tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65573792632281953972024-03-05T07:27:16.152-08:00Baking A Wish One Day At A Time For Autism, Asperger's SyndromeThis is not only to keep you up to date on things that we will be making for the bake sale, but also to help people recognize the symptoms of autism and Asperger's Syndrome. PLEASE SEND THIS LINK TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW AS I WANT TO SPREAD THE WORD OF AUTISM. THESE KIDS ARE OUR FUTURE AND PARENTS NEED A HEADS UP SINCE THEY ARE OFTEN MIS DIAGNOSED!Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-17617229778833773992008-09-23T22:13:00.001-07:002008-09-23T22:15:47.909-07:00Stay strong Taylor....<span style="font-size:130%;">Anyhow love buddy. Anyhow love!!! So there was a small set back in running away. You know better and you will take the lesson and grow from it. Just stay strong and know that no matter what, we are doing what we feel in our hearts is best for you. Not best for us, as I miss you like crazy!!! It is your future we are talking about here.<br /><br />Stay strong, stay focused and feel all the love that surrounds you buddy boy!<br /><br />Love ya to the moon and back buddy... to the moon and back.....<br /><br />Mama</span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-11433966462430062752008-09-22T17:37:00.000-07:002008-09-22T21:27:26.388-07:00<span style="font-size:130%;">Son, our time is so close to going! I am so excited. I so wish that you were living here with me that we could count the days down on a big chart like we did when you were little. That was so much fun! I am sure that you are excited too.<br /><br />So, what are you most excited for? I know you love Universal Studios, so I think that will be a great day for you and dad. I will most likely opt to sit out with Carlie on most of the things since she is going to not want to be on a lot of those rides or sets. That is all right. It can be a day for the guys. I will be okay with that. I think I HAVE TO go on Jurasic Park ride with you. Remember how you get all wet on that ride. We will need to be sure to get one of those ponchos to escape some of the water. I hope you are going to love the day there. I hope they pull you up on stage this time. You barely escaped it last time.<br /><br />Second day is our day of rest. I have a great friend that is in the area and thought it would be cool to meet up for lunch with him, but, he is very busy and that will never do. So, it will be a day of just rest. It might be cool to drive to the ocean. I love being at the ocean and hearing the water and the sand between my toes. Just like you. You have always loved the water. You, by far, are my water baby! Although, Carlie is close behind I would have to say. That night is also the night that we will pick up Sis and Spencer at the airport. That will be fun. Maybe we could go to Spaghetti Factory for dinner if they have one in the area, as I know you love Spaghetti Factory.<br /><br />The following day we will most likely go to Disneyland. I am excited for you to go. My heart keeps smiling each time I think that this is really happening. I know it touched your heart the other night in Red Lobster when you were crying. I had to stop and think, *Does he really understand how much we love him?*. The tears coming down your face, makes me believe that you do feel the love that we have to share with you. I am just so proud of you son. I just wanted to hug you til all the tears quit running, but then I thought.... nah.... tears are good for all of us. It doesn't matter if we are young or old, what color our skin may be, a male or female, or the shape of our body.... tears are good for everyone. Listen to your tears son, as they will teach you so much about yourself, things that you never imagined knowing.<br /><br />I think that we will go to Knott's Berry Farm on Thursday, according to Dad. It will be fun. I am sure that we will eat dinner there that night. They have the best food. I am so worried about gaining weight on this vacation! I am excited to go on the roller coasters with you. That will be so much fun!!! I am so glad that you are not afraid to go upside down any longer, as those are the very best ones! I just can't wait!!! Are you going to go on the one ride that takes you straight up and then drops you and you fall stories before it lifts you back up again? I think that that one will be so fun. I will go on it with you. I am afraid of heights.... so you may have to hold my hand and you may hear me scream.... but that is what makes it so fun....<br /><br />The last night we will go back to Disneyland. Dad said that they have a light show or parade that he doesn't want us to miss out on and it stays late on Friday nights. My boss at work said that we should pay Mickey Mouse 20 dollars to beat up Spencer and tape it for you tube. It made me laugh... he was trying to get under Spence's skin.<br /><br />I am really excited to see Grandma and Grandpa also. I miss them so much as I am sure you do too. They are anxious to see you Taylor. I am sure Grandma will spoil dad, as usual, and the rest of us too, with all of her Japanese cooking. I am anxious to see the cousins play with Carlie and to see Auntie Janice and Uncle Lindley, Geoff, Stacy, Krissy and Raul. I miss Auntie Noreen and Auntie Michelle so that will be nice. I am sure we will see Uncle Michael also.<br /><br />Okay sweety.... just wanted to touch base to say I love you to the moon and back and I can't wait to spend so much time with you.<br /><br />I know we will eat at In and Out, like I promised and I already talked to dad about eating at L&L bbq for you also. If you have other places you think of, you better think about it. This is for you buddy. We are so proud of you....<br /><br />Luvs... Mama!</span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-3912334451736523372008-09-20T05:58:00.000-07:002008-09-20T06:32:04.413-07:00Dear Tay.... today is the day....<span style="font-size:130%;">Hi son! Good morning to you! I sit downstairs typing this to you. I think of you often in the mornings when I get up, as it feels so odd knowing you are out of the hospital, but I still am not waking you up for school. Today is a Saturday though, so no school anyhow.<br /><br />I feel 100% spoiled this week getting to see your face so much! I just love that face!!!<br /><br />I still miss you sOOOOO very much! It seems so odd that my baby can be almost 18 years old. I just can't imagine time passing that quickly, but it does. That is a lesson I want you to know son, time goes by quickly. Due to this, I want you to learn a lesson about your heart. You have to do things in life that make your heart happy. Things for Taylor only. You are so much like me, in many ways. We always put others needs ahead of our own at times. In balance that is a fantastic thing. However, there can be times that we lose ourselves due to not caring if our own needs are met. Meet your needs, don't sell yourself short Mister!<br /><br />You know, every night, I sleep with my phone under my pillow, or next to my pillow. That way if you or sis need me, I am always available. Any day, any night... I am here for you... always have been and always will be. I never want you to wonder if you can call... just call.