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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Mash up

last January. Wow its been a year already.
Our Sophie had just turned 2, and we were off to pick up her hearing aids for the first time. Her wonderfully pink sparkling aids.

We spent the "winter" in the desert. While it wasnt that COLD per-say. It was definitely crazy with wind. But we fought through it and always did our trips to the beautiful parks they had there.

It was a good run in the Desert and Sometimes I surely do miss it. But now its time for a New Year. A new year~~~~ ALREADY~~~~ Im looking forward to what there is out there for us. what it means for us. what it means for the kids. So much is about to Change. I have to prep myself. Slow down and oace things. Contrate on my family and their needs. Only keep those who Matter close to me. Not sweat the small things.

We traveled and we moved. To a place we had high hopes for.

Love traveling but looking forward to settling down somewhere and just taking long vacations.

So In 2011. Sophie Turned 2, Em turned 4, We found Reese a new home, then Homed a mini chi. Adopted a kitty, and Traveled North to Washington for our New home. Ryan turned 1, We turned 26 and moved onto post at J.B.L.M Got rid of the annoying mini chi and Adopted A tiny black Kitty. Found out we LOVE kitties so much. Visited the Sound and Enjoyed the beaches here. Dressed up for halloween, Celebrated with Some turkey. Started the Cochlear process with Sophie. Learned lots of sign language. Learned a lot about ourselves, our family, and what we can handle and not. Had ups and downs, Fights, and our first date night in a long time. Wrapped a few gifts and let the kids rip them open. LOT of stuff went down this fast year. Im not sad to see things go and a new year start. Theres lots that will betaking action in 2012 and I want this to be our best year to date.
With the changes coming....and a new year here. And Ryan now in a "big boy" bed. I guess its time to kiss the baby years goodbye.

here momma. Im a big kid now. :)



HAPPY NEW YEAR READERS.
Keep safe, enjoy, kiss your loved ones and Ring in the Year with an awesome state of mind.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Trusty ole Red Book

It wasnt until today that It hit me. ITS JUST US HERE. No friends around, no family to visit with. No bouncing from House to house, no exchanging of gifts and being stuffed with deviled Eggs and Cherry cheesecake.
So we are opting to start our own annual Traditions. Traditions that I hope we will see through until the Children Make families of their own.
So while thinking about What we can do And Having to cook our turkey a head of time, and not liking its flavor. I thought, WHY NOT slow cook the turkey in a pool of flavor and create a homemade turkey pot pie. For Christmas Day.
Im going to also try my hand at Grams Buttermilk Biscuits, and the best Chocolate Cake recipe comes from the side of Hershey's cocoa Powder. So their we go. its set and if it turns out well...TRADITION set.
So Of course I start looking up recipes for the pie crust. remembering I do not know the recipe that came from my fathers infamous RED COOK BOOK. The Trusty OLD, ratty, falling apart book. That has the best pie crust recipe in the pot pie area. SOOOOO yum. His Trusty ole Red Book is so old, its missing pages, and has hand written recipes and cut outs he has collected along the way. Black and white photos of certain recipes and I can RECALL it from my Childhood.
Which of course, makes me miss the good times with my dad. The little traditions we had as a family while I was growing up. The Video Camera always plastered to his eye every Christmas morning. The Going around the circle of us kids, allowing us to only open one gift per time. Torturing us, and prolonging the JOY. Chocolate Cream pie with Cool whip. Runny Eggs and Fatty bacon the Morning of. The Yule Log and Christmas Music playing on the TV as we opened our Gifts. Dad either Falling asleep on the sofa or purposely taking a nap. His Chocolate chip cookies. "Its a wonderful life" in the kitchen, while he was baking.
All remembering this from his trusty ole Red book pie crust recipe.


As for Traditions, I cant wait to bake cookies on Christmas EVE, let the kids open stockings and Listen to Grandma Lights Voice from "the night before Christmas" book.

Im really looking forward to this Christmas.

IS IT HERE YET?

Friday, December 16, 2011

Oh I Wish I had a river you could skate away on

Joni Mitchells "River"
It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on

But it don't snow here
It stays pretty green
I'm going to make a lot of money
Then I'm going to quit this crazy scene
Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on

Love this classic Beautiful Song. Most of Ms Joni Mitchells songs always get to me, but this time of year. I so love to hear her voice. I sink into my seat each and every time I play this song. While its Beautiful and Sad, it also reminds me about WHY I SO LOVE this time of year. And How I wish, That everyone come be filled with Joyful spirit during Christmas.

The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.
OHH Buddy the Elf. How Fun of you. It fits my personality so well.
Though I sing aloud for all to hear all year long,I couldnt agree more with his elfish quote.


Merry Christmas.
YES I SAID MERRY CHRISTMAS. Not happy holiday's. My christian and I believe in Christ. And even though Christmas might have no REAL reason to do with the birth of the Savior. The Fact that he is used as one of the many christmas stories. Is good enough for me. I do my best not to offend my fellow readers. But I must say this. Being "insulted" for one to say Merry Christmas, as if its to DOG your personal religion is quite...unkind...and a few other choice words. No one used to be offened. No one used to make it their goal in December to pick fights about word choices. Everyone was KIND, and gentle, and celebrated according to how they saw fight, with out a care of what people knew about their family.
Snobbish Consumers who huff and snuff and spit at the employee for Receiting a Little Christmas goodbye is more dirty then that employee sending them off with a little Jolly.
Its so sad what the World has become. I see more people fight Merry Christmas for the Fact it has the Word CHRIST. I see people Fight Merry Christmas because of Stories that portray the Lord. I see people fight it, because they are lost and confused and full of hate instead of compation. They dont know what to believe or who to believe in so pretend that there is no higher power. What a sad little life to live.
So Im here. SINGING LOUD. "I WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS I WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR"

Christmas, a time to give...and receive. To be thankful, to show your thankfulness. To be united as a family. TO join in Christmas cheer. TO eat hearty foods, indulge in sweets and a bit too much nog. A time to throw snowballs at your brother or help decorate a palm tree while in FLorida. ;)
Its a time for Story telling, and wishful thinking. To use your imagination and through yourself into make believe.
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT friends. Why are we lacking Christmas SPIRIT. Who cares if your kids are grown, your all alone. You arent a believer in anything magical. This is the time of year to let those walls down and just enjoy.
I get so sad that people rush through christmas. That they cant wait for it to be over. They arent excited for it. They put no thought or effort into creating a twinkling red and green feastival of cheer.
SO what if you feel its too Commercialized. GOT OVER IT FRIENDS. Just because the hustle and bustle of shoppers gone wild leaves the shelves a bit bare, and mom's a bit frantic. Doesnt mean you have to partake in all that. You can celebrate, and be thankful, and share in the stories. You can make a beautiful meal and drink to your hearts content. You dont have to get all scrooge and ruin it for other people who LOVE even the mere thought of Christmas. There is no harm in the thought, in the meaning and believing of a tradition.
I dont care about where it started, how we adopted it from pagens. Or that Santa Claus was really some crazy man that broke into homes.
The spirit of what it means. Is what this Decker Family cares about. We care about the Joy the Thought of Santa coming gives our kids. How they talk about the flying and the presents and the cookies and the candy canes. The North pole and Santa's workshop. and the other end of It being jesus Birthday, and we sing a Joyous Christmas Christian melody. WE care. We enjoy, we play make believe for our children and we light up because of their excitement.
Commercialized? Sure....but all you scrooges out there are whats bringing down christmas. So grab a candy cane, put on a classic Christmas Movie, share a laugh. Throw back some nog and GET IN SOME CHRISTMAS SPIRIT~


Thursday, December 15, 2011

Just a bit of news

So even though we are not out of woods completely on the approval for Sophias implant. I wanted to share with my friends and family that Her Surgeon here At Madigan army Medical Center has agreed to implant her with the newly approved Neptune processor, By Advanced Bionics.
We are truly thrilled that he will do this for her, as it is an off the ear option for our little active monster who tugs at her ears all day long. AND hates having something attached. Not only that but it can be worn in the water, So she will beable to get ACTUAL swimming lessons, since this little bug LOVES water.
Now basically just waiting on Seattle to say yes.And Dr Crawfords Cordinator to call us back with his schedule so that we may pick our date in February for Sophies Surgery.

