW!! I love your hubby’s nickname for you. =) And also your family Fish names. So fun! =)
Hey there, swinging by thanks to the Blog party. Your little sidebar description. I hate to admit that sometimes I am a crabby mom, so I’d love to see your solutions and ideas!
I love your website. Found you through Crystal Paines’ website. Really enjoy your perspective. I can totally relate.
Thanks. Glad you’re here.
Great to meet another homeschooling family.. Stopped over from the UBP 2010 party!! Look forward to reading more of your blog..
My first thought, after clicking over from the UBP page, was “I’ve been here before!” So, I guess I’m officially here for the UBP, but, I’m not a new visitor. Actually, I have liked your site for a while…though this is my first comment.
And, because of your introduction/explanation of the “FishMama” evolution, I’ve also put (finally) put together Life as Mom and @FishMama on Twitter…I’m a little slow today. 
Welcome back!
What a great intro! Your blog looks like fun!
I found you through UBP, and you had me at folding a fitted sheet… My biggest challenge right now is keeping my family afloat financially and emotionally as a SAHM with an unemployed husband (who has no idea what budget means.)
Hang in there! We woke up to $18K in debt about three years ago. While my husband was out of work, we also figured out what a budget was. Today we’re debt-free (except for a rental prop mortgage). There is hope!
Have a good time partying with UBP10. Stop by if you get a chance http://stopdropandrelax.com/blog/ And see what we have to help you Stop Drop and Relax. Visit our store at http://www.StopDropandRelax.com and Prepare To Be Pampered.
You really do have a house full! How wonderful! God is so awesome!! I’m stopping by from the UBP and it’s nice to ‘meet’ you!!
Same here!
GREAT site….so glad to find it…
Blog hopping and having a blast…..so many great blogs….This is a GREAT party.
I have a Fun $100 Gift Basket to give away and all it takes a comment.
I am number….294 and 295……
Teresa
http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com
http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com/
Hi, from another UBP participant – and fellow homeschooler. Hope you can stop in at my place, too: http://tinahollenbeck.blogspot.com/2010/04/2010-ultimate-blog-party.html. :^)
I enjoy your blog and when I saw it listed on the party site I just had to stop by.
Glad you came!
I’m so glad I clicked on your blog! I NEED to learn how to freeze meals…well anything really. I’m just so confused. I tried left over veggies once to save for a veggie soup and it was a total failure. =)
Love the comment “use our big girl words”. ha ha
Freezing veggies is not simple. Don’t worry. Stick around and we’ll “learn ya” as my dad would say. (And you’d be amazed at the people who DON’T use their big girl words.)
Glad you’re here.
I love the story about how you got your nickname. Really cute, and I don’t think it confused me at all.
It sounds like you’ve found a nice balance in your life and it’s nice to look up to other moms who have been there done that longer and have something valuable to add. (My oldest is only 4 and I feel like I’m learning everyday.) I also think it’s awesome that you homeschool! Nice to meet you.
Party on!
Party With Tiff (UBP post)
Oh my what a great tag line “Because No One Wants a Crabby Mom”! I love it! Can’t wait to get to know you a little better! I am following now on Twitter, Facebook and Rss feed! Thar really does sound like stalking doesn’t it?
Blessings,
Stacey from the UBP
Great blog! So glad I stopped by!
I totally don’t get your husband’s nickname for you? What the heck? LOL!
@Alyssa, it’s from the movie, The Incredibles.
Nice to meet you FishMama! You have a fun looking blog and a great looking group of kids. Have a great weekend!
Happy UBP! I love your blog!
Love the design of your blog. Adorable! I also love how you gently address the tone of the blog on the comment form. Very nice.
Stopping by UBP 2010 to say hi!
I come from a big family. I have nine siblings.
God bless you! Happy partying.
Happy UBP 2010!
Party hopping from UBP! Love your blog and have enjoyed following along for a while now. Hope you can pop over to mine and pick up some money saving tips! http://clippingforcash.blogspot.com/2010/04/its-party.html
Hey; I’m a regular (semi-regular) reader and I popped by when I saw you on the list and 5M4M.
hi, i actually have a friend with the nickname fishy as well. nice to meet you. i blog at http://www.littlecitizensoftheworld.blogspot.com
Hi,
I’m stopping in from `UBP 2010`
You have an amazing blog.
