Autism affects 1 in 110 children, 1 in 70 boys.* Chances are that your children know at least one friend with autism, and you know another parent with an autistic child. While we were at Disney World last week, we shared a lunch table with a lovely mom and daughter, since the place was pretty crowded. The little girl was about 6. She was very talkative, and friendly, and it soon…
Read MoreNotes from the Road Children
My children always have various notes, hand-made posters, and bulletins posted around the house. An anticipated guest might expect to be welcomed with “Come This Way —->” signs about. And then, there are the obligatory “Your Name Here‘s Room” signs. But sometimes they give me such a laugh, I have to share! Walking down the hallway last week, I spotted this benign-looking sign with mermaid stickers, and bright colors. At…
Read MoreStop the Childhood Obesity Madness!
Alright moms, I’m going to try not to get on an enormous soapbox here. I’m just going to point out the MADNESS that is going on right now with our nation’s “Childhood Obesity” obsession, and we can discuss in the comments. Are there obese children? Sure. (mainly older children, after they learn bad habits) Does obesity have health risks? Of course. Do we need to talk to children about healthy…
Read MoreIn the Moment of Lost
It was a glorious day at the beach, on the first day of our family vacation. My in-laws were there, as well as sister- and brother-in-law, nephews, niece. Our three daughters were in heaven as they played in the sand and surf with their beloved cousins, their collective ages between 4 and 10. All was well with the world. The kids were playing in the sand right down in front…
Read MoreWordless Wednesday: Pack Square Fountain, Asheville
We are having a fabulous family time in Asheville, NC for Real Life Asheville Adventure Week! (#reallifeavl on Twitter) Today, I get to meet some amazing bloggers at Biltmore Estate to tour the property and share what Biltmore has for families! Yes, that includes you couples who leave the kids with grandma! Judd and I spent our second anniversary at Biltmore Holiday Candlelight Tour! But I’ve never been in the…
Read MoreA Lesson in Choices
They say, “Be careful what you wish for,” right? What would you say if you had the choice to eat only candy all day, or eat only regular food for the day? Well, my high-spirited husband spontaneously decided to pose this dilemma to our three daughters last week. I listened intently from the bedroom as the commotion ensued. “What would you rather have- only candy for the rest of the…
Read MoreI signed up for this
This is what I signed up for. I just didn’t realize how hard it would be. I’ve always wanted to be a mom; I wanted to have 3 kids, stay home with them, and work part-time teaching piano and voice lessons. I have achieved my goals for this part of my life. But this morning, as the puppy was nipping everyone in sight and barking, as the baby was crying…
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