We've Moved!

We have a new home at our new website! Don't miss out any posts or updates on my book!

Come visit us!

 

Special thanks to my good friend Sarah for her expertise with the move!  Her Pretty Pretty Product Blog Design Services saved the day!

Smiling at Her Simile

Language is a weird thing. I am constantly reminded of that every day with Brielle.

Since Brielle uses sign language, I am hyper aware of the language she uses. I spend a lot of my time
 listening to her (well, watching her hands) and reminding her to use full sentences. Yep. She's lazy. It shouldn't surprise me, but it still does when she doesn't know a sign for something or doesn't know what a word means (we had a funny one the other day).

Yesterday, she used a brand new type of phrase and it nearly knocked me off my feet!

She was eating the same breakfast she does most days -- chocolate milk and

I Am Not a Mind Reader Either

I follow and read quite a few blogs, especially now that I found Bloglovin to organize and put them all in one place. Many that I follow are written by special needs moms or for special needs families. Each is different and provides interesting insights. Of course, I have my favorites.

One of them recently had an awesome post about her young daughter who uses a communication device and how the mom must remind herself not make any assumptions about what her daughter is trying to communicate. It was an excellent reminder to me as well.

I know my Brielle. I know her likes/dislikes and her life experiences. It's rare when (I think) I can't figure out what she's trying to tell me, even when she gets lazy and doesn't sign complete sentences or can't figure out how to sign certain things.

Knowing what Brielle might be trying to tell me and being a mind reader are two very different things.

By assuming I know what Brielle is signing when she doesn't use complete sentences, I am selling her short. I can't do that. Simple as that.

Thanks for the reminder, Dana!

The Same Question

People, by their very nature, are curious. They try to figure things out. I know that's why people sometimes stare at Brielle - they are trying to figure her out -- especially children.

What people might assume is that Brielle does not notice or care if they stare. They are wrong.

Once in a while, a brave soul might ask a question. No respectful question is too personal. I'm an open book, literally. After all, I'm writing a book about our lives.

So, what questions are most often asked?

Irony in a Wet Definittion

Our family loves Family Feud. We even went to a live taping of the show a month ago. BIG TIME Fun!!

As for watching the show at home, it's our ritual. Every night after dinner we all sit to watch at least part of an episode together. It's one of the few television show that we can all agree on. And seriously, what show actually encourages you to shout at it and still brings families together???

So, last night, Brian, Brielle and I are watching an episode after eating a marvelous (but not at all healthy) new recipe I cooked for stuffed chicken.

The Family Feud question was:  Name something you'd hate to find out you did in your sleep?

ANOTHER Surprise Offer from the Generous Stranger!

Back in January we had a surprise gift from a generous stranger -- Taylor Swift tickets! Read all about it!

Just minutes ago, the man called to offer us something new...

Things I Will Never Have to Deal With

Parents of special needs children miss out on a lot. Some things, we hate missing. Others, are somehow an unexpected "side benefit."

1. I will never have to

Love My Blog?

Have you heard of Bloglovin? It's a fabulous way to organize and follow all of your favorite blogs.

I'd love for you to follow me there! Just CLICK HERE!

Exciting Update!

I know... I know... It's been a while since my last post. Here's my excuse: I've been a writing maniac lately!

Last September, I finished the first draft of my book about our experiences with our special needs daughter, Brielle.

Less than a month ago, I finished the re-writes.

As of today,