Merry Christmas!

So since it has been a year since I updated I decided to go ahead and forgo the Christmas letter this year and do this post in place of it. Maybe my New Years resolution should be to stay more on top of this blog.....

In February we took the plunge and moved to Gilbert. We love all the young families out here. There are kids everywhere to play with. At any given time there will literally be 20 kids playing on our street. It also feels so good to be in a house with a garage and a yard! I will admit it has been hard adjusting to some things, we loved so many people and the school where we were, but new friends are helping it feel more like home every day.

In March Cloey turned eight years old and was baptized. It was a very touching and spiritual event for our family.



In April we had a fun Easter in our new house, Cal turned 7 and Lainey turned 3. Cloey also got to go to the musical Cats thanks to Grandma Doris. It was so fun Cloey was smiling the whole time. We were in the front row handicapped seating and when the cats came out with only green eyes lit up, one sneaked up on Cloey, and she got so scared she hit it on the head with her program! I was afraid we would be kicked out, but instead the cast paid special attention to her through the whole show. In May I got to go to a No Doubt concert with my sisters. Gwen put on a great show and we had a lot of fun. On the Fourth of July we went to Schnepf farms. It was one of the only holidays Ty had off, so we made sure to have a fun day together. All except for waiting in line FOREVER so the kids could ride a pony. We also went camping in July. We had to leave Cloey at home since she needed to be on the ventilator at night, and just requires so much care in general, that it would not be enjoyable for her or the rest of us. It was tough to leave her at home. Something we have put off as long as possible, our family has never really been camping because of it, but it was time. The trip was a good experience for Cal and Lainey to just be kids and not have to live on Cloey's care schedule for a couple days, and Cloey was none the wiser being spoiled at home. We also received a great gift in July. Ty's cousin nominated us for a program where a group of photographers choose a family with a critically ill member to do a photo shoot with and give them all the photos with copyright. Cloey was chosen! J'lynn Mak photography did a great job and gave us some beautiful photos we will treasure forever. In August, my aunt Becky married her high school sweet heart and Cloey and Cal were flower girl and ring bearer. It was a gorgeous ceremony. We were glad to be a part of it and wish them the best. It was in California (which Cal says he owns since it has his name on it) so we selfishly took the opportunity to take a mini family vacation and got to Knotts Berry Farm and the Beach. September welcomed a new bundle of joy-Brutus Ferdinand Willoughby, a Yorkshire terrier that fits right into our family. He keeps me company on the nights Ty is gone and the kids love to help take care of and play with him. We have had a few shoe casualties, but all in all he's been way worth the damage and shows promise to grow up to be a well behaved pup. In October our family was hit with the Swine Flu. All I can say is it sucked. Thankfully we all made it through-eventually. We also were part of my sister Emily's wedding. Cloey got to be flower girl and I was the Matron of Honor (ewww that sounds so old!). Ty was home for Halloween, so we got to trick-or-treat as a family. Our neighborhood was so cool! Nearly every house was decked out, there was smoke, a life size pirate ship, homemade scones and of course CANDY CANDY CANDY. The kids had a blast. November brought a Mayo trip. Ty's job allowed him to go with us which eased the load tremendously and we came home with good news! Check her blog for all the details (princesscloey.blogspot.com)

Ty has completed his year of probation with the Scottsdale Fire Department. He received excellent reviews all year and I am very proud of him. He has had some experiences that have made him grow both as a Firefighter and a person. He really enjoys what he does and is making friends along the way. It seems like every week he's telling me something else he wants to be involved in at the department.

I have decided to home school the kids this year. It has been a rough start and we still haven't worked the kinks out, but the pros out weigh the cons, and we enjoy learning together as a family. I have been fighting with the school district all year to get Cloey the support she needs, and it looks like she will be going to school for special education with a nurse as her aid, part time beginning in January. After completing some classes online I have narrowed down what it is I want to do and am completing a distance program to become a Certified Lactation Educator. I hope to have a support group going by the spring.

Cloey left her old girl scout troop when we moved and now does Activity Days through the Church. There is something like 20 girls and they have all welcomed Cloey with open arms. She really enjoys being their friend and feeling like a big kid. Her and Lainey have become very-shall we say- independent this year. In a lot of ways, it's like we have twin 3 year old girls. Cal enjoyed a Hip Hop dance class and basketball. He also went on several field trips with grandma to museums and had a day at the Riparian preserve where he learned about leaves and rocks.

This time of year holds a special place in our hearts. We love the spirit that can be felt. It reminds us what really matters in life. We Love all of you we are lucky enough to call family and friends. Merry Christmas!

Daddy Daughter Dance!

