Fall Crafts

Last week, Pam and I got together to do some Fall crafts! It's my favorite season, and even though we don't really have Fall until (what seems like) after Christmas, I love to decorate! We copied this adorable craft from one of her friends....fake caramel apples. They look so real it's unbelievable! I also found a really cute black wreath that I adorned with Halloween decor. Even though all four of our kids (especially Taylor) were high maintenance and an absolute pain in our side...we got our projects done, and had a lot of fun doing them!

Fiesta del Sol

East Valley Sol hosted their 3rd Annual Fiesta del Sol last night at Tempe Diablo Stadium. A good sized group of us went to support this amazing philanthropic organization...in the best way we know how! We partied like (we thought we were) Rockstars! For only $50 a couple we had dinner catered by Someburro's, unlimited drinks provided by Hensley, craps and blackjack and of course a DANCE FLOOR that we rocked like no other! ha ha It was a lot of fun to get out and let loose, and support something so wonderful in the meantime!

Santa in September?

A couple of weeks ago, the girls were playing quietly in Tay's room...so quiet that Conal thought he should look in on them and see what they were up too. We've walked in to emptied wipies containers, coloring on the walls, shredded pieces toilet paper that acts as snow....this time Taylor thought she was Santa Claus! She had a mouth full of cotton balls and had drawn a beard on her face. Clever little kid! So, after I came in to the room and talked to her about drawing on her face, I just had to take pictures. I know, confuse the girl...first she gets in trouble, then Mommy's taking pictures!

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you."
--Mary Stevenson

I'm just stumped, at an absolute loss of words for what Melissa is going through right now. They have such a young family and a lifetime of memories ahead of them. I pray that Dallen is able to pull through and recover from this tragedy. This absolute nightmare.

Our Little Barrel Racer

The first Gymkhana of the season was last Saturday night. Hayden has been patiently waiting for the last several weeks. She loves horses, Charlie, especially. She's making such great progress on him. Bubba has done a great job teaching her safety and increasing her comfort and ease on him by herself. Last week, Conal had her in their arena, practicing turns and increasing their speed. Hayden is so very comfortable on Charlie that we have to remind her to sit straight and pay attention so that she doesn't get too distracted!

The rules have changed a bit this year. It's a bigger age group incorporating 4 to 7 year olds. You now also have 10 seconds added to your time if you have a lead line. So, neither Cooper nor Hayden got a ribbon this time. We let them each do one barrel race, as it was at night this month and didn't start until 7:00pm (they tend to run late!). They both got off of their horse ready to go again and were very disappointed that they couldn't do another event. They were both also a little bummed that they didn't place in the ribbon scoring, but Hayden left the Rodeo grounds saying that she's going to practice real hard so she can go fast next time and ride by herself, with no lead line. We'll see about that. I highly doubt she'll be ready for that by next month, but maybe the end of the season!! We'll let her keep thinking that, and hey, ya never know! We love that she's found something she enjoys so much, we'll let her go at her own pace and do whatever makes her happy!

Warming UpTwo VERY excited Cheerleaders!

Bubba's Dad (aka Papa Cox), the kiddos and Memaw More HAPPY Cheerleaders!Maddie and Hayden - The Bell girls came to cheer Hayden on!

Not pictured: Papa - he was the photographer!

My friend, Kristy

The Mom Test

I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that. "Why?" my daughter asked. "Because it's been on the ground, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty, and probably has germs," I replied. At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Momma, how do you know all this stuff, you are so smart?" I was thinking quickly... "All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mom Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mom." We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information. "OH...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test you have to be the dad!" "Exactly", I replied back with a big smile on my face.