<br /><br />I am sooo proud of you that you are now a SENIOR in high school. We are going to go get your senior portraits taken here soon so we can get them in the yearbook. I will need to go to the school to buy you an annual also for you to keep. Taylor, you get to graduate. How very exciting for you buddy! I am so proud of you hanging on. I so knew you would get to this point. Dad and I have a lot of faith in you buddy. Just keep going son! Hang on, and when you feel like letting go, tell us, we will help you every step of the way.<br /><br />I am so glad you like your new school. I think you like it as it is set up somewhat like a college atmosphere. Your teachers and the staff seem much more capable as the other teachers you have had in your past. It made me cry knowing how many people were there to support my son. You are such a special young man, and you are so loved. I know you don't like me speaking up a lot Tay, but, I want to make sure you are aware that I will make sure your needs are met. Your dad will do the same also. Your best interest is what we want.<br /><br />So, what is today? Today is going to be a kodak moment day. Today is the day that we get to tell you about our upcoming trip to Southern CA. I am so excited to see the look on your face. I am so anxious to see your reaction. Most importantly, I am so excited to spend a lot of days with you, where I can be spoiled by just having fun with you. Universal Studios, Disneyland for two days, and Knott's Berry Farm! How fun will this be? If you only understood how much time, energy and thought that went into this, you would understand how crazy busy we have been.<br />I have been doing fundraising with sis... but she started putting all of this in motion. Dad has been planning things to a T... you know how dad is when it comes to planning. So... we are almost there buddy.<br /><br />I am glad you were able to go to dinner with us last night and that you met Derek. He is a pretty nice young man isn't he. He would be a great friend to have son. Your needs are about the same, he is polite and well mannered just like you, and smart. Those are the qualities to look for when looking for a friend. Make great choices buddy.<br /><br />Okay honey, I must get ready. I need to walk out the door in a half hour. I love you honey... to the moon and back, I love you........</span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-37200753284488585722008-09-14T17:24:00.000-07:002008-09-14T17:39:53.484-07:00And then there was you.......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8DemkJ1CCMerId7KHakj6uRG-6cJ4kxEvs8uOkZnT7PaHrNtK1O0E42lO2Ran5q8OrsHE882_yvyaIR1JDqo8UDRMqUjzyr9xM-pg04Njrm71vPg6yx3HwvvagLdjh4sr8Yogr2jS1I/s1600-h/IMG_4940.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8DemkJ1CCMerId7KHakj6uRG-6cJ4kxEvs8uOkZnT7PaHrNtK1O0E42lO2Ran5q8OrsHE882_yvyaIR1JDqo8UDRMqUjzyr9xM-pg04Njrm71vPg6yx3HwvvagLdjh4sr8Yogr2jS1I/s320/IMG_4940.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246041056663912226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfZRefJqMXgdZvkSVvrewtz97pn8DVV4TVN2_wPKhJtCi3bog152Z_1q1pXFBtgCbLHzz9QAbMkBjZhaap8BLkLyLeFLjNWF-A0I4V2cveWJ_N-vUOXWKDASF1cDnINwaxCzYvw883OY/s1600-h/IMG_4944.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfZRefJqMXgdZvkSVvrewtz97pn8DVV4TVN2_wPKhJtCi3bog152Z_1q1pXFBtgCbLHzz9QAbMkBjZhaap8BLkLyLeFLjNWF-A0I4V2cveWJ_N-vUOXWKDASF1cDnINwaxCzYvw883OY/s320/IMG_4944.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246041064096542306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv7QsczdyD31fWZ-SrwZYbuM4dDqyMPxBF80-8p2GvmCo-QaQ3UH6AaJNQBUcrl2dv8Grp5y113zts85mOE3xg_1b8Ys1SvrXXFjj0urWf8VzyB6Heg1H5UhtSdE_UMahhL5VRrJjvjc/s1600-h/IMG_4937.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv7QsczdyD31fWZ-SrwZYbuM4dDqyMPxBF80-8p2GvmCo-QaQ3UH6AaJNQBUcrl2dv8Grp5y113zts85mOE3xg_1b8Ys1SvrXXFjj0urWf8VzyB6Heg1H5UhtSdE_UMahhL5VRrJjvjc/s320/IMG_4937.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246041073135445010" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I am so proud of you son! I am so glad you have done well enough to get yourself out of the hospital. I am anxious to see you apply some of the skills that you have learned into your everyday life. I know you are a stKrong young man. I know you are a wise young man. I know you are a kind young man with so many great manners. I have nothing but high hopes for you.<br /><br />Just remember in life buddy, you have to take time out for you. Know that even the best of us can lose ourselves in life and issues and anything in between. Remember that you are worth everything you want to be worth. Have self respect and dignity. Have a heart that feels others pain and wants to reach out and help them as a giving heart is priceless. Treat people fairly and with kind words. Don't be in a hurry to point fingers. Self reflect, and do it often to really know who you are. Let your words tell people how you feel, not your actions.<br /><br />I could go on all night long son. It feels rather odd to me at moments that you are not in our house, in your room. I know someone else is cooking for you and listening to you and it is difficult for me at moments, but then I remember what wonderful people you are with. I remember you are my son, and I am your mom, no matter what. Remember that I love you to the moon and back and NOTHING will ever change that. I wish I had all the skills to help you and I wish I could take away your pain and confusion. For now, all I can do is support you and be here for you whenever you need me, and even when you don't need me.<br /><br /><br />I had a great day with you today getting ice cream.</span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-77691695278785560512008-09-09T04:45:00.000-07:002008-09-09T04:50:22.363-07:00Hey Tay!<span style="font-size:130%;">Hey Tay....<br /><br />I have been up most of the night thinking of you buddy. I am so excited to get you home. Your last day at the Parry Center will be on Friday. I am sure you must be getting so very excited. Just so you know how much I love you son. Everything is going to be okay. No matter what we are going to get through this together. You are such a good young man. I sure have been liking spending time with you when you are at home. I especially like our errands time so we can sit and chat together.<br /><br />Just hang on... you are almost to your transitional home. I can't wait for you to learn the skills needed so you get to come home here with us. You know this is ALWAYS your home and we ALWAYS will love you.<br /><br />See you soon buddy. I will be there on Thursday to see you. Hugs buddy.