Tiffany is the wonderful mother to her 5 year old son Kyler. She lives by her family in Idaho. Read her inspiring story about her amazing son. If you would like to contact Tiffany you can message her through her Facebook page here. 
**Dreams DO come True**

Our Journey together!!!

From the beginning of my pregnancy things weren't going as planned. Due to my blood pressure, I was put on bed rest at 7.5 mo.  My blood pressure would get so high that I would have to go to the hospital about once a week.

It was March 14, 2008, and I was just about to spend some much needed family time, I had a horrible migraine so we checked my BP and sure enough it was very high 183/108, so back to the hospital we went Thinking this was just gonna be a normal visit for me to get my blood pressure down enough so I could return home and continue my pregnancy, BOY I was completely wrong?

I started to get real dizzy and my migraine was getting worse. The doctor soon walked in and checked me to see if I was dilated (remember I was only 7.5 months) and of course I wasn't dilated :( so the Dr. Checked my BP and as he was looking at the BP he turned to my mom and said "Your daughters blood pressure is 218/198, we need to get this baby out or we could possibly loose them both" I saw tears running down my moms face trying to put a brave face on, she then came to the side of the bed and said " Sis they are gonna do a c-section tonight due to your blood pressure, but everything is going to be fine you are a "Ralph", I am gonna run call daddy and get him up here, We love you so much, I will be in there with you k". I knew everything would be alright if my mom said so, she always knew what to say to make me feel better. 

At 12:47 am on March 15, 2008 a beautiful amazing baby boy  **Kyler JayRalph** was born weighing in at 5 Ibs 6 oz. As soon as I heard this sweet boy cry I knew everything would be alright. He was put in an incubator and had to have oxygen for about two days. After two weeks of being in the NICU, we were finally able to bring him home. That was one of the most amazing moments In my life.

But as months and year passed Kyler was not hitting any milestones so we sought medical advice/treatment.

On July 7, 2009 we toke Kyler to Primary Children's hospital in Utah to get checked out by  the best doctors around. They then did an MRI, Blood Test and Cat scan. Said that they would get back to us ASAP.

So on July 9, 2009 we received that call that would changed our lives forever. The Dr. Said "Kyler has a 

1. Cyst on his pituitary gland

2. VERY VERY mild case of Cerebral Palsy (CP)

**Definition Site**

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_palsy

3. Spasicty

4. And his installation around his brain was not fully developed

I burst into tears, thinking what are we to do :(

From that time on we as a family pulled together to get Ky in Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy etc. 

At 18 months baby Kyler walked his first steps!! I was so proud. He worked so hard. CP effected his left side, so his left side is slower than his right, also due to his CP he was a tip toe walker, so at 19 mo. We then went and got his AFO (leg braces) to help him from Walking on his tip toes. 

As months went he was not speaking yet,  we decided to (He would mumble/hum his words) enrolled him in Speech therapy for a total of 2 times a week instead of once a week

At about 3.5 years of age Kyler started to say his first words (not understandable) but he wasn't humming them anymore. They then diagnosed him with Verbal Apraxia 

**Definition Site**

http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/pages/apraxia.aspx

It has been a year and a half since he started to talk,  AMAZING FEELING EVER to hear him say "mama" 

He has progressed tremendously is doing amazing, you can't understand everything he says but progresses day after day, but he sure does know how to get his point across :) 

The doctors have said he is about 3 toddlers into one. But that doesn't stop me nor him to strive to do better and grow out of it. 

He is the most smartest kid I have ever met :)

He is starting STEPPING STONES (High functioning Autistic Kindergarden) on Tues. He is so EXCITED. everyday he comes to me and says "School now mum?" :)

He brightens my life more and more everyday. I couldn't be more proud. He has overcame so much and has never once wanted to give up. He inspires me DAILY, and he is VERY persistent  in all he does.

I look up to him so much, he teaches me something  new each day. He has taught me how to be strong

 and courageous. I was blessed with a wonderful son of god whom I wouldn't change for anything in this world. 

He goes through many strengths and weakness's daily but doesn't let the downs stop him, if anything they make him stronger. As time goes on all his weaknesses turn into STRENGTHS. 

I couldn't be more proud of him. He is my prince and my whole life. The best thing is He looks and acts like a normal 5 year boy (sometimes a little to normal, I could learn from that LOL)

I want to thank my family/friends for all they have done for us, and a Special Thanks for supporting us in the amazing journey and more to come :). Having the gospel in our lives as well is the icing on top of the cake. I don't think i would've been able to do this if it weren't for my amazing parents Graig and Tami Ralph and of course my sons grandmother Ronna Anthony. Thanks so very much!! (And of course all my amazing support from my friends and my family :)

 

I did a post on this a couple years ago (on a different blog) using a recipe I found online. I loved all the comments because it made me really think about what was in the scrub that wasn't good for my skin and what I could use that would be better. And now I'm passing this new, revamped, better-for-you recipe on to you! :)  