Kristy sent this joke to me and I just couldn't resist posting it. I got a chuckle and thought you might too!
Kristy is one of the first friends I made when I moved out to Arizona. We went to church together but didn't know each other well until one fateful trip to the Grand Canyon with our church group. We got acquainted over a Cracker Barrell chicken fried steak and instantly learned that we had a lot in common - yet we are so different! Coincidentally, a couple of months after that, we were on the same round trip flight to Los Angeles going to different destinations. We sat across the aisle from one another (middle seats each) and completely bonded! From that moment on, Kristy and I have been very good friends. We've been through a lot together. Back in the good ol' days she listened to me talk about my dates...good and bad! She helped "counsel (haha)" me through a nightmarish roommate aka RoomMonster experience, she dug Conal before my family even met him, we've been to Redskins games together (yes, we let Conal join us!!), and spent a lot of quality time just hanging out - oh yah, and MANY trips to Disneyland! Kristy was in my wedding and threw my Arizona bridal shower. She took time off of work before my wedding to help me shop for all kinds of last minute stuff to help me get things done! When we worked remotely near one another, we used to meet for lunch once a week for the best gripe session (good and bad!), it could give anyone a run for their money! Her family is an extension of mine. Her mother is like a grandmother to me. She made my wedding cake, and has since, spent her own time with me to teach me how to make cakes. Her mother battled breast cancer this year and I felt as if it were a member of my family. We've been there for each other through thick and thin, the best and the worst, this is just the tiniest tip of the iceberg. And I know this sounds one sided, but it's an equally supportive friendship. Of course, I cannot publish all of her drama! LOL. However, as we grow older and our schedules change, we don't have time to see each other as often. My girls love her and when they see this picture of her on my computer they get excited! Kristy, thanks for all of your love and support. Thanks for all of the laughs and even all of the tears we've shed together (especially this past year). You always help to give me clarity and understanding from a totally objective point of view. I feel like the stories could go on forever and typing them out doesn't do them justice. I'm so grateful to have such wonderful memories and anticipate a lifetime of a million more!

Photo circa June, 2008 at Loretta's (her mom) Breast Cancer Free party!

35 Years!

Yesterday, Conal turned 35 years old. I feel so lucky to have shared his last 11 birthdays with him! Conal is such a quiet guy and doesn't make a fuss about too much, so I like to make a fuss over him on his birthday! Granted, this year I didn't shower him with gifts (I ordered him a gift two weeks ago that's on backorder and didn't make it in time. boohoo), but I did still try to help him have a special day! He thought it was totally hokey, of course. And all I can say is that it could've been worse, I could've decorated the house with streamers and balloons and made him a Mickey Mouse cake!

I thought it would be nice to get out and do something .... okay, re-phrase! I thought it would be nice to go and seek an air conditioned activity to participate in. So, we went bowling. We went to that newer luxurious bowling alley a couple of miles away. You know, the one where you have a 'hostess' that brings your shoes to you and addresses your every bowling need?! Yah, that one! Anyhow. It was Tay's first time bowling and Hayden needed a quick refresher, but in no time these girls were bowling on their own and having a blast. We decided to let Daddy win, since it was his birthday and all ;o)

Conal decided that he wanted to go to Serrano's for his birthday meal. After bowling we enjoyed our delicious Mexican lunch, filled our tummy's to the brim and came home and took naps! Everyone (except me) enjoyed a long, quiet siesta! I got caught up on some tv shows.

I was feeling a little guilty that I didn't have a gift for him, so when I ran to the store in the early evening, I bought him some M&M's. I let the girls each give him a bag. Which totally brought me full circle. It was later last night when I was reminiscing on the day that I remember what I got Conal for his 25th birthday. You see, we met each other just two weeks before he turned 25. So, having only been dating for a couple of weeks, I knew I needed to acknowlege his birthday, but not make a fuss over it. At that point, he was just starting to actually speak! LOL Anyhow, I took him a birthday card and a big bag of M&M's. Little did I know, that those were the key to his heart! So, somewhere in my subconscious, while at Basha's yesterday, I must've been thinking of a way to hit his sweet spot!

Conal, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! The girls and I love you so very much and are so proud that YOU are OURS. I wish you many, many more Happy Birthday's.

Summertime, in September!

My kids are crazy! They are definately desert rats, or reptiles, or....whatever you want to call them!

If you sit inside a restaurant for longer than 20 minutes, they're freezing! If you wander the supermarket for at least 3 elevator music/standard grocery store songs, they're freezing! If you actually go into McDonald's to pick up a quick Happy Meal, instead of sitting in the drive through before pulling up to WAIT for your order, they're freezing!

