Eww....the stomach flu

Unfortunately, the stomach flu was passed to Taylor who kindly shared it. Eww, the stomach flu. I thought Taylor was throwing up on Monday night because she may have gotten a hold of some milk. Negative. Wednesday night Conal came down with it and Thursday night Hayden. The icky, sticky, pukey, stinky, barfy, grody stomach flu. Eww.
Update 11/30: I ended up with the stomach flu too. Eww.

Pumpkin Pie Party

Today, parents were invited into Hayden's classroom for a pumpkin pie party, in honor of Thanksgiving. They sang a fun little turkey song and most of them realized they don't even like pumpkin pie! I was Hayden's guest, she was a gracious hostess!

Singing

Ms. Terri and Hayden

On this Thanksgiving Eve.....

I am thankful for...............

THESE TWO GIRLS!

They have NO IDEA how thankful I am for them today. Actually, they probably do. And, I'm thankful for them everyday, but today they helped me out more then they will ever know. Uh, actually, I think they know how much they're helping me out and that's why they offered to do what they're doing. Oh goodness, now I'm talking in circles!

Long story short, I have been sick for two weeks. I can't seem to shake it. It started with a kidney infection, then a cold and now some awful sore throat thing that won't even give me relief with Advil. I've been working beyond over time which culiminated on Saturday with a 14 hour shift and was up all night Monday with a pukey Taylor. I'm hosting Thanksgiving tomorrow and can barely tell which way is up.

When Pam called this morning to see if the girls and I wanted to join her and Jenna and their munchkins at Bounce Jungle, I told her that I just wasn't up to it. She was insistant on coming to get the girls and take them with her to give me a break and let them play. That phone conversation thrilled me beyond words. The thought of being able to get my work done this morning without interruptions and feeling like I'm neglecting the girls when we should be out having fun, was a huge relief to me. Finishing my priorities and taking a warm shower to try and relieve some pressure in my ears and pain in my throat, without two kids standing there hassling me sounds dreamy! I LOVE MY SISTER, she has perfect timing, always!

Just a bit ago, she called me with another plan they concocted! Jenna is watching Tay for me this afternoon for about 2 hours, but I hadn't planned to take her over until about 1:30. Well, Jenna decided that it was probably a good idea to take Tay home from lunch, as she was tired and she didn't want her to miss her nap or get woken up early from it. In the meantime, Pam was going to drive Hayden into Mesa for school.

I can't help but feel like I'm putting them out. But I keep telling myself they wouldn't offer if they didn't truly want to. I can't wait to be able to re-pay the favor for both of them. I appreciate it girls, so much. THANK YOU!

Now, I'm signing off to take a nap! Ahhhh.......

Thursdays with Jenna and Kadie

For the last couple of months, every Thursday, Jenna has been watching Taylor for us. I was looking everywhere for childcare for one afternoon a week, and the occasional drop-in, when she sent me a note telling me that she was able to do it since she was no longer working and home with Kadie all day. Oh my goodness, that was the answer to my prayers! We could not feel any better about her there, were she at one of our own family members homes.

Taylor LOVES going to "Shanna and Keedee's house". She looks forward to it and everyday that we get into the car to take Hayden to school, she asks if she's gets to go. When I tell her "no", she gets very upset. Then we pass by their neighborhood on the way and she gets over it by waving and saying "bye bye Keedee, see you Toes-say". It's way too cute! I love that she looks forward to going there, and that she also has her own little friend!

Jenna is an amazing mom and has the MOST creative ideas EVER! Taylor comes home with a report card each day noting how many times she's used the potty, what she ate, and the hours she napped. They always do a constructive activity and they go to the park often. When we leave she and Kadie continually say good-bye until we're down the road. Last Thursday she was yelling out the window "I love you Shanna, I love you Keedee". It's too cute!

These Indian headbands their wearing was only ONE of their projects from their Thanksgiving lesson last week! I am going to post pics of some other of their projects later. Aren't they just the cutest little friends ever?!!

