They teach it at Stanford

This was sent from a friend yesterday and it was far too important NOT to share.
I love you all women friends. I don't know what I would do without you.

 

They Teach It at Stanford

In an evening class at Stanford the last lecture was on the mind-body connection - the relationship between stress and disease. The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends. At first everyone laughed, but he was serious.
Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences. Physically this quality “girlfriend time” helps us to create more serotonin - a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of wellbeing. Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. They rarely sit down with a buddy and talk about how they feel about certain things or how their personal lives are going. Jobs? Yes. Sports? Yes. Cars? Yes. Fishing, hunting, golf? Yes. But their feelings? Rarely.
Women do it all of the time. We share from our souls with our sisters/mothers, and evidently that is very good for our health. He said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.

There’s a tendency to think that when we are “exercising” we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged—not true. In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking!

So every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health! We are indeed very, very lucky. Sooooo… let’s toast to our friendship with our girlfriends. Evidently it’s very good for our health. Forward this to all your girlfriends – and stay in touch! Thanks to all the girls in my life who have helped me stay healthy, happy, and feeling very loved. Life isn’t about surviving the storm; but how you dance in the rain

A Cousin Play Date!

 Yesterday we had a play date.

Aunt Betsy (who is sometimes called Aunt Pepsi)

and my cousins wife Liz- came over

with baby James.

All the way from Alaska.

 Our dog Charlotte barked and scared James

when they first arrived.

He was being shy.

It sure didn't take him long to warm up.

(he was going in for the kiss with izzy)

James has a million dollar smile.

Actually since he is my cousins baby

James is my 2nd cousin.

And Izzy and Jude's ??

We weren't sure how to figure it out.

I need to find a flow chart or something.

 They were both mesmerized by the TV.

Peppa Pig was on.

Have you seen this show?

So cute.

(Its a show from the UK and my littles fav.)

 Izzy spent a lot of time checking out

James touching her toys.

But she shared quite nicely.

Must be because she is used to sharing.

 Jude was an awesome baby wrangler and
master of play. He loved having two babies
to watch over. What a good big boy.

Izzy made her toy compact a "phone".

Just because James was play talking

on his phone, she had to have one too.

Loved watching the side by side play!

James is only 5 weeks younger

than Izzy. Oh how we wish that

they lived closer!



As seen on....

 As seen on my phone recently...

I love this Google logo

with the baby breastfeeding.

 Pretty henna tattoo for Grace

from Florida.

 Went to a fundraiser.

Bought raffle tickets.

Won this pinata.

Most people might have been disappointed.

(Compared to the other fabulous prizes.)

I am thrilled.

I am going to a friends Cinco De Mayo

Divorce party soon. Won't this be fun

to take a WHACK at once filled with

"Adult" treats.

(Might change the picture on it though.)

 I have been recycling toys and clothes

at a local resale shop. I bring in stuff, they

sell it, I have a big credit, I go shop.

Last time I was there I found these

"scary babies"

Izzy loves these scary babies.

The heads come off and are

interchangeable. Love it!

 I splurged and got a few new

things for the kids for AJ's

Make a Wish trip.

New pajamas for AJ and Izzy.

Shirts for Jude and Isaac.

So cute.

 I really love this.

Thought I would share.

 I really love her.

My sweet Joy.

With her new big girl hair do.

Isn't she beautiful?

Oh how I miss you Joy!

 A friend gave me this.

It makes me smile even more.

 Tyler when visiting had his
"Birthday"

at the local Mexican restaurant.

He got to wear this sombrero.

 He looked exactly like this guy on

the Tapatio bottle. LOL

 A friend who works at the gym

has been stopping me for

MONTHS to talk to me about

my children's hair. She offered

to come over and show me

some new looks for Alyssa.

Adorable two strand twists

done far better than I ever could do it!

 Speaking of the gym...

Its been slightly nicer outside and my

hubby has been running off the treadmill.

