Hoping for some snow fun…

Most kids LOVE snow days. That feeling of getting up in the morning, discovering a layer of white powder blanketing everything in sight. The first thing they (and their parents) do is check the school closings. I remember watching the TV as a child, watching with earnest hope that my school would be displayed among the names slowly scrolling along the bottom of the screen. Whenever my school district came on screen, it was a joyful feeling!

But when your child is so dependent on routine, school days can really throw a wrench into things. Michaela doesn’t sometimes understand school days. Why would you close school because of something so fun as snow? What’s the harm is innocent looking white “fun-stuff?”  (more…)

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One word: yum. This is a great soup/chili for a nice cool autumn evening. It’s simple to make and flexible enough to adapt to any palette. Regulars to this blog will know of my love of southwest flavors and this will be no exception. We haven’t tried this with the girls yet so this is kinda Kelli and I’s recipe for after the girls go to bed. With about a 20 minute prep/cook time, it’s great for a later meal when you don’t want to completely dirty the kitchen.

Be sure to check out the variation at the bottom if you like a little spice in your chili. But first, here’s the quick version: (more…)

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Our pumpkins for this year’s Halloween. We got quite the response from our logo!

Well, another ghoulish November-eve has come and gone. Everywhere one could look there were ghosts, zombies, Michael Myers, that scary dude from the Scream movies, a Ghostbuster, Spidermans, Batmans, Iron Mans, princesses, a Tinkerbell (or two – can’t remember), and a very well camouflaged kid decked in hunting garb who was annoyed when I joked with him about “not seeing him.” Grandma and poppy joined us for this Halloween, with grandma and Kelli escorting the girls throughout the neighborhood. In all, it was another busy but wonderful Halloween in our neighborhood. (more…)

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The definition of transition: movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change: the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

It doesn’t matter if you are a child or an adult, transition is hard for everyone. Especially for those who are extra sensitive to change. Most special needs families are well aware when your child turns 3 years old a huge transition occurs.

For example, your child can receive early intervention (which is state funded) from birth to 3 years old. Soon as your child turns 3 years old the world opens up to many opportunities and tough decisions. Do you want to have your child evaluated by the school district to see if they qualify for special education or go the private therapy route (if you have the money)? As parents, we want what’s best for our children to provide the best services we can to help them succeed and grow. (more…)

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Daddy And Melanie

Regular readers to this blog know about Melanie’s very independent personality. She loves to do things on her own, never really needs the attention of others, and isn’t much of a “cuddler.” She’s the exact opposite of her sister. She is always testing boundaries and has the most mischievous air about her. She even has a particular way she runs away when she was caught doing something she knows is not acceptable. We call it the “guilt run.” (As in, she’s guilty of the “crime,” not that she feels guilty about perpetrating the act…)

One thing that parents always experience is the “favorites” syndrome. One child will prefer the attention of one parent to another from time to time. Michaela as gone back and forth between mommy and daddy and it has been a healthy and fun “competition” between Kelli and I. But with Melanie, it’s been (in my mind) a bit one-sided. (more…)

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