Things are coming along...slowly but surely.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

All I meant~

Lets talk.

Have you ever wondered about epiphanies?
How they happen? what triggers the thought?
For me it happens in my writing. Even sometimes amist Chaos and confusion as I have my two little kids fighting over my middle lap space.

I love that 2011 has been such a growing process for my family and I. I love what we have learned about each of our children. Seeing them grow and discover. Even during the rough, all I want to do is sleep through this terrible experience moments, I can find that glimmer of thankful reality.

In my last blog I spoke about individualities and creating an environment based of nurturing the spirit more then mind. I spoke about my feelings toward the harsh methods among the educational system in place for my daughter Sophia.
I today realized in a conversation that while my statements came off harsh on the education system. I also meant what I said.
Yes my child is different, needs assistance, needs more things. Not just my child, not just her difference. When I say I meant what I said about also understand that I do support the system in place. I understand the dynamics. I know the reasoning behind the grading and placing and calculating. I understand the purpose of having a chart of milestones as guidelines. I do. I do~ Its pretty simple to understand.
So again my speaking about it, is about MY FEELINGS. Im not saying do away with the system. Im not saying its uncalled for. But What I am saying. Is that to me...again to me....the word "evaluation" is just a pretty way of saying "we are comparing".
So for me. A mom who knows her daughter is deaf. Who knows she has lots to learn and catch up on, who feels like her disablity isnt as limiting as others are. For a mother who loves Sophie just the way she is. Having a system that technically COMPARES my daughter to the "norm" bothers me.
But its my opinion. Its my fight with in me.
granted. State to state guidelines are pretty different and San Bernadino County California, did not have a separate education milestone chart for disabilites, or for the deaf, so her comparisions are made against Average hearing children. TELL ME WHERE THAT IS FAIR.
At the same time. Because I feel theres nothing WRONG with Sophie or her being deaf, the need for special intervention....well. thats for a another blog. THe point is my epiphany in all this is that, while we adored Sophies intervention teachers in California, I realized. As soon as we STOPPED intervention for our move...BAM she was communicating up a storm. She has COME miles since we stopped intervention, literally ;). She is signing more then ever. Expressing more then ever. And If I were to tally up her "abilities" on a milesstone report sheet. The only ones missing are verbal. She can now tell me, what she wants. Where something is, go find something when I ask her. Point stuff out. PLays pretend, EVEN BARKS when its a Dog shes pretending to be. She can put her shoes on, she can undress herself, tell me when she needs to go potty or be changed from a pull-up. Tells me when shes tired and ready for bed. What Movie she wants to watch. So...yes. My feeling my daughter is a typical well rounded average little almost 3 year old is correct. But Education institues COUNT on paper work. And because shes deaf, and it is a Disablity she needs IFSP plan to attend schools and receive SSI. and to be seen by special pediatric clinics.
We are all God's children and should be treated as such.
with "AVERAGE" kids You dont see their parents being sat down and told what to do for them, to them, with them. They dont get to hear what to expect,or about any problems unless they are in school and the issue is out of control.
Maybe Im reaching to far out on this one. But hopefully you see my point.
I love my daughter. I love all my kids. I love EVERY child. special needs or not. Im going to respect them, as I am teaching my children to respect them as well.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Peace, love and happily ever after.

If you would have told me nearly 5 years ago, I'd turn into one of those Hippie Moms, I surely would have given you the stink eye, and proved how that would not take place.
Yet, here I am 3 kids later and I've found myself oddly comfortable with baby naked-ness, jarring cute "insults" like "your aura is pink and orange like a giant elephant". The thought of sending my kids to school, makes me want to sit quiet and still in meditation. lmbo~! No but seriously. The School thing truly is tweeking me out. Not just in reguards to my little deaf wonder~

No I do not spin around with streamers under the full moon, or say my Goodbye's with "namaste". At least not everyday. However, I do believe in natural remedies. I drink lemon juice just about everyday, make ginger tea to stave off the flu, now Im into the benefits of Raw honey and the "Mother" of all Apple cider vinegar. I love Yoga and I love peace ~ yea man~
Love to write. Love to sing at the top of my lungs, dance silly with my "naked" children. ;) and Im calmed by hugs. So long as their the hugs of my kids or Husband. Not so much into hugging other people, not even my friends....yea Im that weird.

I teach my kids, love and respect above all else. Tolerance and empathy. I nuture creativity over knowledge. I do not censor my children, with the exception of the "f" word and extreme extreme violence. I am not creativing bullies, but ones who know how to stand up for themselves and their families. Do support sports and art. Support the make believing and pretending, the fairy tale telling and teach that laughter is the best medicine.

We now do not worry so much about milestones according to the outside world. We worry about our childrens progress individually. Why? Because each of them are different. Your experience is not my experience and is not their experience so we put "should haves" "need to's" "why arent they's" to bed. Early intervention, while fantastic, made me upset that because Sophie, doesnt say mama, dadda, ball or up, because she doesnt tie a knot or count to 3, that shes 12monthish...(mind you this was back in April) on your cognitive thinking skills. But my Sophie, can read your mind, your body and your facial expressions before you gesture, say or point out anything. WHERES THAT ON THE LINE OF WISDOM?

I guess the point is that, I had it in my mind that structure for my kids would be a certain way. Milestones had been set in my head as a guide line for successful children. When Really, the Guideline should just be on the parent. Not on what the kids do. I mean, lets face it. Mass murders and child rapists, may have scored high on aptidue tests, reached all their infant and toddler milestones, could read by age of 4, and count in 2 languages at 2 years old....but....need I explain their path later in life~

I do not have perfect children, Im not a perfect "hippie" mom. My family has tons of ups and downs and all arounds. Success comes in many different shades of colors. Success isnt just about how much your brain can soak up...lifes too short to work work work work and not live and breathe and smile.
Its not about how many A's my kids can get in school, but the effort they are putting in to succeed. To try. To learn. To work their minds. Its not about being a Doctor, lawyer or banker. Its about being successful at what makes their lives wonderful. Sure, I'd love my kids to be world travelers, and prize novelists, Nationally reconized Ballet dancers. But its not my path to choose. My path is to be supportive, and thankful for each day with them, and for them.
If I can teach them one things It would be to Live in truth for Happiness.
You cant lie and feel good. You can't lie and be truly successful.
So Live in Truth for Happiness~ R.S.Decker

I'd rather know I spoiled my kids rotten of Peace, Love and happiness. Then force them to lose a piece of what makes them, them.

Its a part of my fear with Cochlear implants. Not so much what the implants will do, but what tasks lay in front of Sophie. The methods. The teachers, the constint doctors and check ups.
The fact that Someone else is telling me WHAT NEEDS to be Done, to make Sophie "better" "the same" "hearing" "Smart". As science works in the human brain, as too what is absorded according to age...Sophie is already "behind" in those terms. So the pushing that I already have seen with these Teachers are going to be what makes my stress cells go bonkers. Again I say dont get me wrong, obviously some sound is better then no sound. I want to hear Sophie speak. But my mommy fire gets real HOT when down falls according to scientific standards are pointed out.
Shooot, and someone telling me HOW to do something in reguards to my child. UGHHHHHHH GROWING PAINS WILL BE IN FULL FORCE WITH ME THIS 2012.