<br /><br />Mom</span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-66900708902353027702008-09-08T04:13:00.001-07:002008-09-08T04:22:22.660-07:00So much for the all you can eat pasta at olive garden<span style="font-size:130%;">We took the kids out for all you can eat pasta at Olive Garden on Saturday. It is so good. I highly recommend half meat sauce and half garlic alfredo... YUM! Well, Spencer dared Taylor with a bet that he would not be able to eat three bowls of pasta. The bet was if he couldn't do it, Taylor would have to wash his jeep and one of our cars. If Taylor won, he really wanted me to take him to Dairy Queen. I am not sure how I got roped into it as it was not my bet at all. <br /><br />Taylor started looking haggard during the duration of eating three heaping servings of pasta. At one point he almost threw in the towel.... however, he kept going.... He did it. After that, poor fella felt so stuffed he didn't feel good. We ate an early dinner... so we were sure that he would not want dairy queen until the following day. HECK no... I had to get dressed again at 8:30p to go on a Dairy Queen run for him. I was so ready for bed since I had been up since three a.m. <br /><br />He still has no idea that we are going on the trip. I am not sure when we will tell him. We can't tell him too far in advance as it is difficult for him, the unknown, and he would be really antsy for the remaining month or so.... We found someone that will be house sitting for us so that will be nice also. Our dog will be able to stay at home and that is nice too. <br /><br /></span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-8458224704380578762008-09-07T07:32:00.000-07:002008-09-08T04:12:43.774-07:00Larry and Renee<span style="font-size:130%;">We went last week to meet the transitional home that Taylor will be living in. (sorry for my lack of blogging as I am working so much overtime). It was a really difficult morning for all of us. It really was scary, the unknown.<br /><br />We met with them and Amanda went with us, as well as Carlie. We felt Taylor should be surrounded by his immediate family. It was hard for Amanda and it broke my heart. It was hard on all of us, but especially Amanda. There were many tears shed.<br /><br />What do I think of the Tylers? I think that they love children. I think that they have a life calling to help children with special needs. They are kind and gentle spoken. They are knowledgeable. They are on the same page as we are. They are on the page of the good people.<br /><br />We spoke a bit about Taylor and his behaviors and needs. To be honest, it is hard. It is hard that this is my baby that I love, and that my husband loves. He is our son. Here we are relinquishing our son to the care of another set of people. Taylor wasn't sure what to call them. I told him that he is more than welcome to call them mom and dad if that is comfortable to him. As I said those words, my brain and my heart were working against each other to be honest. Logically, the word mom being called to another woman, it is all right, but as for emotionally, that does hurt my heart. That is my son that I carried for 9 months and raised for 17 years. He is my only son. He is my boy, my buddy, who my heart worries about most in life, and here, I say, yes, it is okay to call her mom. Yet, there was such a relief to him. His mind doesn't have to battle itself in what to call them or if it is going to hurt my feelings, or if it is going to make them upset. It gave him permission to relax, and when he is feeling confused, he can't relax. Will him calling her mom reflect on the way that I love him or how he loves me? Surely not. Nothing can change history. He is always going to be my son. He is always going to be our son. He will always love his dad as his dad and me as his mom. I am a firm believer that nobody will be hurt by more people loving them. He is going to be loved by more. It kind of goes back to the saying it takes a village to raise a child.<br /><br />As always keep my family and my son lifted in prayer please. We can always use them. Prayer is the greatest power in our lives. Amanda really needs the prayers also as she is really battling this in her mind. She loves him so much. It would be one thing if we were bad people and our son was taken from us due to abuse or neglect, but that is surely not the case. We are choosing to let him go to get help. <br /></span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-2680607791823452282008-08-31T06:45:00.000-07:002008-08-31T07:05:30.328-07:00Today is the day....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8bYbwz1ya_-auvGdfCSCjLKIleZUCgEjpvMdBCbxaq-KmFMDWVRikf4UVNQ3dttaSOWWBRUdMIVk1UeISn1m8U8ogJo6MapKavk2awr9_g_p4A_5JFSX9kRf3i9s1Lz_vzZgm34J4Ok/s1600-h/IMG_4308.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8bYbwz1ya_-auvGdfCSCjLKIleZUCgEjpvMdBCbxaq-KmFMDWVRikf4UVNQ3dttaSOWWBRUdMIVk1UeISn1m8U8ogJo6MapKavk2awr9_g_p4A_5JFSX9kRf3i9s1Lz_vzZgm34J4Ok/s320/IMG_4308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240682360016756258" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Today is the day that we go to meet the family that run the transitional home that Tay will be living in until he is 18 years old. I have known this day is coming, yet, I want to put my head under the covers and just not deal with it. How is that for honesty? I am nervous for him. I am scared. I am confused. I don't feel as focused as I need to be. I NEED TO SNAP OUT OF THIS!!! I don't let him see my fears. I try to encourage him.<br /><br />Gordy took Taylor by their home yesterday to calm his fears a little bit. Apparently during a talk that they were having, Taylor started to cry. It just breaks my heart for him. I am also afraid that he will start to run when he gets frustrated. I am afraid that he is going to regress. I am afraid that when he runs, he will run to our home, and I will have to answer the door and tell him that he isn't able to be here at that time. Gosh, all of these thoughts run through my head constantly.<br /><br />Last night we went to get some dinner, just Tay and I. On the way home he wanted to contact his biological grandparents from his paternal side. I don't even have their phone number and it is not listed. It hurts my heart for him. He was asking if he would have foster brothers. I told him this was not a foster home where his parents didn't want him or are abusive towards him, that this is a transitional home, just trying to get him back to our home, where he belongs. I am not sure he knows the difference, as his brain isn't exactly wired to understand more complicated things at times.<br /><br />I am nervous in the back of my head, that since Taylor is not in a lock down facility such as the Parry Center that he is in for medical treatment, that he will start to run again. I am afraid of his dangerous behaviors. I am afraid of him making poor choices in friends again as they are waiting for someone weak like Taylor in decision making. How could people be so cruel? It simply amazes me.<br /><br />Please keep my family in prayer. We want all that is good for our son. We want him to be happy and healthy and productive and safe. I am so afraid right now. I don't want to cry, as I am afraid as soon as that happens, I won't be able to stop crying. If God would just let me take some of this confusion for him, or let me take some of the hurt for him, I would in a second.<br /><br />I asked God if everything was going to be ok for Taylor, to give me a sign. All of a sudden a beautiful blue bird landed on our deck and sang for about 5 minutes, and he sang LOUD. I am not sure that this is a sign or not... but in my heart I want to accept it as a sign. His discharge meeting is supposed to happen on the 11th of the month. He is supposed to be discharges as soon as the 15th of the month. I have court that day. Just keep us close to prayer please. I am most worried about Taylor of course. </span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-6745595122340439712008-08-24T20:00:00.000-07:002008-09-09T00:30:42.341-07:00Today I took Tay back...<span style="font-size:130%;">The drive to the center was a nice ride. Tay was talkative and it made time go by quickly. I love when he is talkative as that is not often.