I've got this amazing facial scrub down to a science now!   I call it my "Wake Up Before Makeup Scrub" because I use it in the morning before I put on any makeup. When I make it as a gift, I call it Peppermint Scrub because it's the strongest smell that comes from all the oils I add.    Ingredient and Suppy List    This recipe makes about one small jar as pictured. It lasts about one month, depending on how often you use it and the amount you use.   1. 1 cup Sugar   2. 1/3 cup of Coconut Oil   3. Peppermint, Lavender, and Melaleuca(Tea Tree) Essential Oils. About 2 drops of each, but you can play around with them a bit.   4. 2-3 Tablespoons of Vitamin E. You can use more or less for your desired consistency. If you can't find a small bottle in a local store, try the vitamin E Capsules and break them open and squeeze out the oil into your scrub. A little more work but it will work the same, especially if you have it already on hand!   5. Optional Food Coloring. The food coloring does not dye your skin and can be a fun umph if this is a gift for a friend! Add only one drop at a time until you have your desired color. A little goes a long way.   6. A mixing bowl   7. Small Jar with a lid - I got mine from Wal-Mart!! You can also find them at Target and most craft stores. I've even seen them at Ross. If you're worried about the glass breaking use a plastic container instead.    First make sure that your jar, container, and mixing bowl are completely dry. You want to be extremely careful not to get any water into your scrub. It will make it go rancid too early.   Mix together your sugar, coconut oil, and drops of Essential Oils. Sometimes I put 3 drops of peppermint and only one of both the Lavender and Melaleuca oils.    After they are all mixed thoroughly start adding your Vitamin E. I would start with 2-3 Tablespoons. From there it depends on the consistency you prefer your scrub to be! Mix well.   Keep this scrub at room temperature and start using it right away! Vitamin E is a natural preservative so you can keep this scrub stored at room temperature.   This quantity should be used within about one month. I give an expiration for this because anything that has the risk of getting water in it has the potential for mold growth. You're safe for a month! If you are really worried and want to add an extra preservative, I've read that Liquid Germall Plus is effective. I have never used a preservative in my scrubs because I use them quick enough and keep them on my vanity away from the bathtub and shower.    Yayness for finally answering all the questions from my old blog post! Enjoy! :)       Where I Party:
Someday Crafts, No Minimalist Here, Sew Much Crafting, I Gotta Create, Seven Alive, Live Laugh Rowe, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Ginger Snap Crafts, Trendy Treehouse, Sew Much Ado, The DIY Dreamer, If It's Not Baroque, Hickory Trail, My Turn For Us, Funky Junk Interiors, Create, Craft, Love, Simply Dream & Create, Suburbs Mama, Raising Memories, Classy Clutter, I Should Be Mopping, Under the Table and Dreaming, Keeping It Simple, Piggy In Polka Dots, Homemaker on a Dime, Alderberry Hill, C.R.A.F.T., Sew Can Do, Crafting My Way to Success, A Peek into My Paradise, Create With Joy, Natasha in Oz, The Gunny Sack, Better With Age, Crafty Confessions, Elizabeth & Co., Katherine's Corner, Lamberts Lately, Uncommon Designs,      

My boys love to use hangers as bows and pretend they are shooting invisible arrows at whatever they are hunting or being chased by. I decided while watching them play that I'd make them "real" lethal weapons to play with!! Then I had a vision of Fat Amy saying, "Mmmm, better not." Then I decided to make them "play" bow and arrows. ;)

Here's what you'll need

1. Old plastic hanger

2. Hand Saw/Or bread knife if you're okay with that

3. Colored Duct Tape

4. Empty Toilet Paper Roll

5. Scissors

6. String

7. Mad Taping Skills

Alrighty. First you're going to cut your hanger in three areas as shown in this image. Set aside the bottom part of the hanger. It will be your arrow later on.

Next, take your empty toilet paper roll and cut a straight line down it's center as shown. Wrap the roll around the center of the upper part of the hanger in the middle. This will be the hand grip. Take your  duct tape and use it to cover and attach your roll as shown.

I took a piece of duct tape and folded it to make a pointed arrow piece that I then attached to the end of the bottom piece of the hanger.

The last thing I did was tie the string onto my bow and tape the pieces in place.

And BAM!!! EASY Bow and Arrow in less than 15 minutes for the kiddos to use for hours of fun!