Thank you, Ms. Dina

Today was the culmination of two years of Occupational Therapy for Taylor. She has been discharged from her therapy meeting all of her goals. Ms. Dina was her therapist the entire time. Ms. Dina grew to be an extension off of our family. I am going to miss Wednesday mornings at 10:00, and seeing Ms. Dina's van pull up in the front of the house. Not only did Taylor accel and achieve her goals, she really loved and trusted Ms. Dina. About a year ago, she started to help me with Hayden, giving me ideas, tricks and tips. We have a lot in common with our children with developmental issues, allergies and ailments. She's broadened my horizons a bit on sensory challenges, disabilities and alternative treatments. Every couple of months, she would leave her "tools" here (arts and craft projects, science experiments, blocks, lego-type thingys, etc) on purpose. She loved bringing those treats for the girls, utilizing them in therapy and then leaving them as an 'excuse' so they could practice!
Not only did she bring them more fun doo-dads, today, but she sent me a really nice email. Some tips and reminders, things to continue to do with Taylor and to help with Hayden. Hayden is currently undergoing her intake to qualify for services. In the meantime, Ms. Dina has been working with her on the sly. She will be Hayden's OT, so she is not done with our family. She's very excited to help us understand Hayden and help Hayden understand her life. In response to the letter she sent me, I sent her one back. I will also forward it on to her office. I'm sure they already know how amazing she is, but I want to make sure that they know her patients think so too.
Of course, I document everything, so I'd like to save this as a reminder.

Thank you Dina. You are such an amazing person, a gift. I felt a bit unprepared today, as you left. I 'knew' it was Taylor's last session, but completely forgot about it until the end. It never really dawned on me. I appreciate all you've done for her and for us. You've enlightened me on the differences that lie within ourselves. You've opened my mind to patience and tolerance and acceptance. I think I could've been blinded, a bit jaded and definately ignorant to all that Taylor struggled with when she was younger and all we're faced with, with Hayden. But you've encouraged me to educate myself and accept differences. I don't think I've come across anyone who has ever seemed to truly love their profession as you do. Your passion to help just amazes me. I value your opinions, your strength and your encouragement.

Pictures to be posted later.

Say Cheese!

What are three women to do with four kids for an entire day in Laughlin while waiting for the senior bus to arrive from California? Find a park and take PICTURES!! I've been waiting for these pics to come in from Pam, and boy, in my opinion, they were worth the wait! Pam gave them to me raw so I could edit them. Even though we have the same program, I like her editing better. I guess it's kinda how a sandwich always tastes better when someone else makes it!

I don't ever like pictures of myself, but she's always encouraging me to jump in on one or two because I hardly have any with the girls. Here are the results...

I've been tagged....

My friend Krissy (We go waaay back! 1989, I think. Sanger CA, I know.) tagged me in her blog. So, I shall not disappoint, and keep the game going. I'm to answer 7 things that I love. First off, I'm not going to include my family, because that's a given! I don't know if these are my favorite things, but they are 7 things that I love!

1. Givenchy Pi (men's cologne)
2. watching Conal laugh...it's contagious!
3. Saturday's with nothing to do
4. Grilled Chicken Ziti from Pesto's (ziti w/ cream sauce, pesto and a dollop of marinara!)
5. experimenting with new recipes
6. my Buxom lipgloss
7. the beach and everything that comes with it!

Now, I have to pass it on. So, I tag: Amber, Kim and Kari...You're it!

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS GIRL?

If somebody has seen this girl, please notify the authorities immediately! She has gone missing, from MY world, and I need her back! I am selfish, erratic and completely lost without her. Alright, LESS lost without her, she COMPLETES that feat for me :)

It's not odd that I haven't seen her in a week, but I haven't spoken to her in that long either. WHAT? You ask? Yes, we haven't talked in a week. She has been spending her time with her husband who works an off-beat schedule, cleaning the house --- like CLEANING the house, and spent a long weekend with an old friend that she only sees less than once a year.

I hope she's done having a life now (you know, because I have absolutely nothing to do -hahaha!) because I'm ready to have her back, please and thank you!