Ah well, what can I do now.Nothing but rant and rave. Complaining is 2nd nature to me. Like it or not...ha you dont have to read my blogs. When emotions run high in me theres only a few good things I can do. Re-arrange furniture and organize...which was already done this weekend. Put on make-up...that always makes me feel re-freshed, which I did first thing this morning, BAKE, but Im trying to stay away from the goods right now...AND WRITE. So I wrote. And learned a few things as I did. Writing Clears my mind, makes me dig down deep. Brings things to light and sometimes even lifts a weight off my brain, and heart. Gives me Peace. and I send it with Love, to my readers wishing them a happily ever after, that they can be proud of too :)

Monday, December 5, 2011

We can say it with Sign, CAN YOU?

Today is all about Signing.
After spending the day trying to form together a few signed English Sentences I've decided to share them with our Readers. Now, mind you, as A mom to 3 kids under 4, some of these sentences are going to be geared more toward, social behavior. Some helping Verbs. And Action words.

So, when it comes down to Sharing. We are learning to say it with sign. More then just share. We have to tell our kids that its not ok, to "take away" right.
So we sign
" do not take that away. Give the Toy to them please!"
" Lets get a game we all can play together"
" Share the toys with your sister (brother)"

Or in the mean spirit of sibling tension
"do not tease your brother"
"we do not hit in this family"
"leave them alone"
"that is not nice"
"done, now you may sit in time out"
"stop it, NOW!"
"its brothers (sisters) turn now"


Or how about its a huge mess in the livingroom
"time to clean up. Clean up, go go go"
"lets clean up together"
"Can you put this toy away for me"
"go clean your room"
"make your bed"


asking of questions
"do you want this one?"
"can you tell me in sign?"
"how do you say...in sign language?"
"which one?"
"where does this go?"
"who is in that Picture?"
"do you like...?"

Or useful phrases when I can not always get my husbands attention
"I have to speak with you, it is important"

Then singles
"never"
"with"
"awake"
"the"
"wash"
"maybe"
"again"
"find"
"would"
"did"
"kids"
"open"
"close"
"forget"
"stand up"
"sit down"
"in"
"out"
"great"
"job"
"good"
"try"
"clothes"
"change diaper"
"almost"
"enough"
"as"
"big"
"little"
"some"
"ask"
"for"
"on"
"off"
"but"
"decided"
"our"
"we"


I do not expect Sophie to use these signs. But with in the next several months my hope is that she will start to understand them, as we use them more often.
Its a good jumping point from here, and Now this is a place I can refer back to each day.



Words, like
the, this, that, were, was, do not, can, can not. It, is, in, all parts of spoken english. And if we want Sophie to hear, speak and sign. it has been brought to our attention that Signed English, uses those helping words. In the Form in which we speak them. Where as, ASL, would leave out those "cluttering" words and switch around the word order. Example. ASL users would say "shopping me go" instead Of "Im going to go Shopping"




Now granted I do not have all these signs memorized. But now having them written out I can run through them daily. Learning as we go of course. THe best way to do it.

A day in the life of a deaf Arizonian

facts.

neckwear is Bola Tie
State Gem is Turquoise
state tree is Palo Verde
state bird is the Cactus Wren
state Flower is Blossom of the Saguaro cactus
state mammal is the Ring tail
State Fish is the Apache Trout
State reptile is the ridge nosed Rattle snake.
census rang in at over 6 million residents
State capital if you havent already guess is Phoenix.

Yes Im listing facts about Arizona.

Why? Ill get to the WHY! Soon. Though you've guess it already most likely as I have already stated this in previous blogs.

Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time on a year round basis. The one exception is the Navajo Nation, located in the northeast corner of the state, which observes the daylight savings time change.

The Castilian and Burgundian flags of Spain, the Mexican flag, the Confederate flag, and the flag of the United States have all flown over the land area that has become Arizona.
The geographic center of Arizona is 55 miles (89 kilometers) southeast of Prescott.

Arizona's most abundant mineral is copper.
Bisbee, located in Tombstone Canyon, is known as the Queen of the Copper Mines. During its mining history the town was the largest city between Saint Louis and San Francisco.

The state's most popular natural wonders include the Grand Canyon, Havasu Canyon, Grand Canyon Caves, Lake Powell/Rainbow Bridge, Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, Monument Valley, Sunset Crater, Meteor Crater, Sedona Oak Creek Canyon, Salt River Canyon, Superstition Mountains, Picacho Peak State Park, Saguaro National Park, Chiricahua National Monument, and the Colorado River.

The Arizona tree frog is the state official amphibian. The frog is actually between three-quarter to two inches long.

The original London Bridge was shipped stone-by-stone and reconstructed in Lake Havasu City.

The capital of the Navajo Reservation is Window Rock.
The state's precipitation varies. At Flagstaff the annual average is 18.31 inches; Phoenix averages 7.64 inches; and Yuma's annual average is 3.27 inches.
Crops include 2%; pastureland 57%; forests 24%; and other uses are 17% in land-use designation.

The Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake is perhaps the most beautiful of all eleven species of rattlesnakes found in Arizona.
The colors blue and gold are the official state colors.
Located in Fountain Hills is a fountain believed to be the tallest in the world.

Four Corners is noted as the spot in the United States where a person can stand in four states at the same time.

The age of a saguaro cactus is determined by its height.
The Apache trout is considered a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Arizona, among all the states, has the largest percentage of its land set aside and designated as Indian lands.
Rising to a height of 12,643 feet, Mount Humphreys north of Flagstaff is the state's highest mountain.

The Hopi Indians of Arizona are noted for growing their multicolored corn.
Oraibi is the oldest Indian settlement in the United States. The Hopis Indians founded it.
Grand Canyon's Flaming Gorge got its name for its blazing red and orange colored, twelve-hundred-foot-high walls.
Grand Canyon's Disaster Falls was named to commemorate the site of a previous explorer's wreck.
Grand Canyon's Marble Canyon got its name from its thousand-foot-thick seam of marble and for its walls eroded to a polished glass finish.

Arizona became the 48th state on February 14, 1912.
The world's largest solar telescope is located at Kitts Peak National Observatory in the city of Sells.
At one time camels were used to transport goods across Arizona.

A person from Arizona is called an Arizonan.
Phoenix originated in 1866 as a hay camp to supply Camp McDowell.

Tombstone, Ruby, Gillette, and Gunsight are among the ghost towns scattered throughout the state.
(Thanks to Arizona Fast facts Website)

DO not really find all that information interesting?
I do!

How bout this quote?
“The problem is not that the (deaf) students do not hear. The problem is that the hearing world does not listen. “- Rev Jesse L. Jackson ( American Civil Rights Activist, Minister)

Which is where Im off to next. Arizona Deaf
Funny how, next to NYC Arizona phoenix and Tuscon metro areas seem to offer and abundance of deaf support. The Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind is even Host to the berger performing arts center on their Campus!!!! PERFORMING ARTS! YES!~
Phoenix Day school runs its program for Pre-K to High school. Running Pre-k programs in 5 local area around the Metro area for youngest students to have better access closer to home. Total communication ASL, spoken and written English, sports and even culinary classes!!! Allowing the parents and students to decide the method they are most comfortable learning in. Not to mention SMALL classes and a total student body no bigger thenthe private school I attended basically my whole life.