And in Public.

At night.

Looking like this.

Don't be afraid if you see him.

(He has a flashing reflector on his back too.)

Safety definitely before fashion.

(Can't get over the compression socks.)

And last but not least...

My grand baby!

Seven week old peanut.

Heartbeat seen today.

Due date: November 11th.

Thank you

Thank you so much for the prayers.

Tyler and Theresa have their very first doctors visit and ultrasound this afternoon. We are praying for a healthy baby and Momma. I will update as soon as I hear from them. They seem to be getting life together to plan for the new addition. I wish we weren't so far away. They have agreed that I will be "Mimi" instead of "Grandma". I am pretty happy about that.

I did dye my grey roots today in preparation for NOT looking like someones 38 year old grandma. Although I am really and truly excited.

David seems to be getting his act together with his life plans. He wrote up an agreement with us and so far has been following through. We are keeping the prayers going!

Lauren is also doing better. I had lunch with her and Matt yesterday and she has been able to move forward and isn't so down about things. Its fun hearing about all the wedding and life plans that they have. They have so much to look forward to!

This afternoon Izzy has a play date with her 2nd cousin James. I am looking forward to taking lots of pictures. James is only four weeks younger than Izzy. I can't wait to see the two of them together. James and his Momma are visiting from Alaska for a few weeks. What a blessing it will be to finally meet them.

Jude has his 10th (and final) cast change this Friday. We are seriously hoping and praying that they are OFF before Angelina's big Make A Wish trip that is coming up in a few short weeks. Oh my goodness- my kids are all so excited. We are having a mellow low key at home kind of spring break next week since we will be gone for a week soon. I must admit that I am having a hard time not wanting to load up the van and take off for a week of camping somewhere much warmer than here. I am officially jealous of all the warm and sunny days that most of you all have been having!!!

Thanks again for your prayers. They mean so much to me.

A bit tense

Well. Sigh. Life really has thrown me a loop the past few days.

Tyler sent a text message once back in Arizona to let us know that we are going to be grandparents. Yes, I am going to be a 38 year old Grandma. Tyler and his girlfriend Theresa are having a baby and they are due on November 10th. We are happy for them. We know that they are happy. However, its a bit worrisome. He is so young, they are far away, and we just want to know how to be supportive while we are far away. We hope and pray that they make good choices and that they know we are here for them even if across the country. Of course we are praying for a happy and healthy pregnancy and baby.

Stuff has been rough for David lately. Can you please pray? He is making bad choices with school, sports and honesty. We are intervening. He is almost an adult, he is rebelling against our interventions. We just want him to be able to finish high school and be a happy and responsible adult. We know its been a tough year for him with things going downhill with S. Its been a few months of the same battles- grades, girlfriend, being grounded, lying and saying he is doing one thing and he is actually doing another etc. Until Monday we are doing a lot of praying and searching for answers on how best to help him. He has SO MUCH potential. He is SO NOT READY to be an adult. (Mind you he is a junior in high school but going to be 18 this summer. ) He needs like three more years of being a "kid".

Please also pray for Lauren... she has been walking through some tough stuff with her wedding plans. Things (or certain people) have been really hurtful towards her and I just don't want one more thing to steal another minute of her spotlight!!! She deserves this time to be all positive memories and she has certain someones in her life who are making things suck. Lauren is determined to get through this and keep her head held high. I am so proud of her. I can't even get into the details but let me just say that if it was me walking through this tough stuff- I am not sure that I would be able to do so with such amazing grace as Lauren is!

Thanks for praying.

Busy with Big Kids

Lauren, Danny, Tyler and Leishan

 Its been a busy week here at our house. Tyler came to visit! Tyler and his girlfriend Teresa and roommate drove from Phoenix in two days to come and visit for a few days and do some sight seeing. This was Tyler's first paid vacation from his job so he wanted to make it a memorable one.
Missing from the pictures is Ty's girlfriend Teresa and roommate Armando who are camera shy. (I can appreciate and respect that!!)