These kids are always cold! So, on Sunday they were in the house, where they were "freezing"...of course! Hayden decided to go outside to warm up on the patio and Tay followed. Mind you, it was about 107 on Sunday; albeit a nice cool off from Saturday! <---ha,ha!

I put the girls bathing suits on because Conal had the sprinklers going, watering the yard. A rare, and once in a great occasion thing happened. The girls were banging at the door, cuz....get this, it was "TOO HOT FOR SPRINKLERS!!!

It sure is hard to please little'uns, isn't it??!!

Alright, ONE MORE Hayden post, then I'll move on ;o)

First off....every so often I think I need to put a new disclaimer as to why I blog. I'm a journal-er! I chronicle EVERYTHING, and at the end of one year of blogging, I will turn this into a memory book for our family. Hence, I tend to put a LOT of information on this thing! So, if you feel it gets redundant, sorry...but I'VE got to have it ;o)

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I decided if given the opportunity today when I picked Hayden up from school, I was going to have a chat with her teacher. I see the school work that comes home and I'm quite pleased with her progress. However, talking with her specialists yesterday I realized that she's been in school for four weeks and I haven't asked how she's doing inside the classroom beyond what I see come home.

I did get the chance and I was rather happy to hear what I did. She had some nice things to say about Hayden. She said she's such a sweet little girl who is very kind! She's very quiet and stays to herself. She doesn't volunteer to lead any tasks or offer up information, but when she's asked, she willingly participates. She has a desire to play with the other kids, but doesn't seem to know how to approach them, nor have the confidence. So she plays in the schoolyard often by herself, or parallel to the kids. However, that's often, not always - and that all of the kids in her class really like her. She said Hayden seems to have a lot of fun playing inside or out of the classroom and seems to really absorb all that she's taught! She's very philosophical with her questions and very interested in the hearing answers. (However, she won't ask those questions out loud in front of everyone.)

She's a bit standoff-ish when it comes to art projects or something that they haven't done before. She's very unsure of doing her projects until she's guided and sees how much the other kids are enjoying it. She's never disruptive, and only had to be told to calm down once. That was today in music class. She was very fidgety today, couldn't sit still and seemed to be seeking more stimulation then they were giving. However, music day is very busy and exhausting so they were at a loss of how to wear her out!

So...I was very pleased to hear all of that. At home, Hayden is extremely hyper and hard to contain. So I really wanted to check to see what her behavior was like at school. I gave her a new packet that she needs to fill out, a report card of sorts, for me to turn in for further evaluations. But, nothing she told me about Hayden's social integration issues was a surprise. I think Hayden is making some progress. She's so comfortable there and last school year, it took her a long time to actually play in the school yard as opposed to sit next to her teachers. So, I think this was a very positive report!

Sooo.....Today.

We've had a challenging summer of evaluations and appointments in regards to Hayden's development. We've felt helpless and frustrated at many times, and hopeful and composed at others. The culmination of 10 months of many different types of tests, evaluations and second opinions, came today when Hayden was formally diagnosed with a moderate form of Autism. It's a diagnosis that we knew was more of a possibility than not, however, it's never easy hearing that something is 'not right' with your child. We believed that Hayden had a very mild form of something within the realms of the Autism Spectrum, but her assessments scores have determined she's moderate, but she will be classified as mild to moderate. She was initially qualified as fitting within the spectrum of Asperger's (high functioning Austism), but further diagnostics have showed that she classifies in the Autism spectrum. What does this mean? This means that Hayden will now under go an evaluation from the state...the DDD (same system that Taylor is in). They will have to approve her diagnosis and then she will be picked up for services. Now, of course, that's all in a perfect world! We've had some major hiccups and set backs along this road, so we know that it's not that cut-n-dry. But, regardless it will lead to her having access to every type of therapy you can possibly imagine to help her maintain in the world that she revolves in! They (her teams of specialists, Ped. and Conal and I) are all really optimistic and pretty sure that she's going to overcome many of her challenges. There is no cure for Autism, however...with early intervention and the proper support and guidance she can learn how manage her struggles in ways that are amazing! As you can see, we are realists, but we also have high expectations of this little sweetie. She's doing reallly well at her school and they'd like us to put her into a special ed. preschool through the district. We were not impressed with the program in terms of the needs that she has, but will look into it again. I also think that she's just blossoming at her school, where she's comfortable, and with a class of only 8, they're able to help her immensely. I would hate to take her out of there. So, I'm not rushing into that. We will take each step one at a time and start with getting her the State eval. My ultimate goal is to get her into L.I.F.E for her treatments. It is also believed that Hayden has either a form of ADHD or OCD...but that will be determined at a later date. They will see how she responds to her treatments and therapies before evaluating a further cause. However, those can generally be contained with a medication. Not that that's a good thing...however, if you've walked in our shoes, you'll know how breathtaking it is to be getting answers....

