Tribute to Chloe

On Tuesday, February 17th, we had to put Chloe to rest. It was one of the toughest decisions we have ever made. She was our first pet, our first commitment, heck....our first child! We loved her so dearly and decided we needed to do what was best for her.

We spent the last night with her, Monday, taking pictures and playing. Loving and reminiscing on all the fun, crazy, mischevious times we had with her. Tuesday was a really tough day. We struggled with every hour, creeping closer, being her last. The girls and I did a cement cast of her paw print that we're going to memorialize somewhere in our backyard. But we didn't tell them what was going to be happening. I will chronicle that story in a future post. It's still such a sensitive subject that I can't get too deep into it yet ;)

Chloe was such a great dog. We miss her terribly...she can never be replaced...and will ALWAYS hold such a special place in our hearts.

NBA All-Star Experience

For Kristy's birthday on February 13th, we decided to do something out of the ordinary. Something that we wouldn't typically do. It just so happened that the NBA All-Star festivities were in Phoenix that weekend. SO....we got ourselves to the start of the Lightrail line and rode our way into the center of downtown. With a bunch of pictures to document our experience, I think I'll break this down into segments!!
Lightrail
Great concept! Even better price. For a $2.50 unlimited pass, we secured ourselves a seat on the air conditioned train. After we parked our car, of course, in one of the designated lots. Umm...seemed safe during the daylight. Definately a bit scary returning about 9:00pm. Why oh why is this track along the scariest parts of the Valley? Seriously. It took us an hour and twenty minutes to get from Mesa to downtown. It probably would've taken about 30 minutes to drive from her house, but the experience was interesting, AND it was really nice to let someone else do the driving for us, and not have to pay an arm and a leg for parking! So, to us...worth the ride (for that event!).
NBA All-Star Jam Session and Block Party
We decided it was definately geared more toward kids. There were lots of families, but we definately weren't the only 'grown ups' (if you can call us that) there. We wandered around a bit. I took some classic people watching, hootchie mama shots with my camera phone! I must say, I rather enjoyed myself, sending Conal text pictures of all the girlfriends I found for him, should things not work out with us! HAHA. The moral of this story....SEQUINS, STILETTO'S and GOLD are not standard basketball festivity observing clothes. When in doubt, please ladies, please, wear jeans and sneakers! All in all, it was a fun experience!
Night Cap
Nothing like ending a celebratory night out at the Cheesecake Factory. Enough said!

DDD Press Conference

I was asked to be a speaker at the press conference with the Senator this morning. I was just standing on the sidewalk with my girls when they came up and approached me. It was amazing! I got to speak out for those who can't, in regards to the benefits of Early Intervention, and what it's done for my daughter and family! Big budget cuts hit DDD and rocked over 3000 families in the Arizona:-( This press conference didn't bring the budget back obv., but it shows the support of all of the families that it has benefitted...we're not going down without a fight! It was great too, because Conal showed up unexpected..we had no idea I was going to do anything other than 'listen' to Senator Taylor. We also heard a compelling story from a mother who has a 1 year old with Down Syndrome whose services were stripped from them yesterday. It goes to show that we, who have our children's best interest at heart, may be temporarily defeated, but we will not go down.
So, I spoke out on the benefits Early Intervention via AzEIP has done for us. Now, I continue my fight for help for Hayden...my battle for Autism help.

As soon as I find the video coverage, I will post it. There's got to be video somewhere!

Rallying for our Right

The lines are hot and my email is inundated today with different advocates rallying support for DDD and DES. I've had email from parents and support groups as well as Taylor's therapists. Also, phone calls from several different people that my path has crossed with, as well. The State is trying to cut the budget for in home therapy and family support for those with children in the system. This affects so many children and families...including mine. I can't believe this, in addition to our education programs are on the chopping block in Arizona right now. It literally sickens me.
Please pray that they find the funds to continue to help families like mine, with a daughter who has Autism, and another daughter that has benefitted from services due to a Developmental Delay diagnosis.
If anyone cares to join me, Hayden and Taylor...we will be attending a rally on the front lawn of the State Capitol Friday at noon!

Chloe

Date of Birth: Unknown, estimated sometime in 1995

Date of Adoption: September 26, 1999

Date She Left Us: February 17, 2009

Phoenix Coyotes

We went to the Coyotes hockey game last night with my parents. My dad's company has great tickets that come with dinner at the Toyota Club. While we were down there eating dinner, I snuck Hayden to the ice to get a picture. We also discovered that the restaurant sits between the locker rooms. And the teams walk down the halls surrounded by windows. Well, I took Hayden over to the Coyotes hall way and they have a roped off area that the kids can stand and give high five's to the players as they come in after warm ups. I really didn't think she's participate, but sure 'nuff, she did! She loved it! There were a couple of little boys there, with their parents, that kept putting her hand down because they didn't want her up there with them. She stood her ground and high five'd the team captain, Shane Doan!