<br /><br />Some things I am writing about as I don't want to forget. It was interesting to listen to him talk about how he wanted to *mac* our car out. He was saying he wanted to get it painted when he gets a job, and get detailing on it and rims, such as spinners...???? It was just something that caught my attention as we drive a camry... not a car you would see that with. But that is what he wants. The really interesting thing about it is, he keeps talking about getting a job to do so.<br /><br />Another thing that was interesting to hear him talk about. He said he would love to get an old time school bus (his words, not mine) and convert it to have a bed in it, or a couple of beds. He would like to travel the whole U.S. in the bus with friends. He stated that everyone could pitch in. Again, not thinking that people would have to work to afford to pitch in and it just isn't a reality. It is fun to listen to him talk about his ideas though.<br /><br />His therapist called me and asked me to send some toys back with him. He is sleeping a lot there which is most likely a sign of depression creeping back in, but they also recently changed some meds... so who knows which. He is bored with his current toys. So as I was driving he pulled out his toys he brought. He packed about 60 match box cars, and three transformers. He was so very excited about it. He was pulling each car out and telling me about it.<br /><br />I just didn't want to ever forget todays conversations, so wanted to log it. Also, he called Kev to wish him a happy birthday. He didn't get through so he was disappointed. He said he would call him later this week.</span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-68222668339955460952008-08-24T08:00:00.000-07:002008-08-24T08:35:30.531-07:00A day of being siblings...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxyLBXiFY7xm6BeJNvugK_ENGWoOQ5_LTOlgjWDEszqwl6N-aFaWL_Cn4EYzgns5wCvlo3tfMT-23LDW0onhMwtJDVPW8U0gGexZffBSHBXvceJ6cd2XkCNR5UTIT44N4SVto98jVgQQ/s1600-h/IMG_4642.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxyLBXiFY7xm6BeJNvugK_ENGWoOQ5_LTOlgjWDEszqwl6N-aFaWL_Cn4EYzgns5wCvlo3tfMT-23LDW0onhMwtJDVPW8U0gGexZffBSHBXvceJ6cd2XkCNR5UTIT44N4SVto98jVgQQ/s320/IMG_4642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238108017540145538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D8plJM04pbknxib1dxBOTkLitadIN2Ij1bts0UVCRpiFn9wRiADlTrRF_6yol2tjL9B8FVFRcN91bjskyMm9XuRO8W05FUDxF54srSwNS2kxzktS5V5zgcoHo_vSFHjcFyLiNbiAELY/s1600-h/IMG_4644.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D8plJM04pbknxib1dxBOTkLitadIN2Ij1bts0UVCRpiFn9wRiADlTrRF_6yol2tjL9B8FVFRcN91bjskyMm9XuRO8W05FUDxF54srSwNS2kxzktS5V5zgcoHo_vSFHjcFyLiNbiAELY/s320/IMG_4644.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238108021125784450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">It is always really good to have all of our kids in one single spot. It is when I feel the most content. Taylor is constantly wanting to spend time with his older sister and it is so nice to see that she and Spencer make time for him. He spent the afternoon with them yesterday. He had a great time. He is so disappointed that he has to go back to Portland today. He assumed since we got him last week for an extra day to catch him up on some medical appointments, that we would naturally get to keep him like that each week. It breaks my heart to tell him no.<br /><br />Taylor was telling sis yesterday about his new home. (His transitional home through DD *disability* services) He said how afraid he is to go there. Oh, it just breaks my heart for him. I know that all of the changes are going to be really difficult for him as he, and others with his disorder, do not react well to change.<br /><br />My hopes and dreams are still that he knows that none of this has to do with not loving him, but that we are doing this as we love him more than anything and need him to gain some of the living skills needed to get along in this world... just to get by even.<br /><br />It really is difficult for me to know that there is going to be a day that I will not be here for him due to his special needs. I need to know in my heart that he will be able to care for himself somewhat. He might need additional services for that, but I would be failing him as a mother and as a parent if I did not try to accomplish those goals. It is hard enough to know you won't be there to be able to let them vent, or cry on your shoulder and things of that nature. However, not knowing he was able to cook something for himself safely, walk across the street safely *even if he is mad*, be able to get to work on time, knowing how to work and set his alarm clock and be responsible, and things of that nature.... you know... it would be really hard. I know that our girls will love him and visit him, help take care of him in a nurturing way, because that is how our girls are. I sometimes think how hard it would be if G leaves this earth before I do. Not only the biggest heart ache of my life, but I am so afraid of how my kids are going to hurt too. The girls love their dad so much also, and we would all need to go through that grieving process. However, poor Tay would have an awful time beyond anything. I just can't imagine it. It hurts my heart. It sounds so morbid to think of and it is, to be honest. However, when you see your child struggle with such small issues in life, death of someone that he truly loves with all his heart, that is going to be the worst devastation ever!<br /><br />School starts soon. The paper work for his discharge is supposed to be around September 15th 2008. He has no idea about the vacation that we have diligently been working on to get him to the wish he gave his sister of going to Disneyland, and local attractions. Nearly $6,000 needed in five months is a challenge, that is for sure! Thanks for all the donations and help from our followers of this blog and everyone buying jerky and bake sale items.<br /><br />A lot of people are writing and somewhat afraid to ask us a question about our son. We are more than happy to answer anything for you, or my daughter as she is more aware of some of the resources that she is coming up with. The resources on our page that google posts for us will lead to other resources also. That is the purpose of us posting them, to share our knowledge and wealth through all of this. We want people to be also aware that our son is a human being. He might have a disability, but he is a young man with thoughts and feelings. He wants friends, he wants to be accepted. He is not bad, but sometimes his choices are poor. (Many teens make poor choices without having a disability). We want people to know we love our son just the way he is, but strive to get him help for his future to be bright and hopeful.<br /><br />We will be having a Krispy Kreme Doughnut sale in September, on the 21st of the month, and we will also have jerky available for sale near the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. If you know of anyone interested in pre orders let me know. The cost of the doughnuts is $8 per dozen. Not much more than what the grocery stores now charge. All the profit will also go towards helping spread autism awareness and also finish up paying for his wish to get his whole family together for one last vacation to a place that he loves.