TheMessyBlessyMommaMovement

I never really thought I would utter the words “I’m thankful for autism” though I have and while I certainly have moments of self-doubt, feelings of being overwhelmed, wants of wishing life was easier for my daughter, there are so many things that I am thankful for, because of autism. First, autism has allowed me to gain true friends. Choosing to be a friend to a person or with a family who lives with a loved one on the spectrum can be overwhelming. There have been countless friends that have come and gone but autism has allowed me to see who truly values myself, my family and my daughter for who we are. They listen when things get tough, the pick us up when we are down and they never ask for an apology when we have to leave someplace early because of well, autism. These friends, some old and some new choose to say “yes” to us even when saying “no” would be easier. For them, I am thankful. Second, autism has given myself and my entire family a better understanding of what is most impor

  Last year about this time I posted a blog about inclusion. I feel   everyone should be included   to the best of their ability no matter what their extra needs or disabilities may be. Certainly, a child with disabilities should not bring trauma to your own typical child, but my own children have had more struggles with typical children than they ever have with a child with disabilities. In fact, they have learned more from them than their typical peers. That being said, I know that when paperwork came out regarding your child’s teachers, some people received a notification that their typical kiddo was in an inclusion class. I also know it upset some parents. How do I know? Truth be told, some people don’t know who I am and share their feelings unaware that  my  child is the inclusion child in  your  child’s class. Yup. That is her. First, let me tell you a little about her. She’s beautiful inside and out. She cares for babies and puppies. She has an innate desire to support those str

  We have all been there. We enter a store and see or hear a sometimes not-so-small child lashing out. It can be verbal. It can be continuous screams, and instantly those of us with soft hearts are drawn to do something. I have always been that way, but since having our sweet Serrie, I am even more aware that the struggle can be real. Twice in the last month, my sweet girl has been overwhelmed on outings to stores. One thing I loved as a parent was taking my kiddos to Target, talking as we whizzed up and down aisles exploring all the sights, sounds and smells. Since Seraphina’s diagnosis, those trips come with trepidation. Friends have begun to open up with questions for me, and I welcome them. I will say, this is a bird’s eye view, from one bird. I am one person sharing our journey. It by no means will cover all children on the spectrum but may give you some insight on how to help others when you see them struggling while out and about. 1. Assess the situation.  Is this a meltdown or

  I always wondered what it would be like to be in an inclusive classroom. When I was a child, it wasn’t done. Now, it's in almost every classroom at many schools. I always wondered what other kids thought about aides. Did they know who the child’s aides were? Did they understand why they were there? What if children thought they were mean or scary and the little ones couldn’t share their feelings? For me, I feel we are blessed by our school district. I have more than fallen in love with every aide and paraprofessional I have encountered. When my oldest was young, I sat in awe as aides lead students to where they needed to be with kindness and compassion. I knew our district was doing the best they could, but I still wondered if children saw what I saw. Now that I am a parent of a child with disabilities, what I witnessed when my own daughter was young is something that not only resonates in my mind, but it settles in my heart. I knew some of the same aides were still in the distri

I have always said,   there is something about Felicity.   Not sure what it is. Perhaps she’s an old soul who when arriving on this planet fussed to no end because she wasn’t content in just being a baby. Perhaps she is pure. Felicity always surprises me…sometimes in ways that try my patience. Last week Felicity turned 8. I have shared how Felicity started out struggling. I shared how neighbors would check to see if I was OK because her colic had her crying from dawn to dusk and I shared how she’s truly the meaning of her name,  happiness. Today, as I rushed around trying to get dinner cooked, homework complete and make sure we had all we needed for the next day, she appeared. She stood before me and asked to create. You see, Felicity also creates… a lot… and often leaves her creations (and creative methods all over the house for the little ones to get and use in various places such as couches), so we have a rule: you must ask to create. And she did. I agreed and looked up as she ran t

  Yesterday, I sat in that haze again. I have kept myself busy. I enjoy the exercise I get in while my children are at school, but I don’t enjoy it nearly as much as I would like to — because I am constantly wondering if my child is safe. I am constantly wondering how I can move her forward and provide her a life that will be fruitful and give her the amazing gifts I hope to provide for all my children. As I put my little ones to bed last night, I reached out. Though I could have called and polled my friends, there was a part of me that didn’t want to talk about it — but I did want the answers. I have been part of an online mom group for years. I figured they may have some insight, so I shared this post: I have had wine to be honest, but I swear some days I just wish I knew what Serrie was thinking. I am so grateful for all I have, but there are moments I wish I knew. Is this normal? I wonder because so many of my friends “avoid” talking about Serrie… Why is our society so afraid of sp