Stuck in the 90's!

YOU BELONG IN 1996

With you anything goes! You're grunge one day, ghetto fabulous the next. It's all good!

Well, anyone that knows me real well, knows that I could easily be stuck in the 90's! I said "COULD BE"...don't bother telling me if I really am! ;o)

Amber had this fun link posted to her blog, and of course, I couldn't resist clicking on it! I definately thought it summed me up, so I thought I'd post it. Crazy how some things, just never change!!

What year do YOU belong in?

4 weeks down!

Hayden has four weeks down into this school year. I'm really pleased with how she's progressing. She loves her school, her teacher and seeing her teachers from last year. This year her class is small. She has 8 kids in there, which is just perfect, and four of them are her friends from last school year. Her teacher is Ms.Terri and it's her first time teaching pre-K, as she's been the kindergarten teacher at the academy in the past. I'm really glad that she's Hayden's teacher. Hayden is coming home each day with school work worthy of kindergarten and it may take her a couple of days to retain, but she always does, a couple days later, tell us what she's learned at school! There's that darn auditory processing issue...but even though it's taking awhile to sink in, I'm so pleased that it actually is!

The September syllabus was sent home on last Tuesday and I'm so thrilled with it. She goes 5 days a week, which is a great routine for her. We all know how routine is crucial for this little sweetie! In this month of September, she will be learning:

Literacy

Aa - Adam ate an apple (Adam and Eve)

Bb - Noah built a boat (Noah's Ark)

Cc - Count the kids with me (Abraham and Sarah: Birth of Isaac)

Dd - Esau ate the dinner (Jacob and Esau)

Math

triangle, two and black

Science/Social Studies/Health

All About Me

Apples

Emotions (feelings)

Family and Friends

Safety

Religion

Prayers: Sign of the Cross and Our Father

and she will be beginning Atrium, this week. Atrium was her absolute favorite day of school last year.

We're really proud of how hard she's working. She gets frustrated and her teacher can see her lack of confidence, due to her perfectionism in certain aspects. But, as time progresses and we find the help that she needs, she should be able to overcome those things. Or at the very least, learn how to manage it!

What an amazing little girl she is! She's loving school and we take such pride in seeing her hunger to learn!
On a side note, tomorrow, she has another appointment with her specialist and a new series of evaluations with a new children's psych. We weren't thrilled with the old psych., so we've sought out a new one.

Mommy's going back to work.

Tomorrow starts a whole new ballgame in our house (so to speak!). Last December I took my little few hours a month part time job to an administrative level, doing all of the recruiting and hiring for the company I was working for, and it's parent company. It's a seasonal job, and I completed my first 1/2 season in May. I was hired on at 20 hours per week, but as most (or all) of you know, it was never really just a part time job. So, this summer gave me and Conal time to think, regroup and reflect on the benefits that my job brought to our family. We also decided that since I was working a minimum of 30 hours a week, that I would see what they thought of me going more full time. I'm very lucky that they see me as a huge benefit to their staff. We've come up with new job expectations from both sides. So, tomorrow, I start my new season, that will continue through May. I will be recruiting, hiring and orienting new employees. I will also hold a monthly training seminar for employees to keep them in the 'loop' and to keep their minds fresh and active for the upcoming party season. I love my job, I always say that it was "taylor made" for me. I get to work from home, manage my own schedule, yet, bet out amongst people seeking the social interaction that I so badly got to missing during my time as a stay at home mom.

I felt blessed when this opportunity presented itself to me last Winter, and even more so now, that they have seen what I'm capable of and that they're so excited to have me back!

