Posted in November 2013 …

Adjusted Traditions

Today marks the beginning of the holiday season.  With this, I begin to think of ways to adjust my expectations to match our reality. A favorite tradition has always been looking at the holiday lights as we drive through our neighborhood.  In my mind, we are bundled up in the car with hot chocolate and … Continue reading →

The Thankfuls Vs The Wants

Because Thanksgiving is just a few days away, we have been talking a lot about being thankful.  We spoke about those less fortunate than us and all that we have. During this discussion, I could have predicted some of my son’s answers: I’m thankful for all my electronics and I’m thankful for the guys that … Continue reading →

Birds of a Feather

Today, I am shocked by an email that I received from my son’s school, but not for the reasons that you might expect. For three years, I have felt compelled to try to explain my son to his school staff. When they focus on his lack of effort, I remind them of his sensory issues. … Continue reading →

Conferences-Both Ends of the Spectrum

My son’s third grade conference is scheduled for Monday. We are never sure what we will hear when we walk in and sit in those little chairs.  As parents, we have truly had conference experiences at both ends of the spectrum. First grade was a nightmare!  That year, the teacher seemed determined to prove that my … Continue reading →

The Outsiders

The Outsiders, they just don’t know him. They misunderstand his sensitivities. They don’t hear his worries and anxieties. They miss his imagination and sense of humor. They overlook his talents. They doubt his potential. When you have a kid like mine and he is in the presence of  The Outsiders, he builds a wall to … Continue reading →

Holiday Censorship

Although I am not a fan of censorship, I do believe it is necessary in order to survive the upcoming holidays! With Thanksgiving and Christmas quickly approaching, I have already imagined things that I don’t want my son to say when family comes to visit or when we are in the middle of a holiday meal. … Continue reading →

Holiday Monday

Today, we had the day off together.  We talked about the significance of today and the reason for the holiday and then we enjoyed the time. We stayed in our pajamas longer and played video games together. We ate breakfast in stages, at our leisure, instead of at a rushed pace. We talked about anything … Continue reading →

That House

Today, I went with my mother to see my grandma.  She still lives in her three-story house that she entertained friends, cared for her grandchildren, and hosted holiday parties. Those things don’t happen anymore. That house used to be filled with life and now it seems big, dark and empty.  It is too much for her, … Continue reading →

Eff You, Diorama!!

Before I was a parent, I was a judging teacher.  I’m not proud of it, but it’s true. I am not saying that all childless teachers are judging, but I was on a high soap box about my knowledge of good parenting.  I used to think that if a parent was not willing to read … Continue reading →