2023 has been the year of “Less is more.” I decided in the summer that I wouldn’t be participating in anything additional and, in fact, our family would be making deep cuts to our activity schedule. It was hard because it meant less time with other families and risking feeling left out of fun things. I stepped out of a leadership position in a scouting organization that I had been in for three...
When I tell people that our family’s big hobby is collecting and playing board games, we get a few different reactions. Sometimes we get the blank stares followed by a comment such as “You mean, like Monopoly?” And then I get to watch their eyes either glaze over as I talk about the different types of games we enjoy, or I see their eyes light up as they realize that this world...
We survived the holidays. Lots of boundaries. Lots of intentional time together, including enjoying new games of coarse. Limiting outside activities, which meant lots of saying “no” to possibly fun activities so we could say “yes” to peace. Oh, and a new kitten. His name is Chase and he is the fuzzy, warm balm to my weary soul. He’s primarily Ms. A’s kitten, and she is doing a fabulous job...
Mr. B has been struggling. Hard. We had two months of traveling and birthdays, which are major anxiety triggers for my intense child. Mr. B is diagnosed with level 1 Austism Spectrum Disorder, which is the new categorization of what used to be called Aspberger’s syndrome or “high-functioning” autism. His flavor of autism comes with lots of “scripts” that he runs in...
I was disappointed in myself because I ran out of posts and comics and just couldn’t get one done for my self-imposed deadlines. I got discouraged. Here I go again, messing up. Not being disciplined enough to get it done. Then Hubby gave me a gift of grace, “Just be authentically you,” he said, “Write your heart. That is what is most impactful.” He was right, and I needed to hear it from him...
Need gift ideas for your neuro-diverse kiddos? Here are some of my favorites.
Neuro-divergent is part of who we are, and gives us strengths and character that we would not have if our family were without the challenges.
Or “What it’s like to have a perpetual toddler with attitude.” Cuddly or deadly? If you come into, or even near, the Stubborn House you will encounter the epic personality of Juji Sue. Juji is basically my first child. She came into our family in the winter of 2007/2008 which means she officially became a teenager in 2020. This is still very young for a Congo African Grey...
Hubby Really Does “Wow. Those growing kids must be draining your budget.” Large Family Mama confession: I rarely shop at thrift stores. They are too expensive. For all of the fans of a certain financial guru, I am going to say something very controversial. We use credit cards for almost everything, and it benefits our family’s budget. I just bought nearly $400 worth of brand...
and other questions people ask our family. Our family is complicated. Confusing even. The conversations that happen around our breakfast table or in the van make me chuckle when I think of how these conversations would be perceived if they were overheard by someone on the outside. Terms like “Grandma”, “brother” and “Birth Mom” are thrown around with...
Wife, mother, chauffeur, referee, teacher, chef, caretaker, etc...All unto Christ.