Ty escorted Cloey to her first dance. It was with her Daisy Girl Scout Troop at a local elementry school. She did her nails to match her shoes, and did her "movie star" hair. That's what she calls it when we straighten it, I wanted her to leave it in her beautiful curls but when I told her she would be dressing up for her "date" she requested her "movie star" hair. So, it begins already. Ty got her a corsage to match her dress and everything. It was sooooooo cute!

Firefghter Ty!

Ty is in the Yellow Helmet


3rd guy from the left

4th guy from the left


Ty is officially a Scottsdale Firefighter! We can't believe it has finally happened and it is very exciting. Academy has proven to be very challenging for both of us. He leaves a little before 5am and is put through strenious physical workouts and training most of which is outside. They also have classroom work, and Ty usually comes home between 4 & 5 with 1-2hrs of homework. It will be this way through December. But it's what we asked for right? just kidding~ Ty loves it and is really getting attached to the Scottsdale Department & I have to admit it is a lot funner to answer the question "what does your husband do?"

We are back! and it was truly a wish come true for our little girl. Here is the run down plus lots of pictures:

Monday- An Excursion limo picked us up and took us to the airport. The kids thought it was so cool, and called it the princess car. It also made loading everybody and everything up really easy. We were met at the airport by our wish granter who helped us all the way to security. It was an easy, short flight and our rental car was ready to go and waiting for us. We had two rooms at the Paradise Pier Hotel, one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels. Immediately we were treated special. The Hotel supervisor came out to meet us personally, and told us to let them know if there was anything we needed & the kids were given balloons. We spent the first night getting dinner, setting up all of Cloey's medical supplies and ooohing and ahhhing over the fancy hotel.

Tuesday- We had special passes to get into the park an hour before it opened, so we got there as soon as we could (about a 1/2hr early). Cloey was in her medical stroller and wearing her Make-a-Wish shirt and we were escorted to the front of the monorail line. We went on the first rides we saw, Nemo and the autotopia cars (the kids favorite). we had a card that let us go up through the exit of the rides and not wait in line, and usually even get special treatment there, like going immediately on , or picking the color of the ride. All of the Disney Cast Members were extra friendly (if that's possible) to us and Cloey, getting down and talking right to her, which she loved. Then we went over to the Princess Fantasy Faire. Cloey LOVED the castle. She spent nearly all of her spending money at the princess gift shop, and was amazed to see all the princess stuff in one place. We were in there for a long time. Cloey got her Lanyard with 4 princess pins on it. If you are not familiar, Disneyland does pin trading. You can trade special Disney pins with any Cast member wearing the lanyard & pins. Cloey caught on real quick and loved trading pins, of course they all traded (or just gave) her the best ones, and talked to her and hugged on her, which she just eats up. At 10:45am we went down to the storytelling area and were escorted in front of the lines. Sleeping beauty came out to tell her story and Cloey started yelling "hi Sleeping beauty" at the top of her lungs as if she was coming out to tell a story just to her. This was extra special because just before we left I had borrowed the Sleeping Beauty move since Cloey had never seen it. So at that moment she was her favorite. Allthough she would never admit to anyone that she ever has a favorite. She just always says "all of them" After the story we were told to wait there for our personal meet and greet. Cloey didn't know what was coming and was happy just to sit on the Princess chair. Cinderella must have forgot her key because while we were waiting, she had to cut through to the back of the stage. Cloey saw her almost immediately and started to freak out, I literally had to grab her with both arms because I was afraid she was going to take poor Cinderella down. She waved politely, and walked past. Cloey was so happy, she would have been fine if that was as close as she got. Shortly after that they called us back to a little room, where Cinderella & Sleeping beauty were waiting just to see Cloey. They talked and hugged and even danced together. Cloey told Cinderella how she has pet rats just like her. I really almost lost it. She was oblivious to everything else, all the pain and struggles she has gone through, the effort it takes her just to breath, all of that was gone. She was just a happy little girl living her dream. They stayed with us for quite some time, then we were taken out to the main area where everyone was waiting for a coronation dance with all the princesses! they learned princess moves and danced with ribbon around a pole (like a may pole). All the princesses payed extra attention and blew kisses just to Cloey. That's when I lost it.

