eSpecially Ben

The day after Christmas, we spent an hour walking on the greenway that meanders through our city. The large fountain was empty for the winter and Logan and Sean saw this as the perfect opportunity to race through it. Ben watched them, giggled a bit, then suddenly went crazy trying to get out of his chair. Interested in getting Ben some walking time in, I obliged by getting him out of his seat. At the moment he was free of the chair, Ben pulled me in the direction of the fountain. (Imagine a large dog pulling its owner - that's how I felt.) We climbed over the fountain wall and kept walking across the circle. I thought Ben wanted to be a part of his brothers' shenanigans, but I was wrong. When we reached the other side of the fountain, we climbed over the wall. Ben kept pulling me in this same diagonal path he had chosen. If we kept going, we were going to hit the street, not a place I wanted to venture. Where the heck was this kid going? He clearly had something on his mi...

Here is yet another way children with disabilities can communicate - by using this special arm device to access a tablet. DEVICE HELPS CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACCESS TABLETS Video

It was icy cold with a slight breeze, but we braved the elements and sang our favorite Christmas Carols for our community and neighbors. Our first stop was at a house that requested our performance. They had Trader Joe's cookies waiting for us. People are not used to carolers and we get many reactions from our impromptu audiences: some listen while standing next to the window, others grab family members from inside so they too can hear the singing, while others walk quickly back into their house after one song. For the most part, everyone enjoyed our singing. I can understand it is awkward to stand there while a group sings to you a bit off tune. The kids love it - they run ahead, ring the doorbell and then belt out the words to Jingle Bells and Rudolph .  Each year, we gain a new family to our group. Once you start this tradition, it is hard to let go. Ben is in the left-hand corner of the photo hugging Elizabeth, his former teacher.

Ben made a last ditch effort tonight to repair his relationship with Santa . As soon as he saw the jolly man in the red suit, he jumped into his arms...and gave him a hug.

Log Cabin: The pretzels were part of our healthy snacks, but this kid had  better plans for them! Her parents are in the construction business. For as long as I can remember we have hosted a Graham Cracker House Party for our friends and neighbors. This year we had 14 kids (and their parents) participate. Everyone helps with supplies, setup, building, decorating and cleanup. This year, we had Mimosas for the parents - a great addition that I highly recommend. Expect some chaos. If you want to host an event like this, the list of candy, supplies and the instructions to give each parent are below. My nephew's birthday is in December and my sister hosted a birthday party for 13 boys, and they each made their own house. My sister recommends getting two mixers and have the Royal Icing II dry ingredients measured ahead of time. I did this, and it cut down on time because once the kids start building and decorating, they need a lot of the "glue" quickly. ...

Hoping everyone has fun with their family and friends!

There are no explanations, ways to find purpose or reason in what happened in Connecticut today. We cannot wrap our minds around the tragedy and our hearts hurt. Anger, blame, disbelief, sadness and the need to hold our own loved ones closer are the prevailing feelings. I found this poem and wanted to share it here: To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say  But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from heaven, here I dwell with God above  Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.  Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight;  Remember that I am with you every morning, noon, and night.  That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through  God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."  "It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone,  As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.  I ne...

Caught on camera...Ben biting Santa.

This is Ben with his former preschool teacher, Elizabeth.  When she walked into the room, he had eyes for no one else.  You Never Know You never know when someone might catch a dream from you. You never know when a little word or something that you might do, may open up a window of a mind that seeks the light. The way you teach may not matter at all, but you never know, it might. And just in case it could be that another's life through you might change for the better with a broader, brighter view. It seems it might be worth a try to do what you know is right. The way you teach may not matter at all, but you never know, it might.

My mom mailed this to me many months ago and then I lost it.  She was nice enough to find it again, scan it and email it to me. These sites are not just for children with special needs. Here it is for you to see and share: Tech Tool Kit Provides learning tools to enhance learning for all children. Book Builder Enables users to create, share, publish, and read digital books that engage young readers. Signed Stories provides books that readers can view in sign language and with subtitles. Books are also in audio, and users can easily share them with friends and family. Mother Goose Club   Furnishes nursery rhymes with child actors who animate the poems.  Carnegie Library for Kids   Allows for creating, sharing, and publishing digital books for repeated readings and includes wonderful prompts to help children begin. Natural Readers   Provides application software that reads any text on a computer. Word Talk - UK Provi...