Missing big brother Jeremy

 It was fun having all the older kids around for a few days with the exception of long lost big brother Jeremy. We were really missing him. We all went out to dinner at our favorite local Mexican restaurant one night. We told them it was Tyler's birthday so he got to wear a sombrero and everyone sang to him before he got his fried ice cream. So funny.

Matt and Lauren

Ben and Leishan

Matt, Lauren, Ally, Danny, Tyler, Leishan and Ben

 Tyler and his girlfriend and roomie went hiking with Leishan one of the days and they swear that they saw Sasquatches footprints along side of the river. They were so determined to get a good picture that they ran back to the car, went to buy a camera and then back to the river to get pictures of the footprints. We all gladly went along with their silly adventure. :)

 Yes, Leishans boyfriend Ben has her zipped up inside his jacket. She is all of 90 lbs wet so that's not hard to do! Leishan finished up her college finals and then jumped in the car with Tyler and headed back to Phoenix with a stop in Las Vegas on the way. She is going to be flying home next week. We were thrilled that she was able to join in on their adventure. She has been working so hard at school and with life in general- she was due a fun break.

I wish that Tyler lived closer- and Jeremy for that matter too. Its just too much fun having all the big kids around and the younger kids and teens really enjoyed getting all this time with their older siblings. So many good memories shared and new ones made. Love you all!!!

Families needed

 This beautiful baby boy (9 months old) is in need of a family.
He is in Northern Africa and his name is "Nathan". Nathan was born with a cleft lip and palate. He was able to get his surgery done in his country. He is in a country that the babies are very well taken care of. The adoption process is a fairly short one compared to most.

There is a also a baby boy (3 months old) who was born with a cleft lip and palate who needs a family in the same orphanage. (No pictures of him yet, sorry.) He has not had his surgery yet but his adoptive family can decide if they want him to have the surgery there or when he gets home.

Please email my sister for more information.
Nina.... nina.t@chiadopt.org

Here are some more pictures of Nathan. :)

Love

Lauren and Matt will be getting married this August. Just five months away! The time will just fly by I am sure. Its been fun getting to hear all the wedding planning and I look forward to the time together planning and getting to know Matt's family over the next few months. What a blessing he is to Laurens life and to our families life. Tonight I got to watch Jude snuggling with Lauren AND Matt and it felt so right- just like how things should be for my sweet Lauren. So for the first time in my life- I get to be a "step momma" to the bride.Congratulations Matt and Lauren! We love you both!!

Random

On my last post I had some nasty comments from a troll. I was feeling a bit bad about those comments but then realized that "I have made it!" I think that when a blog becomes popular is when you start getting negative comments. So while they were mean and rude from someone who is not only clueless but clearly has far too much time on thier hands- in the end they made me feel good. Is my little ole blog really that popular that someone cares enough to take the time to come back TWICE on one post and be MEAN? Well Yipppeee!
 Is that twisted? (I say YES!) (Maybe its because I HAVE RAD! lol)

Now I carry on with a smile and my head held high.

I have been sick for the past two days. Fever, chills, exhaustion, sore aching muscles. Yuck. My husband was blessed with some work the past few days just at the wrong time. I am thankful for the work but really having a hard time keeping up with life being sick. Maybe its because we haven't seen any sunlight here for a week? Maybe my body is in good weather withdrawl?

This morning was Angelinas IEP meeting. It went really well and I am impressed at the progress she has made. We applied for a matching grant program here in our state for adaptive technology. Angeline will be having an evaluation at school to see if she would do better with an Ipad or laptop etc. She has a really tough time with handwriting and we are hoping that by her learning to keyboard it will benefit her greatly.