</span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-60219031688188105382008-08-22T04:41:00.000-07:002008-08-22T04:46:59.321-07:00I can't wait to hug you today buddy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggduY5TdWAifql4uhsnPk_kT_ruGkqJ9i2ro9YAQmvqz8hCqOkYDcZ2bqlT4IQdxr60fcmyXii23udjdxqp3CUSz6PuylIpG7icI0YtEvh6n-JE3QUelckkSXacC2N2bBO7c0vmUUnIC8/s1600-h/IMG_2409.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggduY5TdWAifql4uhsnPk_kT_ruGkqJ9i2ro9YAQmvqz8hCqOkYDcZ2bqlT4IQdxr60fcmyXii23udjdxqp3CUSz6PuylIpG7icI0YtEvh6n-JE3QUelckkSXacC2N2bBO7c0vmUUnIC8/s320/IMG_2409.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237307213476549538" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I am so excited. I know that I will get to see Taylor tonight when my husband brings him home. That is always a day I look forward to during the week. I think that our daughter Amanda and her boyfriend are going to take him to the fair this weekend on Saturday. I am sure he will love that.<br /><br />I have a lot of jerky to sell this weekend. My friend Sandie is helping us. I also need to figure out a place that we will be selling the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. We will do that in September....<br /><br />On my way out the door for work now.... blessings to all...</span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-31279001321566676472008-08-20T07:50:00.000-07:002008-08-20T07:51:55.101-07:00The *R* word, help stop it now...This is a video that I saw on a new friend's page and it just struck home so much. Please stop this silliness now. It starts with one person and having that person educate others. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JzgQ3LVNhps&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JzgQ3LVNhps&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-14854055777263077472008-08-19T20:11:00.001-07:002008-09-20T05:55:46.456-07:00Would I change a thing?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yK8eGthXwPp09lp7usHjqb_PSzoR2X9vZT9kqXknoxTO9Ch_HDAptj9FrLoN8Hmh8OlvMw0o7Pz2vn-xLHIuQISgHv9GikJ8NVUE55eGBp6ZovYKyke8Cfs5Bp6qLL1KBi_Rd0JEfmw/s1600-h/IMG_3195.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yK8eGthXwPp09lp7usHjqb_PSzoR2X9vZT9kqXknoxTO9Ch_HDAptj9FrLoN8Hmh8OlvMw0o7Pz2vn-xLHIuQISgHv9GikJ8NVUE55eGBp6ZovYKyke8Cfs5Bp6qLL1KBi_Rd0JEfmw/s320/IMG_3195.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236437400989047410" border="0" /></a> Carlie waking from a nap while visiting bub at<br /> the Parry Center.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhso3NgGWXv5cSleqdAAkNfDYncv08349Ij-Q1Rc2GMbZfuN-Lp8qWB_CG0Tsp-IMg8SviWXxOrzYKqpGunpgAXrrMisGMdH_xDFxtaB93_tCeogKZXySMuBo86NRx_268mjYo1FqJxS0w/s1600-h/IMG_3933.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhso3NgGWXv5cSleqdAAkNfDYncv08349Ij-Q1Rc2GMbZfuN-Lp8qWB_CG0Tsp-IMg8SviWXxOrzYKqpGunpgAXrrMisGMdH_xDFxtaB93_tCeogKZXySMuBo86NRx_268mjYo1FqJxS0w/s320/IMG_3933.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236436645876137554" border="0" /></a> This is a spot in our back yard that the owners<br /> before us had a large above ground pool. This<br /> is ours.... Tay, sis and Dad........<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I have received questions from time to time if I could go back and change Tay, would I? That is a double edged sword. My first answer would be yes, in a heart beat. I think that both Gordy and myself just cringe at the hardships that our son has faced, and we know that this is not going to change anytime soon. We love him and we want him to flourish and we want him to be happy, and healthy. For us, I think that happy and healthy both go hand in hand. So yes, to save my son from this, what mother or father wouldn't want this.<br /><br />BUT.... and this is a BIG BUT<br /><br />On the other hand, NEVER would I change him if it were for myself or for our family. God made Taylor; Taylor! He is who he is. His wires of his brain aren't attached the same as ours are (so to speak and for the purpose of a visual only...) If I were to wish that differently a couple of things would take place. First of all, I feel like I would be saying that Taylor wasn't good enough, and that is so far from the truth. Also, God gives us blessings. Taylor is one of our three blessings. Who would I be to say that this blessing was less than a miracle or miraculous? Who would I be to deny that God had this plan for Taylor by forming him in my womb? I believe that this child of mine is such a gift, and such a blessing and I will love him through his strengths and his weaknesses.<br /><br />One scripture in the bible that my mind often wonders to when I think of God entrusting this young man's life to us, Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. That touches my heart and soul so very much. God knows Taylor's future. I think that He also knew that Gordy would be the perfect dad for our son when his biological father failed him. There was a plan.<br /><br />There are days that putting one step in front of the other for me is difficult. Sometimes I just DON'T want to. I then think of our kids needing us, and I know that I must.<br /><br />I love my son. I want his happiness to surpass his confusion. I want to be by his side the whole way. God is guiding us, Gordy, the girls and I, even when it feels like we are adrift at sea, meeting the crashing waves against our ship... but we keep our eyes to the heavens and to the shore, where our son is.<br /><br />Blessings to all of our family and friends (who are also our family). With all of the changes about to occur for our son, we know that there may be some regressions about to take place. Please put him in your prayers and keep us there too. A strong person knows when to ask for prayer, and I know we will need each of them.</span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-12348280853656953382008-08-19T20:04:00.000-07:002008-08-19T20:08:22.879-07:00Music to Listen to while browsing out blog<center><p style="visibility:visible;"><embed src="http://assets.myflashfetish.com/swf/mp3/fetish-mp3player.swf" quality="high" wmode="window" bgcolor="444444" flashvars="myid=11675175&path=2008/08/10&mycolor=444444&mycolor2=FFFFFF&mycolor3=93c0e3&autoplay=true&rand=0&f=4&vol=100&pat=0&grad=false" width="410" height="270" name="myflashfetish" align="middle"type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" border="0" /><br><a href="http://www.myflashfetish.com/playlist/11675175"><img src="http://assets.myflashfetish.com/images/btn-get-tracks.gif" alt="Music" title="Get Music Tracks!" border="0"></a><img src="http://assets.myflashfetish.com/images/btn-create.gif" alt="Playlist" title="Create Your Free Playlist!" border=0>ref="http://www.mixpod.com/ringtones/11675175"><img src="http://assets.myflashfetish.com/images/btn-get-ringtones.gif" alt="Ringtones" title="Get Ringtones From This Playlist!" border="0">