We enjoyed watching the first quarter from our box. The girls munched on anything with sugar that Memaw could find them! Cotton candy, churros and hot chocolate! We left after that as we were tired and it's an hour drive.

We had a great time, the girls had a lot of fun and we got some good pictures! I'm always up for doing something that will make great pictures and fun memories!

Hayden's DDD Update

As for our appointment with DDD, they agreed with Hayden's diagnosis and qualified her for services. On that day, they told us to wait 10-14 days and a case manager should be contacting us. And also, in 10-14 days, so should some funding company that the State uses. Hayden, herself, will need to qualify for funding. That will entail them doing their own evaluation in addition to the one the Melmed Center has done and the State has done. See, as it was explained to me yesterday by somebody whose walked this walk before, they're looking for loopholes. They overwork the evaluations in hopes of finding something that somebody missed to disqualify her.
We were then, at the end of our meeting, informed that we're "Running out of time". I was PISSED. I, the mother who has done nothing but fight and battle for help for her daughter for the last year and a half, am "running out of time". What that means is....Hayden is going to be six in July. So, she will need to re-qualify after August 1st. She will need to seek a new psychologist (and it was made clear to me that it cannot be done by one in CUSD), she will need a new formal evaluation from the psych., will need a new eval. by the State and then another for funding again. So, if we are qualified for funding now, we can hurry and pick up her services and get her help before her birthday. Because after that happens, we're starting from scratch again.

Aggravating.

Regardless. I will do what it takes. Running out of time or not.

Yesterday I was told, by Tay's PT, that out of her 40 patients, she can count on one hand the parents who are so proactive and involved in their children's lives. I was on that hand. She commended me on my strength and perseverance where my kids are concerned. That was a nice compliment, and I take great pride in that. It also saddens me of the parents that just give up. I know how easy that would be to do. But how could you not want the best for your kids. A brighter future is not going to fall into their laps, we have to help them make that happen.

Now, if somebody could take great pride in making our journey a little less discouraging, that would be wonderful!

Nana, Tay and Grandpa Ed

Conal and I had an appointment with DDD today, concerning Hayden. Nana and Grandpa came down to sit with Tay. I heard that all three of them thoroughly enjoyed one another!

Happy Birthday Pamcakes!

Happy Birthday to my super cute, amazingly talented, wonderfully devoted sister. Oh yah, and at times a bit flighty ;o) I love you so much Pam! Hope this birthday is a good one!!

Plagerized Post :o)

This is a post Jenna has on her blog. I thought it was too cute to pass up putting it on mine too! I'm not sure if she knows what an important role she plays in the life of Taylor. I know I say this often, but Taylor just LOVES Jenna and Kadie. When I got home Thursday night from work, she told me all about dancing at their house. And even though she starts to cry from time to time when I drop her off, it only lasts about a minute, because she sure has fun, once a week, getting out from under the grips of mommy and experiencing life to the fullest with the Watson girls! So, here's Jenna's post......

Dancing Duo

When Taylor was here on Thursday the girls wanted to put on tutus. It was so cute! I turned on some music and they were dancing their little hearts out! I tried to teach them some ballet moves but they were having more fun doing their own thing.

De-clutter

ONE of my resolutions for this year is to de-clutter (internally and externally!). No need to search for the post where all of my resolutions are listed, in long form. Take my word for it! So 30 some odd days into the new year, I'm really doing it!
Physically speaking I've tackled my house with full force.

I had bags (about 5) of old documents that needed to be shredded. It hasn't been done since right before Taylor was born. It's not something that I can ever truly find time for. I have every excuse in the world, valid or not, to procrastinate that task. It's BORING. But two years of stuffed bags and I sat down on the floor in the living room one night mid January and I started plugging away, three sheets at a time. Conal was a bit annoyed because he could hear it and was trying to sleep, so I just did two bags. I found my lucky break two days later as I was passing the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. They had a big truck out there promoting a corporate shredding service. You better believe I scooted my butt home quick to pick up the other 3 bags and anything else I felt not worthy of saving!

After two years with no furniture, I finally bit the bullet and bought Taylor a chest of drawers. Cute. White with pink drawers, perfect size for her room. I also found an adorable table in excellent condition for just $7.99 at the Goodwill (which by the way, is my new fave haunt. Hayden has nicknamed it 'The Junk Store'. Spoiled Sport!). I bought two new pink baskets for underneath the table, and that's where her toys, and more so, her multitudes of dress up clothes are stored. So now, we have a closet without clothes strewn everywhere! More importantly, a place for EVERYTHING! That was huge! I've been struggling with that since last summer! That project was a multi-weekend one! But Mama is so much happier now.

