Tag: parenting
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When Trauma Whispers Instead of Shouts

Trauma has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you’re driving home from soccer practice, singing along to the radio, and the next you’re blindsided by a memory from a previous life—one that brings you to tears without warning. If you have any understanding of adoption through the…
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Keeping the Magic (and Meaning) in Christmas

If you know, you know. Anyone else’s photo reel look like this? When we first started this tradition, it felt like one more way to bring a little extra magic into the holidays for our boys—boys who hadn’t always experienced very magical holidays. In fact, when Boy2 was just five…
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It Takes a Village

According to Google AI, the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” is widely believed to originate from African proverbs. Its exact source may be unknown, but the sentiment reflects a beautiful, long-standing truth — raising children has always been a collective effort. When we adopted the boys,…
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Embracing the “Firsts” We Do Get

I was scrolling through old photos of the boys the other day. We’re coming up on our three-year anniversary as a family—a day we celebrate as “Family Day.” (Adoption day is in August.) It’s one more reason to be thankful in November. Looking at those pictures, I couldn’t help but…
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Balancing the Needs of All Our Children

Something we don’t always talk about—whether we’re living as special needs parents ourselves or supporting friends who are—is that many of us are also raising kids with typical needs. Our identity isn’t only “special needs parent”; it’s one of many hats we wear. And with that comes the responsibility of…
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This Is Why I Speak Up for My Son

Story time. Near the end of the last school year, I volunteered at an event at my boys’ school. I picked a time when I knew I’d see both of them participate. The way their faces light up when they spot me at school — that pure joy — it’s…
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How Being Intentional with My Time Has Helped Me Find Peace

In a world that constantly encourages us to be busy, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of daily life. Work, social obligations, and the pressure to keep up with trends and material possessions can overwhelm us, leaving little room for the things that truly matter. For me,…
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Disney’s Hollywood Studios Bucket List

Along with EPCOT, we’re planning a visit to Hollywood Studios on our next Disney trip. Naturally, I need a list as part of my trip-planning. It helps quench my need for a plan without being so rigid I’ll get disappointed if it doesn’t go as planned. Welcome to the glitz,…
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Summer Bucket List: Follow Up

As summer starts to wind down and the first hints of fall begin to sneak onto the store shelves, it’s the perfect moment to take a deep breath and reflect on the season that was. If you had a summer bucket list—one filled with ambitions of adventure, relaxation, and everything…
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EPCOT Bucket List

One of my most favorite past times – trip planning! On our next adventure to Walt Disney World, we are planning to visit EPCOT. Naturally I had to make a list of must-dos. I know we might not accomplish the entire list on our trip, but it’ll serve as a…