Sequoia School for the deaf, is one of 5 charter schools located on the same Campus. Allowing the Deaf students to be in classes and among its diverse student body at all times. Mixing Classes for the hearing impaired and hearing, allowing that student to make the choice. Some hearing classes from H.H classes. Even FREE...YES FREE College courses can be taken for High school students to get a head in their college career while still in school. Free transportation and free parent and RELATIVE sign language classes. OH and did I mention A DEAF PRINCIPLE, who studied in Deaf Education. Located in Mesa, AZ and pretty easy access from the surrounding areas. How awesome it would be to give Sophie the education she will need while not taking away from Emily and Ryan. While also allowing the 3 of them to be ALL on the same CAMPUS, enjoying school together, bus together maybe even.

Hello Arizona Deaf Festival~ FESTIVAL of arts,skits, childrens programs,
EVEN MISS DEAF ARIZONA PAGEANT! WHHHHHHHAT!!!!!!
http://www.missdeafaz.com/
MMMMHMMMM funny enough Miss Deaf Arizona 2011 WINNERS name just happens to Be SOPHIA.....ummmmm so whats that Country comedians line...Oh yea "theres your sign" bahahahahahahaha

Arizona Deaf theatre
In the
Disability Empowerment building, Phoenix Arizona!
Phoenix Deaf Community Center
Valley of the Sun signers, at Meetup.com
and from what I see like 10 different meetup groups revolving around sign/deaf/hear of hearing/adults/children/families.
Oh my gosh, Im jeolous a little seeing how this kind of support group setting is exactly what Ive been looking for here~

I cant believe all that I have found this morning in Arizona. It makes me raise hope tho that one day we will get down there and make it. Afford it, work it, become true Arizonians. buy our first home~
Amazing stuff. Amazing Facts about the land of Burning Sand. A place we once lived. A busy metro snow birding kind of area. But deep down, I have a feeling that with all this accessible to not just Sophie, but Emily and Ryan as well. This is a place we need to take into consideration. As I recall Arizonians are also A lot sweeter.Maybe its all that sunshine. Maybe its the extra Vitamin D. I dont know. But I do know that in my heart Finding a place where School is excellent for all my kids is key to their lives being successful. Even if I do not see all my dreams come true. The least I can do, is pave a path that my kids can accomplish it all. Providing the means for proper education and teaching them compassion and love and honor being the stepping stones!




Sunday, December 4, 2011

What it might come down to

You know Us Deckers here have a way of always figuring things out. Some times with Help, Some times just by the Skin of our knees. More often then not we put out each month more then we bring in. And by WE I mean Matt. While it is a blessing That I am A SAHM and That every Job Matt has ever had has allowed that to be possible, it also has a lot to do with the fact that If I were to work...I'd just be paying the sitter and Gas. So What good is no face time with my kiddos if I still dont have the means to help support their ever growing feet, legs, ears...
As December has now arrived, Im thinking about the new year coming up. What needs to change, what can be changed, how things can be changed, if things can be changed. Things were a tad easier when All my kids were tiny. While they are still small, everything else about them is bigger. Can we truly continue down this pay check to pay check life style and provide? No, not really.
I find it tacky to talk about money problems and our down and outs in public. But today, as I vent and sort out whats in my head by writing it down. It seems to be helping clear out the mindly junk. BUT its not going to fix our sour situation.
Last Month we went from A HUGE mistake made on part of Western Union, and bill collectors calling to...Having a bank that hasnt fixed the problem but made it possible for us to continue life. TO our life information being stolen from the car of a Tri-care worker. Tri-care is our insurance company, to having to borrow $$$ when I knew that eventually all that was borrowed would have to be paid back, and then what....same poor boat. Allotments on checks, and now......NO CAR for the kids and I to all be in together. Which means.....if Seattle calls to set up therapy appts before the February surgery, we are screwed. Still the collectors call as our Bank account reaches $6 dollars that of course has to keep us a float in our boat till the 15th when we reach a new pay day. Now lets think...positive. If we didnt live in military housing, where even our electic and gas is paid for (unless we go over our alloted amount) we'd be living in a car, OH WAIT WE DONT HAVE ONE...so a tent made from sheets and blankets. Making this Traveling Family, even more true Gypsies.

So from the bottom of my heart to my family who has helped us this year it means the World. To the Family who has purchased Christmas Gifts for our Children, It wouldnt be a Christmas with out the kindness you have shown for us. And I thank you truly.

Its Funny because there is a possiblity of things changing for us. But it involves paper out of my husbands control really. If we had a chance to get it, The way we would use it, to make 2012 NOTHING like 2011 has been would work wonders for this family of mine. Im talking, Getting a paid off car, paying off insurance, removing allotments from his Check, getting the kids real beds and real shoes and coats, paying off student loans. Goodness that would mean when we get paid every two weeks, we actually have money! But its a pipe dream because it involves having a special someone change her mind about...me...Emily and change who she is. Which come on, thats a hard enough task for a 3 year old to manage. I just pray that this coming year will be different. SO much else will be changing with our kids...Hearing, School...sports. We have job security at the moment. Now I want The security of knowing when Pay day comes, we dont have to not get this, because we have to pay that. Or worry that our door bells going to ring, and someones taking back unpaid for property.
2011 has been way too hard. It has to change. We need it to change. We need prayer. We NEED PRAYER~ I keep asking for prayer requests.
Prayer, because Something Powerful and meaningful has to be out there for us right? There has to be a good no string attachment angel waiting for us around the corner right? RIGHT?

It comes down to prayer.
It comes down to Faith.
It comes down to Hope.
It comes down to Starting out 2012 clear mind, a little less debt free and on the right foot.





So I pray Lord.

Friday, December 2, 2011

December Already~

Hello December! Hello. I cant believe you've wintered upon us already. This Summer and Fall flew up, with a blink, and now We are prepparing for Christmas. The Most sought after Holiday for our 4 year old. She has been claiming toys and making lists, viewing flyers, catalogs and insisting upon A count down. Asking every day "mom how long is it till Christmas".
We've Learned Merry Christmas in Sign lanuage, Santa, and Christmas Tree. Reindeer is the same sign for Deer.
It Really is night and Day on how receptive Sophie is to Language this Winter compared to Last. Shes picking it up so well.
Funny last night, she strolls up to me, doing what I saw as the Sign for Dance, so I start to Dance. As does she. Then stops and does the sign again.......so I was confused, she then Ran to the bathroom door, hit it and signed again. AND AH HA! It was the sign "pee pee" my girl for the first time ever WHILE WEARING A PULL UP THAT IS, told me she wanted to use the bath room in sign. AND SHE ACTUALLY hadnt gone in her pull up and peed on the potty! I WAS AMAZED. We then really danced the happy potty dance afterward, I was proud and thankful for her communicated that to me last night. December just reminds me that my baby girl is closer to her Birthday, which makes mixed emotions. I mean Really shes going to be 3....3...Like didnt I just have her amazing birth yesterday?

December 1st, yesterday we ventured out in the Wilderness of Seattle lol. The drive there wasnt so long, got there at a decent time. The Drive back...well All I can say is thank Goodness for Carpool lanes. Other wise it would had been a 2+ hr drive home.