Goal, MET

On December 5th, 2006 Taylor started her first session of therapies to help her with her early diagnosis of developmental delays. She had physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and feeding therapy and play therapy with an early interventionist. Four days a week, one of her therapists would come into our home to help her. Our goal...to get her caught up! Her doctors, therapists and Conal and I have always been optimistic that she would be just fine, once she did catch up. She had a really rough start to life which seemed to make simple things like sitting up, rolling over and walking a bit challenging for her.

After a year of speech and feeding therapy, Taylor was discharged. Her speech was a little above where the average 21 month old's speech was. And she was now chewing well, swallowing without choking and able to use a straw. We still had work to do on a sippy cup, but we were able to help her with that on our own. Goal, MET.

At 22 months, as the early interventionist was leaving her job, we decided that Taylor seemed to be doing well enough with her OT and PT to not pick up another. Her case worker agreed, as did her other therapists. Taylor was almost two and she was walking (20 months), laughing and engaging play with other kids. Goal, MET.

Taylor spent the next 7 months challenging herself. She's very strong willed and determined. Head strong is an understatement! This child definately tests us, but I think she's gained that spirit by challenging herself and testing herself over the last 2 1/2 years. In addition to Taylor's severe food allergies, leading to her failure to thrive and lack of weight gain for over a year, she had constant ear infections and strep throat. In May, she had her adnoids removed, her tonsils out and tubes put in her ears, and oh my goodness. This little girl's world has opened up like we would've never imagined. Able to hear with full range now and focus on the world, other than focus on not feeling well, she took off running through the starting gates. It has amazingly flooded our hearts to see our girl grow, put on weight, develop a beautiful personality and a tender soul. All this time, she didn't feel well. The fluid on her ear caused her so much grief. Loss of balance, lack of patience, motion sickness, irritability, and many other sensory issues. Everything sort of fell into place. She was finally meeting goals in her occupational therapy. She was able to walk on the grass barefoot, and play in the sandbox. Vibration was a huge aversion of hers. Her therapist has been working on it with her since she was 8 months old. All summer long Conal would work with her little bits at a time, and sure enough...with time and tolerance, she started to react positively. She will now play with toys that she was unable to touch or engage with before. She can ride in a car without getting sick and/or crying because it hurt. Her fine motor skills have developed beautifuly. She can button and zip and is working on snaps. She can lace, and draw and stack. Yesterday, Ms. Dina tested Taylor to see her skills and Taylor has passed them all, with MORE than flying colors! Goal, MET.

Taylor will have one more OT therapy session next Wednesday and then she will be discharged. (Ms. Dina will still remain a part of our family, as she's Hayden's OT too!)

We are still working on PT. The lasting effect of Tay's low muscle tone is a weaker left leg, weak endurance and she still has a bit of a struggle with balance. So, Ms. Denise continues to help her strive, and I'm sure in no time, those goals will be met too!

I'm so proud of Taylor. She's happy, she's helpful, she's compassionate. She's independant, she's potty trained and she's a problem solver. She's an amazing little girl who has definately tested my strength as a mother and an individual. She has taught me so much about myself in just two and a half short (albeit looooooooong) years. And to be quite honest, I think I needed that to gear up for our journey with Hayden.

It's here, it's finally here.

Although it's only 3:51pm right now and the final temperature has not yet been recorded for today, I think it's safe to say that Fall is finally here. It's GORGEOUS out! It's around 77 degrees, sunny, crisp and beautiful. I'm sure the leaves won't change until about January, like they did last year. But I'm still thrilled to have a cool down. Summer's get so long being couped up between 4 walls and stale air conditioning. I have my house opened up, my ceiling fans on medium instead of high, and my mulled cider candle burning in the kitchen. I'm trying to make it feel like a real Autumn day. What could top it off? A nice warm soup cooking on the stove or a fragrant roast in the crockpot. Where is that dinner fairy?

