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on January 8, 2020 · Leave a Comment

What’s Happening In 2020!

I am pretty sure I have mentioned in the past that I don’t make New Year’s resolutions.  Instead, I prefer to create goals for myself, my family and my blog.  I thought I would share a few of the goals I hope to accomplish this year and what you can expect from me moving forward in 2020.

Most of last year’s blog content focused on my Disney trip and autism awareness.  At the halfway point, I decided to eliminate a section dedicated to beauty and discontinued writing a monthly “Favorites” post.  For the most part, I’m happy with continuing this in 2020.  With that said, let me break it down to explain it better.

Beauty Content – Although, I won’t have a dedicated category for Beauty, I will still write about beauty-related products when I have something I want to share.  As a matter of fact, in case you missed it last week, you can read here how I did with my beauty goals in 2019.  I’ve already started the same Beauty Goals for 2020 and I’m looking forward to keeping you updated throughout the year. 

It’s the Little Things (Monthly favorites) – Originally when I started blogging, I was very excited to share this part of the blog with everyone.  Truth be told, it’s not that I no longer have favorites of anything but, there are some months that I have nothing to offer.  I didn’t buy or try anything new and, because of this, I decided I would only post when I truly have something great to offer.  I’m considering, going forward, doing these types of posts quarterly.  For me personally, I think it would be more beneficial and, hopefully, for my readers, more enjoyable. 

Disney – A great deal of Disney content was shared on my blog last year.  My trip may be over but I have so much more to share with you.  Before the holidays, I shared all about our travel day.  In case you missed it, you can read about it here.  I’ll be picking up from there and sharing our first park visit at Animal Kingdom.  Not only will I be writing more about our trip, I have some other Disney-related content to share as well. 

Autism – Special Needs Parenting – I have never felt more passionate on writing about autism than I do now.  It’s obvious to me that the more I share about autism and life with autism, the more my son’s future will benefit from it.  Education and awareness are key and very important to me and my family.  I think many of you have had a chance to learn about autism that may not have been familiar with before.  I’d also like to continue sharing about my son, Michael’s, journey and keep you updated on how he is doing. 

My Story – Also in 2019, when I wrote about making changes on my blog, I wrote about how I wanted my blog to be an extension of my daily journal.  Journaling, after all, is what started me on the path to starting my blog.  Unfortunately, this isn’t exactly working for me.  For a blog that reads more like a journal, I would have to be consistently uploading daily.  This is seriously unrealistic for me.  Telling my story and trying to keep it consistent in what I am posting about is much more practical.  I’ve been able to take stories from my journals and post them here, which is doable.  I’m working on ideas in this area and I will certainly keep you posted. 

Social Media – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest – It’s not a secret that social media is not my favorite thing.  However, I understand it’s a very important part of my blogging journey and one I am trying harder to embrace.  As it stands, you can currently follow me on Instagram and Twitter.  My plan for these two platforms is to be more present.  Although, I post all the information about the latest blog post going live, I would love to do more stories, IGTV, and have more conversations with everyone.  The past few weeks, I have been posting more videos, etc.  Everyone has given me such great feedback, thank you!  As far as Facebook is concerned … I’m still mulling over this one.  Again, I understand the benefits of having a Facebook page for my blog but it’s another time-consuming medium I will have to learn.  I’m not sure I want to go down that road right now.  However, I have thought about creating a private blog Facebook page for subscribers sharing more stories that I may not post on my blog page.  I’ll probably be taking a survey on Instagram and take it from there.  When it comes to Pinterest, I would love to invite you all to come follow me over there.   You may not even know, but I do have a Pinterest page for my blog.  I have a lot of different boards on various subject matters that I don’t necessarily cover here. 

Lastly, if you haven’t noticed already, I have also changed the look of my blog.  I’m experimenting with different styles, trying to find something that fits the aesthetics of my lifestyle and blog.  I would love to hear what you think about it so far! 

So, this is what you can expect from me and my blog in 2020.  I’m excited about spending the New Year with you and seeing where it goes from here.  Please let me know in the comments below what your goals are for 2020! 

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Hi, I’m Joann

Hi, I’m Joann

Hi !

I'm Joann, a wife, a mom of twin boys (one of which is autistic and nonverbal), and welcome to my blog! Please make yourself comfortable, so I can share stories from my life, my mad addiction to beauty products and my love of all things Disney!