We sat in a large conference room at Childrens Hospital with a Woman named Amy. A therapy specialist who talks to families prior to possible Implant Surgery. She took notes on our story, asked us our opinion, our thoughts and wanted to grasp not only our knowledge of Deaf Community, our Daughter and sign language up till now, but our knowledge on C.I's and what it means as for Commitment for us.
If Sophie Gets Surgery heres what we have newly learned.
~ Its not speech therapy she gets.
Its Auto listening skills Therapy...theres a word for it, that I forgot.
~ Speech therapy is not something I need to make a separate weekly appt for
Eventually the School will work with her on that.
~ We must fully commit to 1 full year of WEEKLY trips to Childrens in
Seattle for Her Auto Therapy. To which, Im involved in. To Which Ryan
Could be distracting in, therefore Matt needs to be available to watch
Emily and Ryan WEEKLY...but ah remember he is in ARMY!
~ Auto therapy is at least 2 years long, depending on her skill level and
She adapts to sound. The Progress she makes.
~ The Mapping for her Implants right after surgery is 3 consecutive trips
To Seattle. ALL IN A WEEK period. where they will raise the volume of it.
~ SCHOOL, SCHOOL, SCHOOL. Apparently the county in which we reside here on
THis Military post, isnt known for being too friendly with allow Students
TO attend different public schools, should we decide their program isnt
the best envirnmont for Sophie.
~ CLover park School district, here on Post. That has a "hard of Hearing"
(H.H) preschool. Doesnt really provide much more assistance after that.
And has been known with in the small pre-k class to not provide what
the Children really need as far as signing and speech.
~ Also that the Nucleus 5 while awesome, might not be the best.will looking into advanced Bionics to see the difference.
~ We learned that ASL is a language of its own. And not really easy to use
While speaking and therefore we best use Signed exact English or a close
Match to that. So that little words that asl users say "clutter" up the
Signed sentence are used. So that full speech for Sophie can be under-
stood. Which we have been using really, cuz we sign, "the, have, this..."



So next Thursday the counseling group of all Specialists and surgeons at Childrens Hospital for C.I's join together for their bi-weekly report.
Where they will talk about Sophies canididacy for C.I's. If she is approved, they will contact our surgeon here at Madigan Medical on post for the O.K for Dr. Crawford to perform the surgery. But how far out they may be isnt known yet.Its a pretty popular surgery here, and yet NO ONE WANTS TO GET TOGETHER AND START A SUPPORT GROUP with me. So its local and we dont have to run around finding similiar families. But hey! FINE right~

The Auto Therapy, the traveling, the Matt taking off of Work weekly...thats not really all that big! Yes stressful and a huge under taking, that we are more then willing to do! Im not worried about Sophies success with the C.I's. Im worried though about School. Shes 3 years "behind" shes tiny, a ball of energy, and kids now dont always give her a chance to play. Im worried if shes not in the Right School environment, the teacher allowing her to slip through the cracks, or finding her an imposition...as Teachers (especially young, sorry friends) tend to do, or so Ive seen through my 3rd person experience when Friends of mines children, who need that little extra UMPH have done....ESPECIALLY ON A MILITARY BASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a sour puss lol. about young Teachers. No offense to the few young teachers I do know and know would never be that way. I know Teaching is an extremely hard job, Iwont pretend I could do it. Cuz I wouldnt want to. Teachers are under paid and not always given the Chance to work with kids cuz of Size of classes and rules, I get that. Ive just seen More Kids who need that TLC be pushed away, or labeled trouble maker/ Lazy/ annoying/ dont enough time for. And it later makes School Harder on them. And Programs their minds to think...well no one wants to help me better myself, so Why try!

After all the School research Ive done. Washington state is limited on whats available. Or they are Seattle or More North.I love Seattle now! But To travel the i5 traffic for Matt to work everyday...Would be insane. Military wise, ive only found one location that has the SCHOOL that would be in my opinion worth staying in Army for. And thats in Colorado Springs, near Fort Carson. But getting that location...could bea hit or miss with re-enlisting. Meanwhile, Salem OR, has an awesome Deaf culture...As does Counsil Bluffs Iowa. Riverside California, and Mesa Arizona. MESA has the hearing impaired Public School system that is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! Deaf principle and on the same campus as a public school for the Hearing Children,making all classes available for the deaf. And same Bus as Siblings. and pre-k thru 12th. Great acedemics and Sports open to ALLLLL children no disability discrimination! If I could score 2 well paying awesome ass jobs in Mesa for Matt and I.........I'd leave Army life to the wind. But The Phoenix/mesa metro area is slim pickings for the unemployed. RIght now! So what we need is to pray, and to link a pray chain. One that Sophie is approved, that $$ allows us our weekly travel and 3 that We figure out our last moving path that matches Sophie's educational needs while providing the same for Emily and RYan. Where we both have jobs to support a now Military life. Its so much! I know, but if anything Prayer is more powerful then WRITING about it! I need my brothers and sisters in Christ to PRAY hard and share the prayer request for us! My Biggest worry is School.



On a positive note!
Our first DATE NIGHT! TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Christmas Shopping and Panera Bread! First one since last November! OMG I couldnt be more excited PEOPLE! but what Am i gonna wear! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Tis the season for a thankful Reason: 26

on this 26th day for a thankful reason, Im thankful for our weekend dance parties. For dancing during the week as well when we are bored and cleaning. Its always funs and makes us feel better


Im thankful also this weekend has been a blast!


Friday, November 25, 2011

Tis The Season for a thankful Reason: 25

Im thankful on this black friday that im getting better and better each year at this cooking thing. Baking Mostly, which Ive been curious about and playing around with for about a year now. Its always fun and exciting to try out something new on our taste buds. Simple pleasures. Im thankful we have the ability to make these things and feed our family. Im thankful we have each other. Theres lots to be thankful for. And Im glad I took this month to look into things Im grateful for. Even if I dont finish thefull 30 days. :)

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Tis the Season for a thankful Reason: 23

Havent been extrememly dilagent about writing my thankfulness out each day. Forgot yesterday...seems to be a pattern with me.
This week seems to have pretty long. I mean its Wednesday and Still feels like Friday is so far away.
On the positive Side, Matts last day of work and Thanksgiving is TOMORROW! Which Means tonight I start my food prep. I always like to start ahead so Im not speading the day only cooking! Not that I mind cooking, infact Ive taken to really enjoying cooking. Something about this time of year that makes me get into it a lot. Did the same thing last year as well. My passion as really started to mold, as Ive been finding and trying all kinds of recipes. Like I attempted homemade oven bread last night. Forgot one step but its still came out terrific and tasting but very filling.
Cooking big meals Always reminds me of holidays at my parents house. Parents waking up early to put a GIANT turkey in oven, or at Christmas I giant Roast. The same sides, as usual. But pretty much everything from scratch, fresh mashed and drippings gravy. Sometimes even Grams yummy buttermilk biscuits, which I still cant seem to make myself.
I think of My mom setting tables nicely and My family coming to eat. Mostly Christmas time was when we had the WHOLE family together, taking turns at whos house it would be at each year. Traditions that lasted a while. But as most of us cousins grew up, and families battled their separate issues, things began to change. No more yearly whole family apple picking or trips to the Beach. No more family road trips down south, and family dinners were a thing of the past.
Not that with my own family, we eat at the table every night together. We dont. I tend to feed the kids before Matts finished with Work. But on Holidays course we change it up a bit. Setting the table, having kids help. Listening to the football games and sipping Champagne and...Beer.
Being thankful for our time together, and thankful for the lives we have lost but will never Forget. Last thanksgiving was hard. As we lost a young man who was never really given the chance to blossom. A hard up hill battle he fought from with in himself. But we loved him, and cherished even the brief moments we had with him the last few years we had lived in orange County. Ricky Vidal, will always be Remembered, and always be in our hearts and Thanksgiving will never go by with out a shout out from our family to him, and his Wonderful parents and sisters.