<br /></p></center>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-62470046109740799502008-08-18T18:30:00.000-07:002008-08-18T18:38:20.435-07:00I am so lonely for him....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt28yxpG7cqv-NLY41m3AqjNP8nmEMdu0B8SU8hmBBROTOqLR_yHYqhUVTU3VRMANl680ihl4i-iByKgJKUj-vmEgbr44UKgqq_y354IH1LLmLKuhol8EClqWnvq99BW0TZx7Y8VhKP5Y/s1600-h/IMG_3612.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt28yxpG7cqv-NLY41m3AqjNP8nmEMdu0B8SU8hmBBROTOqLR_yHYqhUVTU3VRMANl680ihl4i-iByKgJKUj-vmEgbr44UKgqq_y354IH1LLmLKuhol8EClqWnvq99BW0TZx7Y8VhKP5Y/s320/IMG_3612.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236037031053013314" border="0" /></a><br />Today I had to take my son back. I miss him already. It is really difficult for me to take him there and leave without him. I just want to grab him and hold him and say NO! I want to say, pack your stuff up and let's go home. However, that is not to be yet. The next stage is the transitional home and that is coming up more rapidly than we had imagined. I am trying to prepare myself for that.<br /><br />When growing up, the word foster home, in my mind, meant that a child had parents that didn't care for him/her, or were drug abusers, or child abusers. It is such a big pill to swallow as my son will be in a foster home. UGGG!!! Drives me crazy to know that the stereo type probably still applies. For us, that is so far from the truth. We love Taylor. We want everything that is good for Taylor. He is our heart and our soul. I just feel so sad about it in that aspect. However, he is going to a great family in our area and that is good. They are supposed to have a lot of experience with kids and the system. We will be able to see him a lot more.<br /><br />Thanks all that follow this and everyone that writes comments or sends us email. It helps keep us going.Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-89181931096669538192008-08-15T22:38:00.000-07:002008-08-15T22:59:16.256-07:00Home for the weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCVYHUI0FFZ22b9K2EG-59QK32YK0pvn0OS1P11WHFaoIijcr5x-2DDcuULGUxSG-PwAa9r2cNaMrzL6dj3u7fyD9eZgC2qLJOc3vCP9oOLSaDbxAzj2niAyl5gYQA7YHbZsQiLJ32dU/s1600-h/IMG_4416.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCVYHUI0FFZ22b9K2EG-59QK32YK0pvn0OS1P11WHFaoIijcr5x-2DDcuULGUxSG-PwAa9r2cNaMrzL6dj3u7fyD9eZgC2qLJOc3vCP9oOLSaDbxAzj2niAyl5gYQA7YHbZsQiLJ32dU/s320/IMG_4416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234991063870871986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Tay is home for the weekend. I have not seen him yet, as I was over visiting a very sick friend at her home. The boys were supposed to call me when they got home. When I hadn't heard from them, I got a bit nervous and called home. I woke my husband and he said Tay had fallen asleep also. I have not seen him to this point. Gordy said that his face is pretty banged up as well as some big scrapes on his knees and legs. That makes me pretty nervous to see him tomorrow. I hate to see my kids hurt. I am very nervous to see him. I just need to stay calm and not react. That is very difficult for me at times.<br /><br />Taylor will be going to a transitional home soon. I have such mixed emotions about it to be honest. I am excited for him as he really wants to get out of the Perry Center, but they know that he is not ready to come home yet. I am really excited that he will be in our town which is closer for us and we will be able to see him more readily. That will be so wonderful. I am nervous that he is familiar with the area and will be more apt to start running away again. I have high hopes and expectations for him, but I am still very nervous and scared.<br /><br />We have heard wonderful things about the home that he will be living in. That makes me happy. I also feel bad, that he will have someone that will be acting as a mother figure. I want that to be my job. I know it sounds so selfish, but, he is my son. I love him.... it is hard. Keep him in prayer please!<br /></span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-18116335429174722062008-08-14T19:45:00.000-07:002008-08-14T20:10:39.442-07:00Come on Tay... keep it together buddy! You can do this!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4EYHQqFBoSh-kGx5i-dF8TwbRtl23ln2JUWt2WP2AmXu-Wf9cGLeM6eDJL-NGVwcegeLldy7JGze01IQFLvsh9mUsyfZ0o1Mhyphenhyphen21In_bRCCMjwoKBB7gVCzi_LVeYP3aHXJoms0ajww/s1600-h/IMG_3027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4EYHQqFBoSh-kGx5i-dF8TwbRtl23ln2JUWt2WP2AmXu-Wf9cGLeM6eDJL-NGVwcegeLldy7JGze01IQFLvsh9mUsyfZ0o1Mhyphenhyphen21In_bRCCMjwoKBB7gVCzi_LVeYP3aHXJoms0ajww/s320/IMG_3027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234576563508856546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Another day of horrible outbursts for Taylor. It just breaks my heart. He was doing so well. Each night at about this same time, he is having really bad outbursts at the center. This is the fourth night this week. This terrifies me. I am not sure if it is his medications or if it is the fact that his therapist has gone to a new job, or C) none of the above. All I know is that Taylor is regressing and this is not a good thing. I didn't sleep one wink last night, just sitting up worrying about him. <br /><br />I am not sure if he will be able to come home tomorrow or not. I was looking forward to seeing him. I just wish I could understand, if for only one second, how his brain thinks. It is terrifying to me. I want to protect him from things that are going to hurt him. I want to protect him from himself. Just when he seems to have most of the rage under control, he regresses.<br /><br />They say it is at the same time of night each night, so perhaps it has to do with meds. I am not sure what it is, but I just know I am him mom and I want nothing other than for him to be ok.<br /><br /></span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-22419559124559359922008-08-13T02:05:00.000-07:002008-08-13T02:08:38.908-07:00Some issues<span style="font-size:130%;">We talked to a staff member at the center this evening. Apparently there are some issues going on with Tay there. On Sunday night apparently he ran away at the center for a short amount of time. This is not a good sign. He came back on his own accord, which is good, but none the less, there are some issues going on. He also had to have a hold two nights in a row. The first night, I guess he was fighting the hold pretty bad and ended up getting cut on the cheek. I am very worried about him. Please keep him in your thoughts. </span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-63731150139098824592008-08-12T18:47:00.000-07:002008-08-12T19:04:16.515-07:00Sorry for the lack of keeping this up lately!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmNZeTwi70WS6E3iq94Wrmnkaa4g_rVIX3baZbiaTFlooqC9AmPzN0ymDI0m4E-2cpG9KwptiO0sUQyY_6eWRq-2CwEtyBHa-QjnqF5JMupkF3GYoY7gtwVrqJlJKLuhCpzL4k7_DH9c/s1600-h/IMG_4414.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmNZeTwi70WS6E3iq94Wrmnkaa4g_rVIX3baZbiaTFlooqC9AmPzN0ymDI0m4E-2cpG9KwptiO0sUQyY_6eWRq-2CwEtyBHa-QjnqF5JMupkF3GYoY7gtwVrqJlJKLuhCpzL4k7_DH9c/s320/IMG_4414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233817121268907586" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Our lives are thrust into the FAST lane! With being back to work and very little time to take care of myself when I get home let alone my family, leaves very little time to blog. We get to spend time with Taylor on the weekend so I am also occupied at that time too. I am not complaining as that is what I want. I love my time with the kids together. That is what being a mother is.<br /><br />Gordy goes in on Friday for a follow up with Marion County New Solutions on Friday. I am not sure if his DD worker will be there or not. We are anxious to find out if there is going to be alternative placement for him. He is anxious for that also.<br /><br />It is a bit ironic to be honest. The two homes that harbored him when he would run, both families have moved now. Well, not officially... one has moved and the other one has their home for sale. Why oh why could they have not moved before last year and just have left my son alone. I really do think that they had a lot to do with him getting so out of control with his behaviors this past year. I know meds also had a lot to do with it.