Read more about the article When are we going to learn?
My thoughts

When are we going to learn?

It's been a difficult couple of days for me and that's okay. Life isn't supposed to be easy, right? I'm really tired but having a terrible time falling asleep at night. There are things in my life that I'm worried about and again, that's okay. I feel like despite some of these challenges, I'm still incredibly lucky to be where I am, and I don't want to lose sight of that. The boys didn't go see their mom this weekend and that meant no break for me. Everyone is being extra cautious as a result of COVID, and if someone in either household isn't feeling right, we tend to pull the plug. Their mom was under the weather so the visit was canceled. The kids were bummed out but they'd…

1 Comment
January 9, 2022
Read more about the article My life has changed in so many ways
My thoughts

My life has changed in so many ways

The boys spent New Years day with their mom and I had plans of my own. We're keeping the circle of people we spend time with very, very small right now as COVID is worse than it's ever been in Ohio. Half of my family either has COVID right now or is getting over it. Everyone is staying away from everyone else right now, just to be safe. My circle is small and comprised of people closest to me. Every one is taking all the necessary precautions, including, limited public exposure, mask wearing and COVID vaccinations. That's just the way it is right now. New Years was great. We spent some time making vision boards on New Years Eve with the kids. They did such a good job and I…

1 Comment
January 2, 2022
Read more about the article Let’s talk about how tough Christmas can be for autism families
My thoughts

Let’s talk about how tough Christmas can be for autism families

I've had a pretty great week. I've been job hunting, which is exciting, and it feels good. I'm looking to fill in some of the gaps while building my business. I need to gain some lost ground, and this will help. There are some pretty great opportunities that I might qualify for, and they're remote. That's a perfect fit, especially with COVID. This is a big move for me, but it's the right one, at least for right now. I should add that I'm exceptionally grateful for all the love and support I have in my life. I wouldn't have made it this far or had the courage to explore new opportunities if I didn't have that. The boys are ready for Christmas to be over with. I've talked about…

1 Comment
December 24, 2021
Read more about the article You’re not a bad parent and here’s why
Inspirational Posts / My thoughts

You’re not a bad parent and here’s why

Parenting is hard. There are no two ways about it. Parenting kids with unique challenges like autism, ADHD, anxiety, mental illness, or other physical/emotional disability can be even more complicated. I've been a parent for over two decades now, and I'm still learning. My parenting experience is mainly special needs in nature but believe it or not; there is some overlap with more typical parenting. Also, we should acknowledge that some people are terrible parents. That's just the way it is. That being said, the overwhelming majority of parents out there are so much more amazing then they give themselves credit for. As parents, we have the best of intentions, and while none of us are perfect, we strive to give our kids the best lives we possibly can. Sometimes,…

3 Comments
December 7, 2021
Read more about the article Oh, that’s definitely broken
My thoughts

Oh, that’s definitely broken

I'm not gonna lie, it was a great weekend. Sunday was spent hiking, hanging out, playing games, and eating delicious food. It ended with a fire in the fire pit and watching our kids get to be kids. It's been such a long time since my kids could just be kids and getting to experience that was pretty amazing. ☺ Gavin is spending less and less time doing things with the rest of us but he's becoming more and more independent. He's happy and that makes me happy. I truly believe that he will be on his own (in a supervised setting) at some point in 2022. He's so focused on that and I will support him in every way I can. I realized that I forgot to mention that…

1 Comment
December 6, 2021
Read more about the article Perspective: Why I’m so grateful to be stressed out about work and money
My thoughts

Perspective: Why I’m so grateful to be stressed out about work and money

I've not been writing as much as I'd like to lately because it's a bit overwhelming for me right now. That's the only way I can think to describe it. At the same time, this doesn't mean I'm drowning or overwhelmed with life in general, though. I actually feel incredibly fortunate because I have a good life and I get to spend it with the people I love. My stress tends to be work and money related. I suppose those are pretty common things to be stressed out about. Honestly, I feel fortunate here as well because I'm stressed out by something not related to autism, health problems, or behavioral issues. For a large part of my adult life, I was consumed with managing all those things and I felt…

2 Comments
December 5, 2021
Read more about the article Consider me a believer
My thoughts

Consider me a believer

I woke up this morning and was feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. Work can be stressful sometimes, for a number of reasons. I'm rebuilding and growing, all at the same time. I'm one person doing the job of multiple people and that can be difficult. Something new I've gotten into recently is positive affirmations. This morning, I really had to push myself to do this but I'll be damned if it didn't work. I picked up several new clients and had a fantastic business day. I recorded two great interviews today as well. I'm super stoked because the good news didn't end there. I mentioned that I moved my podcast to a new server. It's not something my audience will notice but it's making a big difference. I've been waiting…

0 Comments
November 9, 2021
Read more about the article Why I’m taking my youngest back to physical therapy
Akron Children's Hospital / Emmett John / My thoughts / Physical Therapy

Why I’m taking my youngest back to physical therapy

We're bringing back an old family favorite this week in the form of physical therapy. Emmett will be making his return to PT on Wednesday. He goes for his evaluation on Wednesday and hopefully, he'll be approved for at least a few months. Emmett used to be very tiny and was in PT to help with strengthing and muscle tone. He was also in OT as well. He reached a point where he was doing well enough that he no longer qualified and insurance stopped paying.. Fast forward a few years and Emmett's grown quite a bit. He's constantly turning his right ankle, as well as sorta dragging his foot, which causes him to trip. Anyway, he's been on a wait list for PT for months now and it's finally…

1 Comment
November 8, 2021