Course, thinking of holidays like I said reverts my memories to greater Foody days. Times when my father still spoke to me, and my parents had happy faces. Many people feel that because my father worked too much, that his absense made John and I, grow spiteful. Which, any spite I have has nothing to do with him working too much. My memories I do have with him are fond. I can remember the times of Driving in his lap from the top of Canterbury Knolls to our driveway. him "letting" shift sometimes. Riding in his Jeep with the tops down and doors off...once it even started to storm. Listening to him watch the Yankees game every summer. Knowing he used to watch Basketball all winter and root for the knicks. How he dressed for the School Christmas plays. He being an usher in church. Making Sunday morning Breakfast with him. Him defending me to neighborhood kids, and He did that for John as well. Bike riding! Him playing racket ball with mom. Always the one to Cook our special birthday dinners, allowing us to have anything of our choice. My favorite was his Fliet Mignon with Fresh garlic butter and baked potatoes. He gave me the credit for his version of Buffulo Chicken, that he first made during one of the super bowls we watched together. Watching movies like The Karate Kid "wax on wax off" and the old one about a basketball kid...except I can not for the life of me remember the name of that movie. He always was singing the Cats in the craddle song, and had tic-tacs for us during Church every Sunday. I know his facial expressions, I know hes not serious with a laugh when its a closed mouth snicker with his eyes closed tight, shaking his head. But his real laugh his mouth is wide open, he throws his head back and will touch his stomach. I know when hes mad he talks fast, quiet and gets down to eye level, maybe by leaning on his elbows on a counter or table. I know when hes not really wanting to agree with you he folds his arms as he talks and looks to the right. Mostly when its a conversion where he feels he can not be wrong in. I know he makes pizza dough every friday night...(hey dad tip, make the dough the night before COver it but make sure theres a little hole so its ready friday before you even get home, will make the dough user to use and go farther and taste Awesome)He makes Chocolate Chip cookies that everyone loves, but Jessica took over that because She likes hers fluffy not flat and changed how the ingreds, go into the mix. he makes brownies with Semi sweet and bitter chocolate, Puts ONIONS in everything meaty (blah) likes his eggs runny and bacon fatty. Tea vs Coffee. He did have time to help me with my history homework, sometimes my math. Taught me how drive, and would set up cones for parallel parking. Hes got a bit of clepto ness and is a sure pack rat. Wears his Tshirts tucked in, and a leather jacket when he wants to look "dressy" Has had the same style forever and that includes his hair. Falls asleep everywhere and at just about every family function. Made us (john and i) do chores and outside work sometimes. Lets us have Dogs when he didnt. Cooked pizza and cookies for my movie nights with friends. Bought my Friend a Car to use, let her paint the Dinning room DEEP purple. Attended EVERY single baseball game of mine. Cheered me on in Basketball and under stood how much I hated Karate and that Weirdo mr koons. He gave me bad guy creeps. Thinks I never knew how much he really swore while I was growing up. It all sounds...like Dad. Sounds like MY dad. Johns Dad...but sadly The twins have a different experience. The best thing I remember and what Im thankful for on this 23rd day for a thankful Reason, is knowing that I got the best years of dad. Knowing that reguardless to how some feel hes a better dad now, to the twins, then he was to me, I know that they are dead wrong. It was fatal mistakes me made later in my life that ruined any relationship we had. Its the lieing he keeps doing, its the cutting me from his life because of Bold statements I made. I know different then everyone else. Im not one to talk about emotions that often. Im not one to always like confrontation and hold back a lot. But Ive always been good at observing and reading people and body language.
So heres to Him, far away in NY. Maybe...things one day will change again.
Im thankful for the time I did have. Im thankful for what I learned with him, from him and about him.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Tis the Season for a Thankful Reason: 21

My kids really like to challenge me. lol. especially during the hours of regular sleep. Whats the point of me going to bed at 930...yes 930 because i was exhausted only to hear Ryan at 10 something, but he fell back to sleep and again hear him at 1130 and had to get up to console him. Which is the same time Sophie woke up from a sore ankle, and always refuses to take pain meds. Then Gypsy is going insane with her LOUD LOUD crying so I brought her in my room, where she rolled around and knocked the fan over and tortured Henry on the other side of the door, who seemed as if he was a giant dog by how he was trying to break through it. Makes me think of "theres something about mary" when Ben stiller is being introduced to Buffy...meanwhile, Buffys on Speed. HAHAHA thats how it sounded, the door was rattling hard, and Henry is no big cat. Sophie wakes up again at 230, which ultimately this time woke Emily. ANd it was all down hill from there. Every time after that, they were hanging out in livingroom, they were playing. NOT listening. ughhhhhhhhhhh building forts naked and hiding by the Christmas tree.
So needless to say Im not in the most wonderful Monday attitude. I had hoped to start off this holiday week on a much better foot. I had hoped to be getting ready for it as well, because Im excited its yet another short week for Matt, Love when hes home, and not to mention he always lets me sleep in, especially if he knows the night I had with the kids. Hm, It wasnt until this I realized what My thankfulness should be.
So on this 21st day for a thankful Reason, Im thankful for long weekends when I have my husband just to our family, and that he lets me have that extra hour or 2 before Im up and hanging with my crazy bunch.




Now if only Maintenance would get here soon to declog the sinks in my kitchen so I can do dishes and run the dish washer, then Id say My Monday is turning round, they have been clogged since early afternoon YESTERDAY! ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Tis the Season for a thankful reason: 19

Today Im thankful on this 19th day for a thankful Reason, for my moments of peace and quiet. Though they may be short lived and followed by utter chaos. I get to breathe with out worry and clear my thoughts, and gain back some patience. All needed and wanted and encouraged as those of you who ever do get me on the phone, get to witness that sometimes....yea, you know. Its a wonder Im not stone gray yet!
So thankful peaceful moments. Thank you

Friday, November 18, 2011

Tis the season for a thankful reason: 18

long day! Started at 5:26am. Tried to get a few more minutes of sleep but then i was in fear Id wake up really late and run into Seattle Rush hour. Course the day was barely started it was still dark when we left,but my favorite part of morning driving is of course the PHONE tap on the radio. which was a good thing I heard it this morning after hearing an "On-star commercial" DARN YOU TEAR JERKING RADIO ON-STAR Commercials you were obstructing my view for a few minutes~

Today was the start. The start of a brand new journey. But Funny how I always thought the process would be a challenge for Sophie and Mostly just her. Boy was I wrong. Theres a whole new system I need to learn. And to put it simply, I have to try and make my self treat Sophie like a 1 year old again, verbably that is. Everything Im doing for Ryan, in every way Im saying it, I have to re-route myself to include Sophie as well. With Sign of course.
We spent the day at the Communication center of Childrens Hospital Seattle. Did a skills test to see what Sophie is capable of. her ability to imitate signs, her listening skills, her patience, her mouth movement. And How I interact with her and how I point things out and dont point them out. Which is my biggest problem. I talk low, and Got in the habit, of NOT always speaking when I sign...I know shame shame.
2 appointments down. one more main seattle one before we see Dr. Crawford again. Therapy starting for Sophie first week of December hopefully!
Lots happening, lots more work on our end, all for the benefit of Sophie, so its totally worth it.
So on this 18th day for a thankful reason. Im thankful for Sophies audiogram appointment today, for the ladies in the Communication center, Im thankful they all knew SIGN LANGUAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not just one of them...........ALL OF THEM!
Im thankful Sophie was so well behaved from the time we arrived at the hospital at 745am till we left at just about 1:45. She was fantastic, she played well, had a little moment of hoarding the waiting room crayons. But was in a general agree-able mood. LOVE LOVE LOVE My Sophie Ge-Ge.
Im thankful matt was able to get off of work to stay home with the other little Monkeys (ee,ee,ee)....dont mind the new therapy sounds I have to practice.
Homework, for us is to decide on a Deaf name for Sophie...this will be tricky. to have it approved by the Therapist in our next session! :)

Was a long, but fantastic Friday!