<br /><br />Tay earned a scooter at the center and he is so proud of it. It is wood also on the platform where you put your feet. He loves it. He brought it home this past weekend. He enjoys it...<br /><br />This weekend he will be home for four days... well, three basically. Gordy will pick him up on Friday. We will get him for the weekend. Then on Monday I will need to take him to the dentist and orthodontist, and then run him back to Portland. I am not too fond of driving in the traffic in Portland, but have done it several times during his hospitalizations.<br /><br />Just wanted to update everyone. Sorry again, I am really trying! Thanks for visiting our sponsors too.</span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-70987471756960159442008-08-04T21:32:00.000-07:002008-08-04T21:51:33.487-07:00I was just thinking about our neighbors....<span style="font-size:130%;">Tomorrow is a block party in our neighborhood. It is hard for me as this is the first one without Taylor being home for it. He REALLY enjoys the block parties. So, as I sit here and try to figure out what I am going to bring to the party, I started thinking about what a blessing it is to live in the neighborhood that we do. We were very lucky to find such a kind set of neighbors, not really one set in particular but like five or six sets of neighbors.<br /><br />Taylor loves going out and talking to all the neighbors. Especially when he gets to come home for the weekends. He likes to make his grand entrance to go see them all. It is usually one of the first things he does when he pulls into the driveway. It makes me smile. Even during the darkest times, not one of them gave us stares or dirty looks when Taylor was having his melt downs screaming and swearing at us. A couple of instances really touch my heart with the neighbors. One night Tay had run away from us. He ended up being in the street late at night and was smashing rocks to get his frustrations out. One of our neighbors, Don, came out to just talk to Taylor. He and Taylor have this connection and he listens to Don. The police were called as Taylor's behavior had them worried (can't blame them). The police was very rude to my husband and it was a mess. The police don't know what they are talking about when it comes to autism, that is just the long and short of it. So, there was Don, trying to pick up the pieces with us. I was so impressed. Taylor also loves the other men in the neighborhood, Lee, Trent and last but certainly not least, Joe. Joe's wife is the other one that has a lasting memory in my mind. On one of the first *all night* runaways, we had the police over yet again, making out a report. It was so awful. Your stomach just hurts when all of this is going on. Anyhow, we had police in our back yard looking for Tay with lights and it was just horrifying that at that moment, that was our life. How did our life get like that? Thoughts just kept racing through my head. We were checking out under the deck in the back and our neighbor, Mavis came out and asked if we were okay. I told her Taylor had run. I felt so awkward saying it, but there it was, out on the table. It was like an open wound for all to see. I expected her to go inside, yet there she stood in her house coat, calling Taylor's name. You know your heart, when you are ready to cry, how it all starts feeling warm, and you can't control it, that is what I felt. More recently, after Taylor had already left for the Parry Center, we had a garage sale. Don's wife Bonnie came over and not only did she buy things from us, but she also gave us a donation to help Taylor get to Disneyland. Lee across the street, he took Taylor to school each morning, even after his son stopped riding with them and started riding the bus. His wife Elizabeth has come over umpteen times to cheer me when all seems hopeless for that moment. I also remember going to Trent and Carrie's house across the street one night in deep desperation for help. Carry works with kids that are autistic, but more kids that are non verbal. I needed resources. She did so much leg work and came to my home a couple of days later with a list of contacts.<br /><br />We are very blessed to live in the neighborhood we do live in. We live with people that really care about each other and lift each other when they are in need. I am so lucky that they are in our lives.<br /><br />I still don't know what to take tomorrow.<br /><br />To the moon and back buddy, I love you to the moon and back... mama</span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-34776665311172783182008-08-03T19:27:00.000-07:002008-11-12T17:41:21.714-08:00Weekend home with our Taylor. A family affair!First of all, I apologize as my blogging gets to be less and less with work now at hand. I am glad to be back, but keeping up on this is difficult. Then the weekends are all about Taylor and that is the way we want it. <br /><br /><br />We had a wonderful weekend with Taylor. There were a couple of rough spots as this was supposed to be a weekend that Taylor would be able to go on a family reunion and it got canceled one week before it was to take place. That is hard for him as he worked so hard to be able to go see his grandparents and cousins, aunts and uncles. So, we had as good of a weekend as we could under the circumstances. <br /><br />One thing that stuck me by surprise: He was teasing Spencer over the weekend, calling him a mama's boy. All of a sudden, he said "Spencer, it is no big deal, I am a mama's boy too." He wasn't doing it to get my attention as he never even looked at me. He just kept going on in conversation. It has been YEARS since he has given me any indication that that bond was still in place from his point of view. It took me back. It felt REALLY REALLY good. However, in reality, I know, he, just like Carlie, are Daddy's kids. He is just as much in favor of his dad. In fact, I see their bond so much each time I am around them. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1913czQN7JcgtTWBvly6g96fr9DhKIFyt-l2rcRmT-hiACpQYJhyphenhyphenLi_v2tcgpunWJxdrhD6LRRfw5lcchroPchlh_QzAgb-6c1HohwLgKPaCpG_uHeVh_QYLHqERH6n9dJDfRB9k3VU/s1600-h/IMG_4350.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1913czQN7JcgtTWBvly6g96fr9DhKIFyt-l2rcRmT-hiACpQYJhyphenhyphenLi_v2tcgpunWJxdrhD6LRRfw5lcchroPchlh_QzAgb-6c1HohwLgKPaCpG_uHeVh_QYLHqERH6n9dJDfRB9k3VU/s320/IMG_4350.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230484115583499890" border="0" /></a><br />As usual, we had a water kid. He went so far as to tell his dad, that "That is what he is all about" when referring to going swimming at the pool. It made us laugh as Gordy relayed the story to me. He loves swimming so much, it is hard to get him out of the water. He had a great time swimming with the whole family. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1ESrjJ-Lg9vXzrpsMJGBCyJbI5gzaQOd6BQl-KJuileoZWgG49fxjptvlcQU8QeLxrRFMV-dmWf4fHmOAfos2xGlxKxsGyVbOstdukSO5cMF27swUoRDkF_UEP6ZfSg3fTkzG4vj0PQ/s1600-h/IMG_4343.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1ESrjJ-Lg9vXzrpsMJGBCyJbI5gzaQOd6BQl-KJuileoZWgG49fxjptvlcQU8QeLxrRFMV-dmWf4fHmOAfos2xGlxKxsGyVbOstdukSO5cMF27swUoRDkF_UEP6ZfSg3fTkzG4vj0PQ/s320/IMG_4343.