And now an update on my cousin Maggie:

Maggie fights to get her life back

3/13/12 5:51 PM
SAN ANTONIO - Friends and family described 21-year-old Maggie McCombs as a vibrant woman full of life. In an instant the young talented ballet dancer and college student was fighting to live. Two months ago Yu Masaki allegedly shot Maggie as her friend Juan Escamilla walked her to her car at the planet fitness gym. After being shot several times, longtime family friend Pam Stephens says Maggie was left paralyzed from the neck down but has since regained some feeling and is talking again.

Stephens said, "She can move her shoulders she has some feeling coming back to her arms all the way down to her fingers."

Just last Friday Maggie experienced a set back. Doctors had to perform an 8 hour surgery on her neck before she could start an intense rehab program at a hospital in Houston. Despite all the challenges and the long road ahead for Maggie, Stephens says, she is determined to get her life back.

"She's very positive..she wants to get home and she wants to go back to school..she wants to be as independent as possible," Stephens said.

Orlando- Its Time

Orlando by Grace

 We left Seattle on a Tuesday. Tuesday is the day that Sophie goes to Seattle for her therapy. She had a terrible time at therapy the day that we left town. I am certain that she was ticked I was leaving for a fun filled week with other Moms who have kids with "similar" issues as she does. I think she knew that we were going to be talking about all the "stuff" in our lives that burdens us and she knew darn well that I was going to have a fun, fabulous time with Grace and Izzy. (Her two arch nemeses.) Instead of saying "I am angry that your going on vacation with Grace and Izzy and without me. And I am going to miss you!" It came out in an ugly, demented sort of hysterics and giddy freaky happiness that threw us all for a loop. (Therapist too.) We actually had to get another dad to drive Sophie home (2 hours) because we didn't want to take her to the airport for the big goodbye and we weren't sure what she was going to do next.
I left here feeling like... "Thank God that's over."
I had talked with the therapist about my extreme amount of resentment towards Sophie and how I don't really know if I am ever going to be able to let it go fully. I might have to just figure out how to compartmentalize it, because it doesn't seem to get better even when the relationship with her is getting better. I think that it allows me to feel more resentment and be more "real" with my own feelings instead of feeling calculated like we are walking on eggshells around her. I know that in this process we are going to have ups and downs- this was just a DOWN sort of time and it sucked that it had to happen when I was leaving town. But isn't that life?

We got to the airport at about 3pm and worked our way through the process to get on the plane. We had a three hour layover in Los Angeles where we ate a pretty gross meal and a busy restaurant. We took the red eye to Orlando and we arrived the next morning at 6am. (Which would feel like 3am to us West Coasters.)
I had bought a bunch of candy at the airport in LA. I was going to indulge. While Izzy stayed awake for hours on the flight it was all I could do to keep popping chocolates and Swedish fish in my mouth. Finally Izzy fell asleep and I started to fall asleep... and then I felt a rumble and a hot flash and I knew... I was going to puke. I did the next logical thing... I woke up Kim! Kim gave me a puke bag and I laid Izzy down next to me on the empty seat. The nausea lasted the rest of the flight. I never did puke but I definitely learned my lesson about the candy!

We got off the plane, got our luggage and headed outside to the warm steamy weather (at 6am) and waited for the shuttle for the car rental place. We rented a mini van (from Sixt rental- highly recommended European company). The mini van happened to have all the bells and whistles and whilst it was a mini van, it was fun to drive around Orlando for the week!