Last weekend, we tackled our bedroom. Conal organized our CD collection. We estimate to have over 300 (that's my low-ball, he thinks more). Most of them are his BB (that's before Becca). He also rearranged the DVD's. I think I've decided that we're going to toss the cases and put them in 'magazines'. That will save so much space. Under our bed is full of storage, with CD's - but at least we got rid of all the VHS tapes since we don't have a VCR! Our goal is to find a home, not just a place for the stuff being stored in our armoir, so that we can ditch it and free up some space in our bedroom. I'm tired of it being the office, craft room, catch all, rec center of this home. I want SANCTUARY!

I used to consider myself a compulsive cupboard organizer. Every few months I'd organize my cupboards. Once we had kids, that obviously went out the window. Other than my spice cabinet, which I seem to do at the change of each season, I haven't done my cupboards in at least 3 years. I think I was preggers with Tay when I did it last. So today, I tackled that task. I donated stuff that I haven't used in the last year and got rid of all the 'baby' stuff. I now have TWO EMPTY cabinets. We were amazed. Not only are they categorized and organized but I have extra space. In this cookie cutter house that has absolutely NO storage space, I have TWO empty cupboards!
And my favorite treat in my de-clutter..ization?? (I don't know what it's called) Is my new RO system! I can't figure out why the family, whose co-leader used to work for WSI and build and install these things for a living, has never had one. However, NOW WE DO! We were looking at the water coolers at Lowe's today and I told Conal that I'd rather, for just a few dollars more, buy an RO system. It will pay for itself by the time the summer comes to a close...NEXT NOVEMBER! haha! We buy so many cases of bottled water a month that we are an endless mountain of water bottles over here. So many go wasted because the girls open them and don't finish them often. And we will not drink after them ;) So, on behalf of US, we're contributing to a longer future of our planet! And we'll be saving ourselves some green too! I am thrilled to just be able to walk over to the sink and fill up a glass! Oh, the little things!

I almost forgot. Somewhere in the midst of all that, we gutted our laundry room too! Only about 3 people have ever seen my laundry room. However, it's no longer a dark, scary hole...it is so pretty, shiny and bleached, too boot!

So, this may be a boring post. It may have exhausted you. Who know's, it could've even inspired you. I don't know why, I've always hated cleaning but LOVED organizing. I can organize like nobody's business. Maybe that's why I'm doing so well with THIS resolution!

PANTRY

Baking Cupboard

Empty Cupboard

Dessert Hour Baby Shower

(This will be a little redundant to those of you who read Pam's blog too!)

On Monday night Pam and I pulled off the surpise of all surprises. Well, Pam did, I just helped! Jenna's due next month, and although she didn't want a baby shower due to her selflessness...not wanting to put anyone on the spot during this time of economic crisis, Pam had a great idea....throw her a SURPRISE shower! I was on board the minute we talked about it. A surprise would prevent any chances of her trying to talk us out of it!

She and Scott are expecing a little boy, and all of Kadie's pink, albeit cute clothes, wouldn't go well on him! So, she needed new gifts and the chance to spend a little uninterrupted time with those who care for her so much!

Jenna's mom lives at Val Vista Lakes, and so she was able to secure the Clubhouse for us to do this in. It made for no set up, an easy clean up, and a fun out-of-the-house place to have a gathering. The party was at 7:00 and lasted about an hour. We served many types of desserts and punch...hence Dessert Hour Baby Shower. Cheesy, I know!

We can't wait to meet Carter and I wish Jenna a fast and painless delivery! But for my own selfish reasons, I don't want him to come early, I'm losing my babysitter!! ha ha J/K...Jenna, I know you'll be ready to be done and for your sake, I hope he's a week or two early!

Meh

I'm not sure what it is. Is it sunshine overload? The fact that we only had one week of winter, and even though I've loved 'airing' my house out, I'm not ready for it to be warm yet. Is it the simple fact that we're inundated around every corner we turn with the sagging economy, layoffs and company closures? Could it be that my house is so clean that there's really nothing for me to do around here other than a few loads of laundry? And there's a reason there's laundry, I don't like doing it. So I'm ignoring it!
I duhno, today is just a blue day.
My grandpa is not doing well. That's an emotional rollercoaster. It's hard being so far away and knowing that the burden is resting solely on a tiny fraction of our family. HE is not a burden, but it's a high maintenace situation, that requires a lot of care and attention.
It could be the fact that I haven't slept well in the last few nights. Seems I've had so much going on lately, I don't wanna call it drama or stress, but it probably fits well into that category, that now that life is ironed out a bit, and we're in the waiting room so to speak, I don't know what to do with myself.
I'm used to being slammed with work, and we're still quiet. I'm attending numerous Networking functions and working on outside sales and marketing, so there's not much I can do in the daytime, work-wise, with the girls home. I'm still at 20 hours a week and not going over them. I've definatley enjoyed spending more time with the girls during the day. Doing fun stuff. But today, mustering up the thought or energy just seems, well..meh.
I thought about taking them to the zoo or the Children's Museum, but I really didn't feel like taking them by myself. Guess I should've gone anyhow! Because now, they're showered and dressed and watching tv while I click away on this keyboard. Fine parenting, at it's best.

