In 1996 after my friend Jenny died, we placed a tall white wooden cross at the accident site. It was such a powerful healing moment. Not only did all of her friends come out to the site but the first responders who had tended to her at the accident scene also joined us. The cross… [Read More]
Reflections on Choices
When Ez was first fitted with his hearing aids, we let him choose his path. He never wore hats or bands that forced his “ears” to stay in place. If he wanted them, he left them on, if he didn’t, he pulled them off. He pulled them off pretty much every minute for months. He… [Read More]
To Accept the Things We Cannot Change…
Coach Terry, Two years ago, when we were getting ready to move to Florida, I stumbled across your gym. I Googled some pictures, checked out your social media and sent an email. I can remember Amanda calling me back. I had two very unhappy kids in the car and I was making my way through… [Read More]
Adoption: Language Deprivation and your MCC
While perusing adoption Facebook groups, I regularly come across a particular type of post. “My husband and I are starting the adoption process, we are looking for a young, minor needs girl ages 0-3. What are some minor needs that you would recommend that don’t require surgery or life long care.” Inevitably someone will ALWAYS… [Read More]
The Day She No Longer Felt Adopted
This morning Lydia stood in the bathroom. She was wearing one of my favorite shirts I bought for her before she came home from China. The shirt is mint green and says “Do Small Things with Great Love.” It is a little small now but it still fits her or maybe it was too big before… [Read More]
Our Disney’s Preschool Playdate: Creating Inclusive Parties #DisneyKids
Disclaimer: I received free products in order to host a #DisneyKids Preschool Playdate. The opinions expressed are my own. One of the challenges of having a child with special needs is finding opportunities for enjoyable an fun play-dates. While my kids are fortunate that they have a large peer group at school, it is often… [Read More]
To My Daughter’s Cheer Coaches
Lulu was just 4 years old, I took her to first all-star cheer gym. The gym had a little picket fence separating the sitting area from the large blue spring floor. There was no AC in the gym, the doors were open and mega fans were drowning out the noise on the floor. She stood mesmerized. Her little toes pressed… [Read More]
Movie Praise: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast #BeOurGuest
In our house Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the most loved, most watched, most reenacted movie ever. It has fueled countless hours of dress-up, dancing and sing-a-longs and more costume replacements than even imaginable. It is THE pinnacle of our Disney movie collection. The cornerstone on which we hang all of our tiaras. As you can… [Read More]
Book Praise: Real MVP Kids Celebrates Diversity in a new Children’s Book Series
One of the great things about being in adoption groups is getting to know a variety of families. A few weeks ago another mom shared a new children’s book series that hopes to expose children to a variety cultures, abilities and experiences. After checking out their Kickstarter campaign, I reached out to one of the… [Read More]
Hong Kong Disney’s Hollywood Hotel Review
Last fall, during our adoption, our family had the wonderful adventure of spending a day at Hong Kong Disney before returning home. Being the ENORMOUS Disney family that we are, we knew that we couldn’t be that close to an international Disney park and not make the effort to visit. Be sure to have a plan A… [Read More]