So, we'll have another adjustment phase at our house. It's an adjustment for all of us. Mommy will be working full time from home, maintaining the household, getting Hayden to school and keep Taylor's therapy schedule on track. I will also make sure dinner is made, or at least prepared so Conal can finish it up on the evenings I'm not home, and get the girls to and from their many doctor appointments. Sounds busy, and it will be, but I still can't complain! I'm looking forward, once again, to a steady paycheck! woot-woot :o)

PS...I'm still looking for in-home childcare that I can just drop in when needed (mostly a 2 1/2 year old, occasionally a 5 year old), somewhere between me and St. Tim's. If you know of anyone, PLEASE let me know! I've exhausted referrals and the child care website, as everyone I've called is BOOKED UP. boo-hoo!

Happy Birthday Mom!

My mom turned __ __ on Thursday. So Friday night, they had us all over for dinner to celebrate. My dad cooked up a delicious meal and we just really enjoyed just hanging out. We don't get together with my parents and sisters family- all at once- too often, seems like a holiday or celebration only, as we've all got such different schedules. But when we do, it's a lot of fun!
My sister and I each made a scrapbook page of the kids (my mom requested it) to frame, and we're going to go out and see Mamma Mia (before it leaves the theaters). I think my mom had a pretty good birthday and we had a lot of fun helping her celebrate! Happy Birthday Mom, Lori, Memaw...we love you!!

While Mom and I were enjoying the spa.....

The girls and Con went to the Coxes to play! Conal and Bubba went on a great ride through the SanTan's on Sunday night and the kids wanted so bad to ride. But, by the time they got back it was really dark, so he promised Hayden he'd take her back out on Monday. Looks like they had a great time! Pam, thanks for capturing the moment.Daddy and his girls
Leading Hayden and Tay around the arenaOur Pride and JoyCon, bareback on Molly.

Labor Day Weekend

Well....we definately didn't labor this past weekend! Hayden's school had a parents night out on Friday, so we sent the kids there for the evening. Four hours for $20, not bad! They had a great time making crafts, dancing and singing, playing in the play yard, eating snacks and watching movies. We actually picked them up at 9:00...who knew we could have four hours away from the kids, and not be able to fill it?!
So, what did we do? We went to Los Felipes Cantina at the Tempe Marketplace and hit happy hour! We enjoyed a child free, no maintenance meal. Well, actually, we shared an appetizer and didn't even have a whole meal, but it was fun!
On Saturday my parents had the kids from 10-6 to do some baking and playing. We decided that we didn't want to just sit around all day so we headed into Scottsdale. We parked near the mall and were going to see what was going on around the Waterfront area. I've been there before, so I knew there wasn't much, but it still beat strolling a mall near us that we frequent more often, or hanging out at home!
Well, the Waterfront (which is aptly named for several swanky businesses located on a stinky canal!) was a bust! Most of the boutique stores (which...not a single one looked interesting) were closed for the holiday weekend. Strange, but whatever!
So we walked our way in Old Town. After awhile as we were drenched in sweat, we hopped on the free trolley and made our way to a great little cafe called the Grapevine. Once again, we found another happy hour! We enjoyed a long lunch sitting on the roof under the misters and cloud coverage for a couple of hours. We hit some tourist stores and then stopped in at the SugarBowl for some ice cream. Delicious! After that, we hopped back on the trolley for a little tour on our way back to the car.
It was really fun to do a touristy thing for the day. We kinda felt like we were out of town for a few hours!
Monday, I joined my mom at Camelback Spa for the day. What a nice, relaxing, enjoyable day. We arrived around 10:30 and didn't leave until 5:00! We had so much fun laughing, envying, gossiping and lounging! We both had amazing treatments and a wonderful day!
So, my weekend included no Labor just lots of fun on our own schedule!

Fun Day with Memaw and Papa

My mom booked all four of the grandchildren a week in advance for a baking day. This is the first time the little ones got to participate. The kids decorated chocolate cupcakes and they even made allergy free cupcakes for Taylor!

They had 4 kids for 8 hours and entertained them to the fullest! They made cupcakes, ran in the sprinklers, played Go Fish and enjoyed some serious Memaw and Papa silly time!

My girls told us how much fun they had...and I can just imagine that my parents had equally as much, if not more!