At childrens!

and received the oddest news on the Audio-gram. They did this fantastic way of testing Sophie while in the booth...And it turned out that she was paying better attention this way, which makes me wonder WHY it was never done this way before....
Sophie scored about 40 points LOWER (which is good) in decibals, while wearing her aids. The lowest shes ever scored before. Which then brought her in the shaded SPEECH area, the lowest point but still!!!!!!!!!! it was in the speech decibal range. at 500 hertz. COME ON REALLY!!!!!!!!!! thats awesome news. Go Sophie

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Tis The Season for a Thankful Reason: 17

So oops I missed yesterdays thankful Reason. But it was a rough emotional day on my end, so Im not going to back track. Im just keep moving forward.

Theres one saying of mine that Ive always held to remain true.
"Music makes the World go round"
Everything about Music speaks to me. I dont know much about the ins and outs of sound. Precussions, sopranos, Altos, composer, notes,scales,pitch,consonance,ear training, composition,melody, harmony,rythm and acoustic speaking. Its all hard to follow, I can not read sheet music, but can hit a note of two when Im trying. Sported a few solos and duets in School, sing all day long with my kids or by myself, make up funny lyrics Which is prolly why I love this character "jess" ....."whos that girl" lalala. Love annoying people with song!

Grew up with a very vocal mother and can still remember lyrics like "Love in any language straight from the heart" "It was a morning like this, when mary went down from Jerusalem" "If I had all the riches this world has to give, and I gave it all away, every penny to my name, to some begger on lifes dark and lonely streets, all that kindness found in me could not Win eternity!" Bravely singing in front of crowds, where As for me, my left leg was like a jack hammer.
And not to mention thanks to my mom, We all have a strong eclectic taste in music. One day Im listening to Christian Rock, the next Country, the next Eminem and the Beastie Boys. From Natalie Cole, and Donna Summers to Britney Spears and Rihanna.
I can Sing Soprano but prefer the harmonic Alto side. Can write Lyrics but not notes. And Can see musical talent springing from my Children, Em sings all day too, Ryan pays attention to all music and has started to dance, and Sophie...Even being Deaf, with no knowledge of music sound yet, has a LOVE for it like none other, and may I add, has more rythm and dance moves then I, and Can dance Better to beats then Emily can! Not to say Emily cant of course!
Music fits every mood, music lift spirits, reminds us, keeps us, gives praise and honor. Comfort and joy. Can turn a drab day to fab, and a cleaning spree to fun! Makes long car rides worth the time and helps stir holiday cheer....Just ask Buddy the Elf ;)Sets a mood to a date and a tone to a movie. Draws us in in theaters, Keeps us captivated in Ballets,sparks memories and can lull us to sleep. So tell me, How doesnt music make the World go round?
Music Theory...Music therapy. its there for a reason. its taught for a reason, its art for a reason. Its loved for a reason.
So on this Beautiful cold 17th day for a thankful reason. Im thankful for Music. Im thankful for all music. Im thankful for it being a sliver of a passion for my family.


"music makes the people Come together yea!"~ Madonna

"the rythm is gonna get you, the Rythm is gonna get you, the Rythm is gonna get you, Tonight" ~Gloria Estefan

"So lets dance, the last dance, So lets Dance the last dance, lets dance this last dance, tonight"~ Donna Summer

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Tis The Season for A Thankful Reason: 15

....On this 15th day for A thankful reason Im giving thanks for My Twin brothers. For even though we are 10 years apart. life would have been drasticly different. They are amazing young gentlemen, smart and funn! Crazy characters and great hearts. Its a priviledge to be their sister~

Monday, November 14, 2011

Tis the Season for a Thankful Reason: 14

2 weeks in and it sure is getting tough to think.

Its now even tougher. I started this oneline over 6 hours ago. It is now 8pm and I have had the PLEASURE of talking with my mother on the phone in regards to my Brother Zach and his well-being. Its a little tough to think of something to be thankful for when Im sick to my stomach.

So on this 14th day of a thankful Reason Im thankful to be grown and out of that house, far away

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Tis the Season for A thankful Reason: 13

Simple.


Today on this 13th day for a thankful Reason Im super thankful for....PINTEREST!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Tis the Season for a thankful Reason: 12

The Time change has made my days seem extra long. Like now its 6pm and feels like after 9. Been checking craigslist all day, looking in the free area, for crafting stuff to re-do the things I saw on pinterest. Im super obsessed with the site right now.

Im feeling like theres been things Ive lost, and things Ive gained. Things that Ive let go of, and wished to have back. Things I work to keep and times where i feel Im the only one working on things.

Its really hard thinking of things to talk about in thankfulness isnt that sad. Ive said all the important things first I feel and now...whats left?
Im sure tons but at this moment I cant seem to think of it.

I will say this, and though it will sound harsh and petty and Un-christian like, I am going to say it Anyway. On this 12th day of thankful Reasons Im thankful my mother is no longer friends with that evil in a blonde wiggin choir preaching looney bin...Lets call her Elaine Stew for special purposes. Nothing good came of her relationship except it ending. Elaine went around telling stories about my mother and leaving all the bad parts that included her...to exclude herself in the story. Left to sit on thats stool of wisdom and honor that she sees in her head. But really........shes nothing special. if only those who are close to her knew the vial things shes said about them, about their kids, and sisters,mothers and relationships and that includes those within her Marykay circle. If only they knew how she would laugh and tell jokes about it and sit at the table bashing moves these people did. Then Smile to their faces and say "oh I miss you" on facebook. How she would use people for food and drinks, make my mother drive drunk because Elaine was drunk too and didnt want to pay the price if it was her caught driving instead. How she would drive to a different state for a booty call for someone she was just meeting at that time. how she claims to be more of a 2nd mother to certain people then my family ever was.
How Rude she sat in front of me, my aunt and my kids one after while bringing her own lunch over to my moms to gossip and bitch about her sex-a-pade the night before, her meddling Husband and her now fake tits. Not speaking a hello to my Aunt or acknowledging my kids were even in the same room. Ate her lunch and left~ Leaving my Aunt and I to say "wow that was uncomfortable"
Can you tell How much this woman got under my skin? Can you tell that It was a toxic relationship, that sure my mom had part in. But PRAISE THE LORD, and finally that is over. And my mom and move on, and let go, and find real friends, who dont down grade every mutual friend she had with Elaine. Now my mom can make her own stories and go places and not be kicked out, or made to be put in a bad situation.
Im thankful for my mom, Im thankful that shes getting better and finally getting things she deserves. Things she needs and can use and is bettering herself. Im proud of her. And for whatever real reason her relationship with Elaine fell apart. it was for the best.
So Im thankful to have my mom back. Im thankful she can see what I always saw there. I tried Marykay, but as soon As I got to know that insane lady I RAN FOR THE FREAKIN HILLS SO FAST...that I never gave it a real chance. Lord knows I would not have been able to live in the Womans tangled web.
Im thankful, like it or not or what I had to say...Im thankful!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Tis the Season for a Thankful Reason: 11

Short and sweet right to the point. Im thankful today for the Men and Women who serve our country. To the Military benefits allowing our Childrens health to be taken care of. Military housing where we dont have to worry bout Rent and utilities.
Thankful for the Few friends with in this Hard Career path that I have made.