After that we went back to the hotel for lunch and a break. Cloey needed to take a nap on the ventilator, to give her enough energy to make it through the afternoon. Ty & Lainey took naps too, and Cal and Emily took a quick swim. Then it was back to Disneyland! We took Cal to the Indiana Jones ride as a reward for suffering through the princesses all morning. Cal had really been looking forward to it because of the recent happy meal toys & movie previews. He was tall enough, but Cloey was not. I took him on and I could tell he was worried. He was clinging close to me, I pointed out the bugs on the walls and he said "don't tell me, just don't tell me!" then when the boulder fell he was really scared and started crying. I had to carry him off the ride! when we came out Ty went with Emily on the ride and I took him to spend his money that he was itching to spend. I started to walk past the Indiana Jones shop, but he said he wanted to go in. I said "I thought you were scared of that ride?" and he said "but I still like the guy!" so he got some stuff there and was happy. The next ride Cal was looking forward to was the Pirates of the Caribbean. so we took him there hoping that would make him happy, but he was scared there too. We did as many more rides as we could before we were exhausted, including the teacups which quickly became one of Cloey's favorites. Then it was back to the hotel for dinner and Bed. Emily was a huge help getting up with Cloey's machines at night and helping with her care in the day. She even let us sneak back to the park for a mini date, which was really nice since that is where we spent our honeymoon.

Wednesday- Some family met us at the park, so that was an extra special treat. We started at California Adventures. Ty, me, Cloey & Cal went on soarin' over California. We all thought it was really cool. Then was the buzz lightyear ride, the kids & Ty really liked it. Then we took the kids on roarin rapids, I thought Cal wouldn't be too scared because it wasn't the pretend kind of scary, but he didn't like that either. Cloey got soaked and thought it was real funny to run out and give dry daddy a big hug. He would have been more amused but he happened to be on the phone with someone from the Scottsdale fire department who had been trying to reach him to offer him a job (to be continued.......). Then it was back to the hotel for lunch and a quick nap. We went to the Wish lounge (a special place to rest, get refreshments & info in Disneyland just for Wish kids) The helpful cast member told us where the the best place to sit for the parade was and to get there soon, so off we went. it was kind of a long wait, but a barber shop quartet came by and made Emmy sing, so that past some time. We were sitting on the curb right under a tree, and it was well worth the wait. The pictures just don't do it justice, every one had to stay right on the curb and if the started to come at all close the the characters they were quickly put in place by a handler. Except Cloey. The first float was Sleeping Beauty, and the good fairies were walking in front. Meriweather came right up to Cloey and gave her a big hug. Through the whole parade, the characters came and gave her hugs, the ones on the floats blew kisses and spoke right to her. She was being treated like a princess, like the parade was just for her. It was perfect. Then we rushed over to make the last Jedi academy training for Cal. Unfortunately, he wasn't picked as a jedi but he really liked watching. Then it was more rides, including the Peter Pan ride, They liked that one so much they are still running around pretending to be Captain Hook and Wendy. Cal says it's because you "really fly" on that ride. Cloey bought a sword in the gift shop, and as we were leaving a cast member chased us down. He said "hey you left my store too fast" and Bent down to trade pins with Cloey. He gave us all one & Cloey a few, one of which was a "year of a million dreams" pin. Those pins can't be traded, but are only given to special people. She really liked to trade pins. Then as we rushed to dinner at Ariel's Grotto, we saw Minnie & Mickey Mouse. Of course there was a long line to see them and we were already running late. So we decided Ty should just take the kids over and see if they could squeeze them in. Before they even got there, the handler said "everybody, we have a special Make a Wish friend here, please back up" They not only got to take pictures with them, but Mickey & Minnie spent a good 10 minutes hugging and playing hand games with them, it was so cute. At Ariels Grotto, Make a Wish had reservations for us. We met Ariel on the way in, and throughout the dinner all the princesses (except Sleeping Beauty, which Cloey pointed out) came by to the tables. They spent extra time with Cloey, and even Cal had them sign his autograph book. Since it was our last day at Disneyland we wanted to stay as long as we could. So it was back to the park for more rides. We decided not to go and wait for the fireworks, because there was so much left we wanted to do and we could see them from our room, and anywhere in the park. We got Cloey a Mickey ears hat, pink with a tierra and a veil. Of course with her name on the back. We also had to get a picture in front of the Gibson Girl ice cream parlor with all of our Gibson girls (I took a picture there on our honeymoon). When the fireworks started we all stoped to watch. then when we were waiting to get back into fantasyland to go on more rides (it is closed until it is all checked out after the fireworks) a cast member told us to go over to the show fantasmic while we waited. He said it was worth it, and it really was. We weren't able to get to the Make a wish section (front and center) because we got there right as the show was starting, but we got to watch from the wheelchair section, and it was fantastic, they especially liked all the characters on the boat at the end. We squeezed in a few more rides, and as the park was closing we headed back to the hotel. Lainey had fallen asleep in the stroller at about 9pm. Cloey was out the second we put her in her medical stroller, and Cal was falling asleep sitting on the foot supports of Cloey's chair and in danger of falling forward and cracking his head open on the concrete. Absolutely precious.