oops! another year has past.......

here's the run down.....

In JANUARY Cloey started Special Olympics track & field! She was on a unified team, meaning she had a typical peer to help her and their scores were averaged. She had a lot of fun and won 3 medals! She also won 1st place at a Special Olympics Dance contest. As a family we went up North for a "snow day" after a big storm. the kids really had fun, but everybody agreed it was fun to visit but wouldn't be fun to live with!

In FEBRUARY we went to a hoop dancing competition at the Heard museum with grandma (my mom). I enjoyed going to these when I was a kid and was excited to share that experience with my kids. I think they thought it was pretty cool. Cal started going to Lego Club at the local library with one of his best friends and it became a much looked forward to activity every other week. He also started a home school enrichment program where he goes to "school" every Friday with other home schooled kids and works on science and fun enrichment activities. He's made a lot of friends there and really enjoys it. I enjoy not having to teach Science at home anymore ; )

MARCH brought Cloey's 9th birthday! I told her she wasn't allowed to be 10 because that would mean I was old. She still asks me if she can "please be 10" I haven't agreed to let that happen yet. Our family participated in the Make-a-Wish walk. It felt good to give back to an organization that gave so much to us, It was a lot of fun too! We went to the Easter egg hunt in our neighborhood and of course the Easter bunny came

APRIL was crazy busy. We participated in CAST fishing day, a special day at lake pleasant were special kids and their families are given the opportunity to go fishing. Generous Fisherman took us out on their boats, Lainey was the only one who actually caught a fish and she loved it! Shy little Lainey was laughing and giggling and even reached out and touched it on her own. Cal and Ty have never had a successful fishing day despite several attempts so this was especially funny since Lainey was on my boat and their boat was the one that came up empty handed. At the end they wanted a picture of the "CAST kid" with the fish, so we held the fish up next to Cloey and she backed up as far as she could she wanted nothing to do with it, but she got a fish trophy anyway and is very proud of it! Lainey turned 4 and had a diva party at the nail salon with a few of her friends. Cloey had her 10th set of ear tubes placed, this time they put in semi-permanent T-tubes and we haven't had any problems since (knock on wood) Ty participated in the Pat Tilman, he enjoyed it and hopes to do it again next year. He also took Cal on an overnight Father's & son's outing, They rode around in a jeep and shot things. That's all I know & probably all I want to know. They both said they had a lot of fun.

MAY brought Cal's Baptism! I can't believe what a big boy he has become. It was exciting to see him growing up and making decisions for himself. We are so proud of him. We also started taking Cloey to Ryan House. A hospice & palliative care facility for children. This place is so fun & full of loving volunteers to listen to all of Cloey's "Guess What?'s" It gives us the opportunity to take Cal & Lainey to things like water parks & camping that Cloey can't do. It also gives them (and us) a break from her constant care. The facility has nurses & volunteers around the clock, but it feels more like camp then a hospital. The unexpected benefit has been the all the great friends she has made. I also started helping out with my Grandma (who is trying to fix up her house) & Great Grandma (who moved to a care home in Gilbert) more. Both of these women did so much for me growing up, I'm enjoying helping them now.

JUNE We took a 5 day trip to my family's cabin, near Flagstaff. Cloey got to go to Ryan house & we took the other kids to play in the woods I played in as a kid. We got to visit with Ty's cousin's family and had a really good time at the park in the cooler weather. I believe we also played a game of Uno late into the night, Cal won. I got to run away with my girlfriends to see Eclipse (the best of the twilight movies so far) and.........WE CELEBRATED OUR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!! we got to go to a Scottsdale resort alone. (thanks Ryan house & J), we ate at fancy restaurants, window shopped at Scottsdale fashion square, & hung out by the pool and looked like regular 20 somethings who don't have 3 kids at home and a schedule full of Doctor appointments, therapies, meetings, IEP plan meetings at school, and beeping breathing machines. Guess what we found out?! We still REALLY like each other. It was great. but we did miss our little guys and the hugs we got when we got home were extra sweet.

JULY gave us a special visit from one of my best friends growing up & her new husband . (My Aunt who I spent every summer with). It was a welcome visit, They hung out with lonely me on the 4th while Ty worked. We also took a trip to Cincinnati Children's hospital to try and get some answers for Cloey. (read about it at princesscloey.blogspot.com)

AUGUST we were given GREAT seats to a Diamondback game by Ryan house, It was a lot of fun, Cal & Ty got to go with his best friend and his dad, and got a baseball! Then me Ty, Cal & Lainey went and Cal got another one! The seats were so close and right behind the dugout, we could see the sweat on the guys faces, even I thought it was cool. Cloey wasn't able to go because it was not handicapped seating, but Make-A-Wish provided us with some tickets later and we all got to go that time. They had so much fun & Baxter danced with Cloey. we took Cal & Lainey to Wet-n-wild water park too. That place is crazy! but the kids loved it, and we had fun chasing them around. Then my BFF moved away. We were all sad to see her family go, my kids lost their BFF's too. I guess this means we will have to vacation in CO at some point : )

SEPTEMBER I was in a stupid car accident, nobody was really hurt. I was sore from the airbag but cal was totally fine. We were the only one's in the car. It shook me up pretty good and really did a number on our van, which we were in no place to repair. Luckily some angels were there for us and we will never forget that. We realized how lucky we are that nobody was seriously hurt and that we have people who love us & are there for us. Then Ty turned 30 (better him then me) I took him fishing and to Dave's BBQ for lunch. Than another pretty lady took him to a dance (Cloey) he says it was a pretty good day. Little Lainey also started Preschool! She has really opened up and is loving it.

OCTOBER After fighting with Cloey's school for 18 months, they once again refused to provide the services she requires. They thought she was unable to learn in the classroom, and even though AZ disability law assured me that we had a case, we decided that if they didn't want our Cloey they weren't gonna have the blessing of having her in their school! This combined with Ty working in Scottsdale, my grandma needing help in Tempe, and all the other things we were driving around for, made us make the tough decision to move to Tempe. Someday we will be able to settle down. On the up side Ty and the kids buikt an awesome box fort in our new backyard that provided hours of fun. Ty work on Halloween, but was home for our church party the day before so we got to go to that together as a family and get to know our new ward. Cal was a bounty hunter from Star Wars the Clone Wars, Cloey was Ariel & Lainey was a Lainey-bug Princess. They are getting so big!

NOVEMBER After doing a little lactation counseling & teaching childbirth classes, I was offered a midwife apprenticeship. This is something I thought I would do after my kids were much older, and honestly didn't think I could do with Cloey. The midwife I am apprenticing with has been flexible and people in my life have really stepped up to help out and make it possible. I am really loving it and although it is a lot of hard work and I haven't quite figured out how to balance it with my family, I really think it's something I can be good at some day.

We are loving our little family and most of the time we love the craziness too. Thanks to all of you for peaking into, or being apart of our lives. And to all of our angels (you know who you are) We love you and THANK YOU for all you do!

Merry Christmas!

Happy New Year!

So far 2010 is looking pretty good. I had a great birthday which was totally unexpected since I am getting too old to have fun birthdays anymore and the calendar is already filling up with fun activities. Can't wait to see what the year has in store. Enjoy the slide show of 2009!

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.