I work tonight, another Networking function. I'm not great in a room full of people I don't know. I can fake it, but the nerves drive me nuts and make me queasy. I'll get through it and be glad when it's over.
Well, whatever it is, I hope it's gone tomorrow!

Rollerskatin' Birthday Fun!

Hayden was invited to a birthday party, this past Sunday. It was at Skateland....yes, roller skating! For 11 days, (since she received the invitation) she counted down until the party. She was so excited. Worried a bit, wondering if there were going to be tall ceilings (she has a fear), but talking herself into it being okay!

Party day was here and she could hardly handle the anticipation! She's never skated before so I knew this was going to be interesting! The birthday girl, Natalia, received a pair of skates from Santa and she was a little whiz around the rink. This was the first go-round for the rest of the party-goers! They were all wobbly, and fell often but had a really good time.

Hayden did not like it so much. She was bothered that the floor was so slippery, and kept asking why they mopped it right before she came. Another mother and I were walking her up and down the carpet in her skates, and when she would take her mind off of it, she would actually do pretty well. But she's her own worst enemy...she was fighting it and too worried about falling! Oh well, after I caved (45 mins later) and let her take off the skates, she had more fun just watching the kids from behind the wall!

BYOP

BUILD YOUR OWN PIZZA

Cooper and Cash

I had the pleasure of getting to spend some much needed time with Cooper and Cash on Friday. These boys bring me such joy. And laughter! They are hilarious. They are so different from one another. They have such different personalities and my relationship with each one of them is so special and unique.

Cooper is like the son I won't ever have! Even though it's been a few years...watching him for two years when he was little, I grew this bond and connection with him that is so unbelievably strong. I'm so glad that Coop is still an Auntie's boy! He will still climb into my lap and cuddle with me! He gives me kisses and hugs and I just love hearing him talk, he's so smart. This is what he brought over on Friday, to show me what he made on his 100th day of school!
Cashy showed up at my house in his pj's and his boots! He is hilarious. I tend to call it a love/hate relationship because that's the way I know how, best, to describe it. Although, there is no hate, from either side, ever. He teases me! He doesn't like to let on that he likes me, but we know he does. I can get him laughing and giggling, and we play great games of 'caught ya staring at me'. I think he loves me, I really do...but I don't think he wants me to know it! I must say though, for crying and telling his mommy "auntie's mean", whenever she's going to leave him at my house, he sure does give great lovin's when he's leaving! Ohhh, that's because he's HAPPY to leave?! Well, I don't know why he wouldn't like being here. Since he thinks I'm "mean" (LOL) I shower him with Capri Suns, Lollipops and just about anything else he asks for. Heck, I even let him pee outside!

It's the little things....Part 2

Simple little things, last week, that made me so happy. I think this is becoming a trend!

*Getting an appointment for Hayden with the State
* Celebrating my dad's 53rd birthday over pizza, with my family
*Letting Hayden pick out a silly pair of socks for Crazy Sock day..and they only cost $1
*The Cobb Salad from Liberty Market in Gilbert. OMG, so YUM!
*Making Conal's lunch each night before bed, him eating it and not eating out...5 days in a row!
*Hayden spelling MOM, DAD, BEKA; phonetically. Hard work is paying off!
*My friend bringing me a bag of powdered donuts for 3 kids and fruit for Taylor, knowing that she can't eat donuts and loves fruit
*That same friend bringing me a fat Pepsi and Snickers emergency kit (I haven't cracked it!), since I was watching 4 kids
*Gaining 1/2 lb. It reminds me that I am focused. (That darn pizza and cobb salad!)
*Talking to my Grandpa for an hour.
*That my mom is healthy and doesn't have to have any more procedures or surgery!
*Being able to walk my mother in law through iTunes, successfully. I'm usually worthless when it comes to that stuff!
*That Hayden asked for a baby "brudda" named Jack. Even showed me where he and Tay will sleep. Not in her room, of course! For the record, will NEVER happen :o)