Current Mood - Concerned

As we sat glued to the tv tonight, annoyed that we've been inundated with politics for the last 21 months, we couldn't turn away from this historical election. For the first time in 10 years, both Conal and myself voted for the same candidate. To be quite honest, I was not thrilled with either candidate, and I had a really hard time making up my mind. But in the end, when I looked at the big picture, I seemed to be able to rest at ease more with the thought of Senator John McCain at the helm. I didn't realize how comfortable I was with my decision until I saw the possibility slip further and further away. At 8:45 Conal cashed in for the night and I was still glued to the tv, IM'ing with Bonnie, our aggravations and fears, for what our future might hold. We decided to get together, even though we were both in our pajamas, at her house and wallow in Senator McCain's concession speech with some red wine.
We have the same concerns, as I'm sure many, about 50% of American's have right now. We're concerned about the safety of our family, our finances. Our global rating with foreign countries, and the possiblities of what they could have in store for us. I'm a bit scared of his judgement and his limited experience, with only four years in policital office.
At this point, I have to accept our new President and hope that his socialist views don't make too drastic of an impact on our society. We have four years with him, and over these four years, I hope that those that did want a certiain change are happy with what they got. I do think it's amazing that we elected our first African American President. I'm proud of our Country for seeing no color, no barrier. I can't imagine what the amazing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be saying right now. I'm excited to see this chapter of history be made, in my lifetime. I do, however, wish I felt more comfortable with Barack Obama's views and leftism.

POST SCRIPT: This is not to be an argumentative post. PLEASE, if you have a rebuttle, don't share it here. I am not a political maven. I do not welcome political discussion or arguments. I am chronicling my thoughts and feelings, as this is my journal. Thank you, The Management!

On this day....this historic day

On this day, this historic day, my darling lil Taycakes came and stood by my bedside this morning picking my nose. Not picking at my nose, or poking it. Picking it. And as I opened my eyes. My swollen, blurry, not wanting to be awake at 6:45am eyes, I see her finger dip right into her mouth. Under her tongue. She then looked at me questioningly and said "nuffin' Mommy". I didn't ask her a question. So did "nuffin' " mean she was doing nothing, or did "nuffin'" mean she got nothing out of my nose? Not sure I'll ever know the answer to that question. Not sure I would really want to know the answer to that question.

On this day, this historic day, Hayden turned on the bathtub and adjusted the water temperature all by herself. When I asked her what she was doing, she told me she needed to bathe to get the bed bugs off of her. Startled, I asked if she found new bites on her body. She is pretty covered in mosquito bites, and my sister and I were talking about bed bugs...so I figured she was eavesdropping and picked that up from us. "No mom, see?!" Apparently, she too, was up early this morning. Yet, my quiet little Hayden, who can entertain herself for hours chose to stay in her bedroom and draw beetles all over her legs.

On this day, this historic day, little Tay went into the cubhouse at Basha's all by herself for the first time. Not only was it a big deal that she was going by herself, it was an even bigger deal when my name was paged over the loudspeaker to come to the cubhouse. Taylor told Ms. Claudia (who by the way LOVES my girls) that she needed to go to the "tow-wet". YAY! We left the house at noon and this was 1:15. This is MONUMENTAL!

On this day, this historic day, I went to vote. Proud of the freedoms that our country has bestowed upon us. Our right to speak, and choose, to express and conquer. I went to vote. No line, no crowd. Me and my daughter expressing our rights, our choice for who we want to lead our country. In this critical time in our lives, with our economy, with wars raging and battles brewing, I took myself to a polling place to speak my voice.

On this day, this historic day, I look at my family with aggravation AND love. My house is a mess. Laundry is piled halfway to the ceiling on a wall in my bedroom. My kitchen counter is cluttered. Toys are strewn across the backyard. But we are healthy, we are happy. We are making our way together, we have each other. We will all clean it up later after we spend some time playing a game, each of the girls will get to pick one out. We are loved and we are blessed.

On this day, this historic day, I let go of my stresses and embraced my relievers. For a day, of course, tomorrow may be different!

Meanwhile.....

