You probably already know this, but the best way for your family to transform into psychos is to try to get them to church on time. And, when you're like us, raising kids with any kinds of special needs, the last 5 minutes before departure for church is the perfect time for your 10 year old to soil herself, deny it, and require United Nations-level negotiating skills to get her out of her beloved … [Read more...]
101 Ideas for Keeping Your Child with Special Needs Busy All Summer
Already wondering how you're going to fill those long summer days? We've got 101 fun ideas to keep you and the kids (or grandkids) busy! Plant a garden Find a pen pal Start a new collection Climb a tree Make crock-pot apple sauce Play in the sprinkler (affiliate link) Pick strawberries Water balloon toss Try essential oils (tips on using lavender from My Blessed … [Read more...]
March 28th, a Momentous Day
March 28th was a momentous day. I am sure it will be remembered for many reasons. For those interested in world news, the search for the missing plane continued in the Indian Ocean; for those interested in Entertainment news, the controversial movie, “Noah” opened in theaters nationwide; for those interested in medical news, the U.S. Government reported Autism is now diagnosed in 1 in 68 … [Read more...]
The Spiritual Art of Raising Children with Disabilities
I am so excited to share my new book, The Spiritual Art of Raising Children with Disabilities with you! Here is an excerpt from the Introduction, to give you an idea of what it's all about. It was written for you, dear reader! Henri Nouwen is one of the great spiritual teachers of my life. I never met him in person, but I knew him intimately through his books on the spiritual life and his … [Read more...]
You’re Going To Be Okay
"We can’t selectively numb emotion. Numb the dark and you numb the light." - Brene Brown It's a truth I wanted to unwrite that night. Sinking down onto the kitchen floor, a mob of emotions clamoring for dominance inside me: Humiliation. Exhaustion. Anger. Fear. All I'd wanted was to get some exercise (I know, I know, What's that??!). To skate around the local lake with my kids and provide a … [Read more...]
Face to Face
The first two Halloweens of our son's life were complete busts. The first one because he was hospitalized because of feeding tube complications. The second because he freaked out whenever he saw a kid wearing a mask. And he saw lots of them. Because I was an elementary teacher in a very small town. Where all my students rang our doorbell and said, "Trick or treat!" Right after I invited them … [Read more...]