 

 

 

Where I Party:
Someday Crafts, No Minimalist Here, Sew Much Crafting, I Gotta Create, Seven Alive, Live Laugh Rowe, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Ginger Snap Crafts, Trendy Treehouse, Sew Much Ado, The DIY Dreamer, If It's Not Baroque, Hickory Trail, My Turn For Us, Funky Junk Interiors, Create, Craft, Love, Simply Dream & Create, Suburbs Mama, Raising Memories, Classy Clutter, I Should Be Mopping, Under the Table and Dreaming, Keeping It Simple, Piggy In Polka Dots, Homemaker on a Dime, Alderberry Hill, C.R.A.F.T., Sew Can Do, Crafting My Way to Success, A Peek into My Paradise, Create With Joy, Natasha in Oz, The Gunny Sack, Better With Age, Crafty Confessions, Elizabeth & Co., Katherine's Corner, Lamberts Lately, Uncommon Designs,

As parents, most of us have had the experience of suddenly realizing we have no idea where our child has gone. They were just beside you and now they are no where to be found. Red alert has set in and you're now asking everyone around you if they've seen your little one. Luckily, most children are found rather quickly. Even luckier, most children survive the reaction of their parents when found. ;)   I've been raising two boys in possibly the biggest and busiest travel destination in the world for the last couple of years. During that time, I've learned a thing or two about keeping them safe and there are a few precautions that I take to help my peace of mind.  

1. The most important thing to do before you get to your destination, is to talk to your kids about where you're going and what you'll be doing. Remind them what you've told them about strangers. Make sure you set some rules about keeping close to you and not running off. Talking about this before you get to a crowded place helps them to focus on your words and not everything else around them.    2. Find A Mom! During my big speech before we hit our destination I always remind my boys who to go to if they do get lost. I've always felt safest telling my boys to "Find a Mom". They know that if they get lost they should find a mom with kids and tell her they're lost. I feel like I can trust another mother to help keep my boys safe and help them find me or my husband.   3. Dress them in bright clothing, matching shirts, or wear family shirts. Obviously it's a lot easier to look for and spot a neon green shirt in a crowd.   4. Take a photo of your children in what they're wearing that day. As soon as we get out of our car and before we take anymore steps toward where we are headed, I line my boys up and take a clear photo of them. This way I have a 'just incase' updated photo of them with what they are wearing and it's easy to just pull out your phone and ask someone if they've seen your child and show them a current picture from that day.   5. Hands on rule. We have a rule with our boys when we are in a crowded area that they must always have a hand on Mom or Dad at all times, until we give them permission for hands off. They must be holding one of our hands, latching my bag(so I feel the weight of them and know they are still beside me), or holding one of our shirts. When we are in the a busy grocery store I usually have the hands on rule with the shopping cart. It has worked really well for us.   I know every kid is different. Sometimes things get overwhelming. I still recommend the above tips and tricks and also suggest maybe getting a wrist or body leash. It sounds silly at first, but I do know parents that wouldn't have been able to travel without a child leash. It is better to be safe than sorry. ;)   I'd love to hear your own tips and tricks!   I hope you enjoyed this post! I love you all! :)    

Sometimes I get these ideas and think, "I'm a genius!" Then I look online, see that several other people have already thought of it long ago, and hear a Fat Amy voice in my head saying, "Mmmm, not really. Nice try though." Ha Ha Ha!   So , I guess what I'm saying is that these snack necklaces are not an original idea of mine. It's been done...and redone. But as far as I know, they've never been done the way I specifically make them!   I don't want my boys to be all sugared up for my mental sake. I decided that fresh fruits and veggies wouldn't work so well. Then BAM! I thought, "Why don't I use my dried fruit snacks?" My boys love to snack on the dried fruit that we have as part of my food storage that we've purchased from Thrive. Super yummy stuff! Don't add water...just eat. If you're interested in learning more about Thrive, my friend Natalie is a consultant, so you can go check out what Thrive has to offer. The other thing I thought of doing that I haven't seen done before is using floss instead of string. I'm a lucky mom and my boys love to floss. :) I tied one end of the floss to a clean needle and we poked our way through the dried fruit and cheerios.





Now you can make a healthy snack necklace for your kiddos to munch on during movie nights, church, and maybe even the Fourth of July festivities. I know I will. They'll be getting some necessary servings of fruits and you'll get to avoid the sugar highs and inevitable crashes. Win win!            

I always read funny posts about what moms of boys see, hear, and say. Here are a few of my own .


In honor of Mother's Day
From a Mom of two boys, ages 5 & 7
Catagorized by See, Hear, and Say



Hear: "...you need to be more responsible and do your duty."-DH   "Hee hee...you said doody."-DS

Say: "Stop peeing in the garden/on the patio/on your brother/on the cat!"

Say: "Stop perching on the top of the cat tower like you're a gargoil."

See: Diaper off, poop on baby/crib/mattress/mirror/wall/...and mouth.

See: Sledding down the stairs in storage bins.

Say: "No playing with the dead lizard in the house."

Say: "If you keep playing with it, it's going to fall off."

See: My youngest showing me his newest find cupped in his hands. A. Dead. Hobo Spider!

Say: "Stop licking your brother!"

See: Son dancing around in bra. Say: "Take off my bra, please."

Hear: My son to a homeless man "You're scary looking. (man ignores him) HEY! Hey you! You are kind of scary looking!"

Hear: While watching Dispicable Me, "Hey, he's just like you Uncle Chris. You both really don't like kids."

See: Both boys finished art projects that they're really proud of. They are both drawings of jail.

And I wouldn't change it for the world...

Happy Mothers Day!!! I would love to hear your own funnies in the comments below!