While we were in Nevada, Conal and Bubba were on a 10 hour turn-around to Las Cruces, New Mexico on Sunday. Bubba had to haul some horses there to meet somebody who recently moved to Dallas. He worked a 24 hour shift at the station the day prior, getting off the morning that he left, so he needed someone to go with him and help him drive. I heard they had a fun, junk food filled, silly music, stinky good time :o) Boys...these two BFF's crack me up!! (and I had to add BFF just to get a rise out of Conal - although he'd never admit it, these two manly men are sooo like girls!)

Road Trip to see Great Grandpa

Last Wednesday, my mom called and said that my grandpa was going to be in Laughlin Sunday-Tuesday. Would we be interested in a last minute road trip to go see him? Since it's been 3 years since Pam and I have seen him. Hayden just turned 2, Cooper was 1 and I was newly pregnant w/ Tay, we jumped at the idea! I've tried planning a couple of different trips to the Fresno area over the last two years, but something has always jumped in my way. So this seemed like a great opportunity!

We drove there Saturday night, after we left a birthday party. We got out of town at 7:45p and arrived into Laughlin just prior to midnight. It was a quick easy drive, and the kids slept most of the way. It was Pam's idea to leave Saturday night, and what a great one that was!

Sunday we went to a breakfast buffet at another hotel and killed a couple of hours at a park letting the kids play. There is literally NOTHING to do in Laughlin, which we knew ahead of time. They ran off all of their steam before we took them back to the hotel for a couple hour nap. They had to rest up to see "great grandpa" (aptly named by Hayden)! He arrived at 3:00 on Sunday. He called us when we got in and we headed up to his room! I think he was just as excited to see us as we were him. He couldn't believe how big Hayden ,and Cooper had gotten, and was amazed to meet Taylor and Cash. He told us that when my mom called him to tell him we were going to go, he couldn't sleep that night because he was so excited. I think that's really cute! :)

So, we gathered our goods and went out to dinner. The kids were very well behaved for the first hour. They started getting antsy, not knowing how long great-grandpa can talk! Little do they know, that's where that gift was bestowed upon them! haha

It was really wonderful to see my grandpa. He looks great, he does not look like he's aged a day since I saw him three years ago! He does have a hearing aide now, and is hunched over a bit do to him bum knee and back but he's still as fiesty as ever and looks great!

"Happy Trick or Treating"

We had a very full, yet fun-filled Halloween this year! The day started with the Cox' annual Halloween party. The girls and I stopped by for about an hour, enough time to each some lunch! Most everyone participated by bringing a Halloween themed dish! I made mummy dogs, there were eye ball deviled eggs and a spiderweb cheesecake to name a few. The girls had a fun in just the short time we were there, but we had to get going quickly so we wouldn't miss Hayden's All Saints Parade and program. Hayden (who went as Princess Aurora aka Sleeping Beauty for Halloween) was St. Adelia. I don't have a picture of the parade, as I took video of it. But here are the kids in the sanctuary performing some songs 'When the Saints Go Marching In', 'This Little Light of Mine', and 'His Banner Over Me Says Love'. Before their parade, they went trick or treating in the offices at the Church. Hayden and Hannah C.After the school party, we came home and the girls took a nap. They were both exhausted, and needed to rest up for some serious trick or treating! We went to the Bauman's neighborhood for a Chili, Cornbread and Block Party! The rule there is at that EVERYONE has to dress up. It was really fun! It's been years since Conal and I dressed up. So, this year Bonnie, her friend Julie and myself dressed up as goddesses. As we were out shopping during the week for our costume accessories, we decided to theme each one. I was a gothic goddess, Julie was a love goddess and Bonnie was an etherial goddess. We had so much fun personalizing our costumes and doing fun hair and makeup! Conal went as a cowboy. I know, real original. But he couldn't make up his mind all week, and the game time decision (suggested by Pam) since he has all the goods for it. Hayden and Tay had a blast trick or treating! They last for four full blocks. Tay's bag was so heavy that she couldn't carry it anymore! We told Hayden she couldn't eat any candy because she wouldn't eat dinner. So, halfway through the fourth block she started saying she was starving and needed some chili. LOL. So, we finished up and went back. She ate a big bowl of chili in turn for some candy!!