Grace and Lego Woody

 I was thankful the GPS on my phone. We used it all the time and for the most part it was reliable. It was Leap Day and the Magic Kingdom was open for 24 hours from 6am-6pm. We headed to the villa and all took a nap for a few hours. At noon we loaded the van, grabbed a bite to eat and went to the Magic Kingdom. It was busy but not horrible and with the fast past we were able to ride several rides and see some shows without waiting too long for anything. It was magical just like Disney always is. At the end of the day we decided that we wanted to have a nice sit down dinner. We went to the concierge at Disney and they helped to find us a table. We were told to just "walk" over to the hotel where we were eating dinner at because it was easier than taking the monorail and just a "2 minute" walk. It was definitely closer to a 2 MILE walk. And nothing felt worse than no sleep, a day of walking in the heat, and then a 2 mile trek across Disney resort to eat dinner. Once we arrived we lounged in the a/c while we waited for our table. We had a delicious meal and Izzy was snoozing most of the time. Grace had fabulous vegan curry. Once we were done with dinner we were spent. We wanted to make it the full 24 hours but it was about 11pm and I needed to get the heck out of there. We went back to the car, headed for the villa and crashed out. At 3am I heard someone awake and they proceeded to get louder and louder until I got up. It was Hilary- she wanted to go back to Disney to finish out the last few hours of the 24 hour Leap Day. I woke up Grace, handed over the car keys and Grace and Hilary went back to Magic Kingdom for the last two hours. (Crazy girls.)

My Lelo Sisters- Hilary, Cindy, Heather and Ericka

 On Thursday more of the women were arriving. Cindy drove and Heather and Ericka arrived at the airport. Finally on Thursday evening we were all at the same house. Cindy made a fabulous dinner and we all got to know one another better and felt so spoiled having someone else cook such a beautiful meal. (I should mention- plan, shop, AND cook the meal. Pasta and grilled chicken.)
Thursday was also the day that we discovered you can buy "Adult Capri Suns" at the grocery store. The girls loaded up the freezer with the slushy drinks and they were so good. Friday morning we were outside in the pool early and lounged around on pool floats and talked, and talked, and talked, and cried and laughed and laughed some more and acted silly, and embarrassed Grace and the pool boys at the neighbor houses. Izzy and Grace loved getting to swim and took a few walks around the resort.
Friday Kim left us for her "house" and housemates. Cindy and Hilary were supposed to leave but decided that they wanted to stay. Each time that anyone made any kind of decision they were always wondering if someone would be upset. "Would the other women or Corey be upset if they decided to stay at this house and not go to the other house?" Etc. (My house was deemed the "baby house" because it was where the babies stayed. Or should I say BABY. Yes, I was the ONLY lame Mom who brought kids along!)

Corey had been saying all year long that this time away was for each of us to do what we wanted. To feel that we could really enjoy ourselves. If that meant getting involved in the classes and activities, or if that meant just sleeping the entire time- it was up to us to decide what was best for each of us. And you know what--- that was exactly how the rest of the week went. Everyone just did what was best for them and what would make them happy and most comfortable and no one judged anyone for it. I know that seems far too idealistic to get a group of 90 women together and not have anyone being bitchy and judgemental. But truly, it was the most supportive, loving, amazing, make you feel comfortable, hugging, smiles that warm your heart, stories that make you want to cry, people who had come so far to be there, and it was more than I could ever officially put into any kind of words what so ever.

Grace and Izzy

 It was incredible to meet several women who I had known "online" for years. Most who we shared one thing in common- adoption, kids with "issues" and HAITI. On Friday the "main house" had a purse party for Heartline. I picked up the first purse that caught my eye and looked inside to see who had made it. CHRISTELLA- I knew that purse was meant for me to buy! I just love it. Grace went back the next day with her own money and bought a purse too. I was thankful that they included this fundraiser in the fun. Please take a minute to check out the wonderful handmade items at Haitian Creations that support this awesome org. in Haiti. The pictures do not do the items justice I have to say. I was smitten with the quality and beauty of all the jewelry and bags.

The house pool and hot tub

 Over the weekend they had a 5K race for fun. All of the houses made motivating posters and Izzy, Hilary and I went outside and cheered on all the women. I had planned to join in but got caught up playing with Izzy and relaxing outside so I didn't bother. And no one cared and that was really awesome. :) Heather actually won the "race prize drawing" and got herself a fit bit! Whoohoo- go Heather!!! There were classes and a scavenger hunt, henna tattoos, pedicures and so many women to meet. We mainly hung out at the Baby House and relaxed and had lots of visitors and talked and talked and talked.