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230484119069972306" border="0" /></a><br />We also went to the Pride celebration downtown and had a nice time. He grabbed bumper stickers and buttons and pens and anything he could get his hands on. It was also amusing. We saw some of our friends down there also, and that was nice. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9SHHfhLlsM-bYQBkxJ_TiCa4tjS_01f3HnaXGTTM-JlmPffQJyUkrbEql49kvcJ6zhqhoGS6UxLbM347_LMvGWyYz-VYlF-yrGQbghmZnI78pCFXj1EYyObmifEwNR3_5ms2UFLyYg8/s1600-h/IMG_4311.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9SHHfhLlsM-bYQBkxJ_TiCa4tjS_01f3HnaXGTTM-JlmPffQJyUkrbEql49kvcJ6zhqhoGS6UxLbM347_LMvGWyYz-VYlF-yrGQbghmZnI78pCFXj1EYyObmifEwNR3_5ms2UFLyYg8/s320/IMG_4311.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230484131071437442" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We also went to breakfast in Stayton yesterday. Horrible service, but the best company I could ask for. Then Gordy took us out to dinner also where we met Amanda and Spencer. It was a very busy weekend trying our hardest to keep his mind off of the family reunion. <br /><br />He went back today. Gordy took him back. I sit here now, and I miss him. I never feel totally "full" without him at the house. He told us yesterday that he will always live with us and he wants to live in the garage and convert it into an apartment. He will just have to live in his room, but it is interesting to listen to his perspective on things. <br /><br />Our son.... <br /><br />To the moon and back buddy, I love you to the moon and back... Mama<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><embed autostart="false" loop="true" src="http://www.lakeyorkies.com/media/Jaci_Velasquez_-_I_Get_On_My_Knees" height="40" width="300"></embed>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-90698234254408172782008-07-30T19:07:00.000-07:002008-07-30T19:15:09.936-07:00Good Bye Miss Jessie<span style="font-size:130%;">About an hour ago we found out that our son's therapist is transferring her jobs. She will work for the same company, but at a different facility. I am happy for her, but very sad for my family and most of all our son. She has been a huge asset to our son's treatment at The Parry Center. I think it is going to be difficult for Taylor as she really connected with him. She was in it to win it and she has really done a magnificent job with Taylor. <br /><br />There seems to be a lack of words when it comes to saying thank you for helping our son. You feel as if you owe the people that care for him so much more than what words offer. No words will measure up to the feelings we have for the people that care for him and help him. This transition has been so much better than past experiences. It is like the lack of words when we have a child and you can write again and again all the reasons that you love that child, but the words don't even touch the tip of the ice burg. <br /><br />We appreciate you Ms. Jessie. You will never be his mother, obviously, but thanks for being as close to a mom that he had while there in your care. Thanks for caring for my son when I am not able to be there. Thanks for taking an interest in him and his needs. Thanks for advocating for my son. Thanks for wanting the best for Taylor. Thanks for being the wonderful person that you are. I appreciate all you have done for him. Gordy and I feel so much gratitude that God put you in Taylor's life. <br /><br />Blessings in your future. </span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-82315098385752562502008-07-30T15:37:00.000-07:002008-07-30T15:39:48.346-07:00Thanks for asking the update on Tay's funds<object width="250" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/e392743769dd9416"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="color_scheme" value="red"></param><embed src="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/e392743769dd9416" flashVars="color_scheme=red" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="250" height="250"></embed></object>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-36406865171884191452008-07-29T20:13:00.000-07:002008-07-29T20:22:04.537-07:00And Let there be jerky!<span style="font-size:130%;">We have so much jerky! Please, if you are in the area and are wanting to buy some jerky, we have it. It is all sealed and we just purchased it from a dealer at wholesale. We got a good enough break on the prices that we are able to also pass some savings onto you. It is Oberto jerky and we have tons of jerky. Our biggest seller so far is for weight watchers people as we have packages that only have 100 calories. In the store they sell for $1.99. We are able to sell them for $1.25, which is a big savings for people. That is a 40% savings. Buy 10 or more packs and the price goes down to $1.00 each. We have other varieties also, but this is our biggest seller. <br /><br />As for now, I just unloaded the van and I am so tired. A full van load unloaded, and working a full day, and I should be going to bed now. <br /><br />Thanks so much. Please spread the word to all you know. This is going to most likely finish our fund raising to get our Taylor to Disneyland, and other attractions in Southern California. <br /><br /></span>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557379263228195397.post-32363778350832602232008-07-28T19:32:00.000-07:002008-07-28T19:47:12.770-07:00Let me help at least one person in this life....<span style="font-size:130%;">Today I had a great talk with one of my co-workers and friend, at work. We actually had a lot of conversations today, but, one in particular came up. She had a lot of questions of autism. I answered them to the best of my ability, which wasn't too hard, as her questions seemed like she was asking about my son Taylor. She knows someone that might possibly have autism, so she was curious.<br /><br />What the neat thing about this was, she has two kids of her own. She is a good mommy to her kids, so, her being so concerned shows that she also is not a selfish person but is wanting to help someone else.<br /><br />I will always work with my son, and love my son and strive for the best for my son. Nothing will change that now, or ever. However, it would be so nice to touch the life of someone that could use help in this area as it is a wonderful thing to pass on. I wish someone would have known about and helped answer my questions through autism. If Taylor's life can help make one person's somewhat better, what a blessing for both of us.<br /><br />The person that I spoke to just kicks butt at her job and nobody can touch her there... so she is someone that I usually don't sit with as I could use her words to a t and still never get 'er done! LOL! So for me to sit with her and have such good conversation on some touchy subjects, I think God put her in my life today.<br /><br />Tay, I miss you today son. I miss you a lot. I just tried to call you but it seems like you are having a really hard night. I am sorry. I wish I could help you and make it better. I wish I could be there and try to listen to you. I wish I could just hug you.<br /><br />To the moon and back buddy, I love you to the moon and back.<br /><br /></span><br /><embed autostart="false" loop="true" src="http://38.113.114.147/39.mp3" height="40" width="300"></embed>Baking a wishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709335154133301056noreply@blogger.com2