I grabbed your button, I’ll be back.
Thanks! Welcome!
Just “party hopping!” Very, very nice to “meet you”
So many blogs, so little time!! LOL!
I always wondered how to fold a fitted sheet
!
Lois
Visit my party post at:
http://makingourfamilycomplete.blogspot.com/2010/04/ultimate-blog-party-join-in-win-prizes.html
Stopping by from the Ultimate Blog Party!! Following your blog now! Hopefully you can stop by mine and follow as well! Have a great weekend!
http://theartsymom.tk
I love reading your blog. I usually stalk, but I have been reading your blog and participate occasionally in the memes.
Thank you for all your hard work with the blog!
I’m out hopping around from the UBP. I love your family’s nicknames!
Stop by and say hello sometime soon.
Hi! Stopping by from the
UBP. I’ve been a follower for a while. Love your blog!
Feel free to come by my blog and read my Ultimate Blog Party ’10 post! Become a reader & stay informed of upcoming giveaways!
Stopping by for the party! Great blog. I can’t wait to read more
Welcome! Thanks!
Stopping by from the UBP! I’m subscribing to your RSS so I can get to know you better afetr all the blog hopping
Hope you are having fun at the UBP!
Jenni
My UBP blog post: How to Make a Tutu blog – hope you will stop by and say hi!
and Mom Blogger $100 Cash Contest
Hope you are having fun at the UBP!
Jenni (“Miss Tutu”)
and Mom Blogger $100 Cash Contest
My UBP blog post: How to Make a Tutu blog – hope you will stop by and say hi!
Hi from NY! I’m just dropping in while party hopping on the UBP. It’s fun finding so many new blogs and reading about all the wonderful bloggers. I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.
Came here from UBP, and I love your blog, love your attitude that shines! Also love the reminder before commenting about everyone’s path being different, what a great way to do that!!
Hi! Just stopping in for the party! I love your blog. Stop by mine anytime. I love visiters! Happy partying!
Stopping by from UBP10 – your blog looks really interesting and I will definitely be back! Have a great week and stop by my blog if you have a chance!
Hi and nice to meet you! I followed you on Twitter and FB. Feel free to stop by and visit ($15 GC to Babies R Us/Toys R Us Giveaway). Happy UBP10!
http://hsuperparents.blogspot.com
Stopping by from the UBP10! Loving your blog! Can’t wait to read more!
http://lolidots.com/loliblog
I’ve been here before, and can’t believe I’m not following more closely! Going to subscribe and start reading up!
Stopping by from the UBP10!
I am definitely bookmarking your blog so I can come and spend more time! I started blogging 5 years ago – and had 3 kids in that time. Just now starting up again!
Have a GREAT weekend!
Just stopping by from UBP! Hope you’re looking forward to a wonderful weekend. I would LOVE for you to drop by my blog, Savings & Stewardship, when you get a chance! We’re giving away a copy of the book Enjoy Your Money! by J Steve Miller at Midnight TONIGHT (Fri), and there aren’t many entries – so feel free to enter for a chance to win – quick link can be found in the top right sidebar of my blog!!
Popping over from the UBP. I have been a subscriber for quite awhile now, and I must admit I always wondered why you were called FishMama! Funny, but it didn’t occur to me that it was due to your last name, lol!
Just stopping in from UBP 2010 (Little late, I know
)!!! Joined your following, can’t wait to see what you post in the months to come!! Party on 
*G*
~Steph
http://www.consignmentsalequeen.com
Hi Fishmama,
I discovered your site via the UBP10. I’m a professional organizer who works with women in their homes and lives.
I like your site and look forward to connecting with you.
i am prouding sporting my super mama’s cape. since finding your blog i have found more ways to keep my life a little less “full” in some areas and more “full” in the ways that really matter.
thank you. i have given you the sunshine blog award. http://littlecitizensoftheworld.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-little-ray-of-sunshine.html
i hope you will become a follower of mine as well. sarah
I love your blog! As a fellow Christian, wife to a fish (last name is Bass – 6 foot 4, caught a big one!), joyful mom (of 3 ages 3, 2 and 3 months), freezer cooker (with only a box freezer over my fridge in an apartment) and grocery budget-er (paying out of envelopes this month – awesome!), I anticipate your latest entry in my inbox every day. Keep it up, girl! We love you!
{ 1 trackback }