Saturday night we went to downtown Disney and walked around, watched a show and had dinner. It was busy and so fun. We lost Grace for a few minutes but she took it all in stride. It was the one time I was glad that my teens have cell phones!

On Sunday a friend who was passing through town stopped by with her two girls and it was so fun to finally meet them in person and to offer some love and support. This Mom should have really been at ETAAM with all the parenting life she has lived and the big time self care that she is due!!

Izzy

 On Sunday evening we all went out to dinner as a group for Tapas. NINETY women went out to dinner. The restaurant did a nice job at handling all 90 women with their specific drink requests. Grace and Izzy hung out back at the resort and went for a walk and took lots of pictures. Ericka offered to be the designated driver so that I could have some drinks. We all got silly. OF COURSE. We came back to the villa and Hilary whipped up some amazing strawberry mojitos that were to die for. We relaxed in the hot tub and talked for hours. I couldn't believe that next day was Monday and that three of the women were going to be leaving us. We talked about next year and committed to making this a yearly event for ourselves and what "next year" would look like. I knew that these women were my friends but I made life long sisters this weekend. It was so good to know that I am not alone. I am really far from alone. I am loved and supported and a good Mom too! (We learned how to Tap!)

Missing those palm trees

 Monday morning Hilary, Kim, Izzy, Grace and I headed for Discovery Cove for the day. Bliss. It was the perfect day of relaxation and fun. Next year we plan on having the whole house do a day at the Cove. It really just isn't to be missed!

I can't wait for next year. Really. I am SO glad that I went. I am SO thankful that I didn't let money, or time, or being away stand in my way. I am SO thankful for my hubby and Leishan that they were able to step in and care for the other kids while I was gone. I didn't even worry and that made the time away even better. And of course the time with Grace and Izzy away was precious too. Grace was such a good big sister caring for Izzy and it was awesome that Izzy didn't have to miss out on her Mama time.

I love my soul sisters... all of them!

The best week ever

I should also mention that we arrived home late on a Tuesday- exactly one week after we left. Tuesday was the day that Sophie had therapy. And it was a LONG day in Seattle for Sophie and her Dad. They had almost 10 hours to kill in between the therapy time and the time that we had to get picked up at the airport. For my husbands safety we had only been doing mainly supervised visits for him and Sophie. (We would have another older child or adult there.) But this time- they were by themselves. I was worried about it. I am not going to lie. Its hard to spend that much time finding things to do with anyone let alone someone who has caused insurmountable hardship and heartache for you over the past year. However, as it would have worked out... they had a great day together. They went out to lunch. Walked around the mall. Napped in the van. Shopped for a birthday present for Dominick. Talked and talked. Went out to dinner. Talked some more. And I do think that there was an immense amount of healing that took place between the two of them. What a perfect ending to a perfect week. Yea!!

Discovery Cove

For a special "thank you" to Grace for helping

watch Izzy while we were in Florida for the week

we took her to Discovery Cove to have

a "Dolphin experience".

Kim, Hilary and I headed out early in the morning

for a fun filled day at Discovery Cove.

It was really one of the most amazing

days ever! It was so beautiful outside

and so relaxing. I had spent hours scouring

the internet to find the best deal possible

to make it affordable.

With breakfast, lunch, and all day

drinks/snacks and fun included-

it was amazing.

 Not only did we snorkel with tropical fish and sting rays but there was a 1/4 mile lazy river that winds through caves and a bird aviary complete with water falls. (Izzy didn't appreciate the water fall parts!) It would probably have been easier to NOT have a baby there but its definitely a park that I recommend. They even had a BIG sand stroller that I could use for free for the day. Really EVERYTHING here is FREE with the daily cost- even the swim diapers! (I love free.)

Grace is hoping to be a marine biologist.

So this experience was something she had

dreamed about. It was ultra educational-

not to mention- completely fun!

More about the trip soon!