God Bless our Troops and our Country!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Tis the Season for a Thankful Reason: 10

Who does this?
Says they are thankful for a difference.

Who does this?
Says that with out this difference our life wouldnt be as it is, in a good way.

Who does this?
Wants to not change the way God has made them.


ME




For on this 10th day for a Thankful Reason I am Thankful for Sophie's difference. Her being deaf. I feel like ubber proud to be the mom of such a splendid little deaf girl. I feel as though our family has been given the chance to grow in more ways then most other families wouldnt know.
I feel as though all my children will have a better respect and appreciation for difference, and embrace those who are often pushed aside.
As we have been witness to the horrifying ways strangers and even friends treat difference,and have treated Sophia.
I am thankful to be a bi-lingual and bi-cultural family now! To use our hands and mostly our expressions to communicate.
Im thankful Sophia is Sophia,bright eyed and funny, and boisterous. A tall order of attitude stubborn-ness.
I know its not the usual thing to say "im thankful shes deaf" but she wouldnt be Sophie if she wasnt. Her looks wouldnt speak for themselves, her body language make you smile the same.
I would never want her to suffer the way she could, because of her difference. Which is why its our duty as parents to teach them to embrace it, to love it and show it with pride. TO not be scared of the World and stupid people in it. Ignorance for some May be bliss but then they miss out on so much more. Chances to get to know the Power of the Mind, and see that differences only make people that much more fun, strong and interesting.
Course Im greatful, thankful and would KILL for all my children. Emily's coarse sense of humor and budding ambition. Her Story telling and funny one liners. Her passion for Learning Sign, and using it even when she doesnt need to. her being so proud she did one on her own she yells "look mom look this means..."
Ryan coming into his own unique boy personality. Grunting and yelling "down..set...hut hut" tho he misses a few letter sounds while doing it! Walks around with his hands down his pants and diaper laughing and yanking on something I think would hurt...but no he smiles. lol. TYpical Decker Boy ;) Who signs "more" and Waves byebye facing himself.

My loves, my World, my entertainment. My need for strong coffee and an advil at the End of the day :)




Is it easy to tell whos who?

Thankful Thursday Friends...What are you thankful for Today?

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Tis the Season for A Thankful reason: 9

I know I complain about Tacoma~ I know I complain people here are rude and insensitive and loners, and such. And If I didnt miss my good friends so much I probably wouldnt complain so much because as much as it pains me to say this. The Style of Washington life is pretty awesome. They seem to have pride in their state, everyone likes being out doors. The Colors are fabulous this year right now, From what I understand because of the extra Sugar the trees held onto during the warm September we had. The Colors truly are in-freakin-sane.
The Fact I wake up to it being gloomy and cool, and rainy is terrific in my opinion. I love it!
Because Im short, most every pant bell gets soaked when i walk and I come home with wet socks. The baby flutters his eyes and holds his breathe, after all he is a california Baby ;) The Girls want their hoods on or to hold an Umbrella. Which makes it all the more fun.

Now if people knew how to return calls, and if people were nice this dark wet place would be paradise. But regardless its beautiful and its something and someplace Ive been wanting to see. And now I have been given my chance to reach almost the corner of the United states. How many people get to say,they have lived in every place they ever wanted so far? not too many. Ive been Blessed for the journeys we have been allowed to take, and to survive them all, even when the financial train had a few hiccups along the way. We learn to manage and adapt.

So on this dark 9th day of Thankfulness Im thankful for Washington vegitation. For the Rain we now get to touch and see and smell. The Greenery it gives life to and the chance to wake up and see the Master piece God Has allowed us to dwell with in~ For now that is....Us Gypsies will be on the move again...sooner rather then later most likely~ :)


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Tis the Season for A Thankful Reason: 8

It Wasnt picture perfect


and it didnt have to be.

It Wasnt always easy, but what ever really is.
It was a story I told to the few who've asked.
It Was meaningful in its own little way.

It is what I asked for, and what I hold dear to me.
It is what i want, and need and desire and hope to keep.
It is My marriage.

It is Love! It is our connection.
It is the beauty of knowing we have each other through the thick and the thin.



Its being able to be myself, and to act as I please.
Its about not trying to impress but impressing them always with out trying.
Its accepting each other, quirks and all. Flaws and down falls.
Its being there through success and hardships.
Its my Marriage

Its Being thankful for the life we choose!
Its Being thankful for the Chance to love your best friend.
Its about sticking through the sometimes painful moments for the good ones.
Its about not being able to see your future with out that someone there.
Its my Marriage.


On this 8th day of Thankful Reasons. Im thankful for all the Hard work my husband does. Im thankful for my relationship with him. Im thankful for everything that has tried us, and lifted us. Im thankful for 2nd chances. Im thankful for him as the Father of my beautiful kids. Im thankful for his Love.
Thank You Matt. I love you ~knup~

Monday, November 7, 2011

Tis the Season for a Thankful Reason: 7

I have been privilegded to live in a techno High Society. Were it not for Internet connection, Id be more lonely then ever, if it werent for Cell phones I'd be lost for sure. My Kids know it better then I, and Have grown acostume to the vice of Techno convenience. How Engrossed we are by the ability to DVR live TV as not to miss anything, or in my kids case, beable to watch the same thing OVER AND OVER AND OVER with just a click of a button. How we can watch News Clips from Japan, or Video Chat with a family member fighting in Iraq. We can Play and talk to friends via Video Game Consoles, and order movies from the same. Hearing Devices like Hearing Aids, can be connected straight to a T.V or connect with Blue Tooth. Mechanical Hearts have started saving lives till a real heart can be transplanted...Bionic Body parts for those who have lost a limb. Electric Cars and Solar paneling.
We spend more time soaking in all the Stuff that bounces off our technology then natural fresh air.
While I adore my internet, and its accessability I can remember a mere 5 years ago of a time I was not so wrapped up in it. I didnt have connection in my house and had to go to public Library if I wanted to chat. I remember a Time where all I used was becciboo12@hotmail, or short_n_sweet2122000@yahoo and AOL instant messenger. Had a few spotting video chats and exchanged Emails not Status' or Private Facebook messages.
Ive also seen the gross side of the internet that makes me loath it. That Makes it harder for people with a problem to not get mixed into it.
So I tend to have a love hate relationship with all things modern.
Love internet hate what it can lead to, love cells, hate talking on phone.
Mind you Im probably the only person I know in my circle of Friends who doesnt have a "cool" phone. Its simple, not easy to access the Web, no wifi, no music, no 3G, 4G or smartness at all! and thats just the way I like things.
Sometimes I really feel like my mind was born for a different Decade, I would have been more suited to a much simplier time ;)

Technology has come a great distance for sure. Theres been times I am thankful for it. So on this 7th day of a thankful reason, Im thankful for Modern conveniences, Technology and its ever growing take over.



Before I close out my BLog for today. I have make mention of todays Anniversary.
My Friend passed away in 2006 on this day. From his very own Vices. Not many people understood him or Why we connected, or whatever you want to call it, but We were friends. And I still think about the potential he had, and where we would have been today.
Then in 2007 My Cousin Paige Passed away after battling Cancer. She was 11 years old. I kick myself to not taking the opportunity to Get to know her better when I had a chance to do so a year before she got sick. But I will always love her, miss her and think of her often.
God Speed and Rest in Peace my friend and Family.
You are missed and Loved by many~