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lovealwaysjoann

Lovealways,Joann
Story time - Do you have an embarrassing date sto Story time - 
Do you have an embarrassing date story?  I do and I thought I’d share it with you.  I hope I don’t regret this.  One of the very first dates with with my husband Gabe turned out to be a total disaster.  It had nothing to do with him, this was all on me.  He had asked me if I wanted to go to a jazz club in the city.  I was so excited he asked, so of course I said yes! We decided to sit at the bar for awhile before the music started and have “a” drink.  Now, I am really not much of a drinker, so when the bartender asked, I had no idea what to get.  So, Gabe said how about wine, beer or a Long Island ice tea? Well, all I heard was ice tea, and I immediately said, yes, I’ll have an ice tea.  I was clueless.  I really liked the drink but had no idea the amount of alcohol in it.  After the first two went down so quickly, I was relaxed and having a great time talking to Gabe.  The music was about to start as I had just ordered my third “Ice tea.” After finishing it, I said to Gabe, I’m going to use the restroom before the show.  Well my friends, I have no recollection of anything else that happened after that moment.  But of course, my husband remembers the entire night.  Apparently, the bouncer approached him and said, “Are you with a short little brunette?” He said yes, why?  Your girlfriend passed out and is stuck in between the door and the toilet. 🤣🤣😂😂 - not my proudest moment and thank God my husband was a good guy because not only did he have to help me out of the bathroom,but he had to carry me down a flight of steps! Needless to say, I’ve never had a “Long Island Ice Tea,” ever again! #lightweight #partyanimal #pourmeanother 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
The funny thing about grief is people who have nev The funny thing about grief is people who have never been through or experienced it on this level, often feel it’s something you get through. “You’ll get over it,” a phrase I’ve heard so many times as if grief is a book with many chapters that you will eventually finish.  I can assure you that it’s not.  Even 7 years and 1 month later, grief can spring up on you when you least expect it.  That was me yesterday.  An incredible amount of sadness with a few immeasurable moments of complete go to hell, leave me alone please.  Out of nowhere I realized that I was missing my mom in moments when I could really use a hug or words of encouragement that only she could deliver so eloquently.  Sometimes grieving can take a hold of you for a few days, dragging you down into a pit of despair.  As you are spending every waking moment trying to climb out, life around you goes on as though nothing has happened.  When it finally passes, and it will, you’ll understand it just a part of your life and the endless chapters will be your story to tell.  #grief #griefjourney #griefsupport #imissmymom #storytotell .
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd #boyswithautism 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
First Disney recipe has been chosen! Disney snacks First Disney recipe has been chosen! Disney snacks was the winner of last week’s poll.  Any guesses? Stay tuned, this should be fun! 
#disneyfood #disneyrecipes #disneyfoodies #disneysnacks 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
I think it goes without saying that most autism mo I think it goes without saying that most autism moms often struggle when complimented. "You're doing a great job," "You are awesome," and "He/she is so lucky to have you as a mom." It's not that we don't appreciate it, it's just difficult to see and accept it  On a daily basis, just like most moms, we are trying to survive the day.  Anything can happen in a few seconds, and we are constantly waiting for the shoe to drop.  For me personally, I'm always juggling with the mom guilt.  I feel guilty for not being able to split myself in two to be there for both of my boys.  Of course, I know every mom feels this way.  I just remind myself that I'm doing the best I can.  And while I appreciate the compliments, I'd rather you say, "Michael is doing great!" "Alex is such a great help." "You have a beautiful family." Take the focus off of me and give all that love to my children.  Then I know, when you see and acknowledge how great they are, then,  I'm doing a great job.  #autismmomlife #autismacceptance #autismlove #autismwarrior #autismmama 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
It’s #worldpizzaday!! Would love to be back in I It’s #worldpizzaday!! Would love to be back in Italy right about now! #worldpizzaday #italy #pizzaday #iloveitaly
It’s been awhile since I’ve given an update on It’s been awhile since I’ve given an update on how things are going with Michael.  Back in November we started to see a new Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, but I’ll share more about that later.  Besides the current challenges of virtual learning, my biggest news is sharing just how well Michael has been doing at home. Michael has not only been requesting to his new toys and games, he’s actually playing with it appropriately.  What I’m most excited about is Michael has also been requesting to put the TV on.  Now this may sound strange and you may ask, what’s so exciting about that?  This is something we have been working on for quite awhile.  Michael had no interest in anything long enough, constantly moving or fidgety if we tried to get him to sit.  He’s not only sitting but actually watching! If I ask him a question about it, he responds.  For example, if we are watching Mickey Mouse, I’ll ask him if he likes Mickey and he will respond saying, “Yes!” Today he brought me to living room, and handed me the Fire stick.  I thought maybe he’s trying to tell me to put Disney+ on, and sure enough he was! I showed him the movie choices and I asked him what he wanted to watch.  I pointed to Moana and he said yes! I can’t express how much this means to me and my family.  The fact that Michael is sitting and engaging in an activity is mind blowing to us. Of course, these things may seem small or if significant, but for us, they are small wins! #celebratingthesmallwins #smallwins 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
There are many in the autism community who do not There are many in the autism community who do not like to use the word “challenging” when it comes to describing parenting their special needs child.  I am not one of them.  I’m not interested in sugar coating the “challenges.” I’m interested in sharing, learning, and educating about the challenges so everyone will have a better understanding of autism.  I’m also aware these can be perceived as bringing attention to the negative aspects of autism, and why not share more of a positive message.  My reason is simple, I want other special needs moms, dads, and caregivers to know they are not alone.  Early in Michael’s diagnosis I felt alone because no one else could relate or understand.  I know I’m not alone, but maybe there’s a mom out there thinking she is.  I don’t want anyone to feel that way.  I also understand, some parents worry about how their child would feel if they should ever hear or read that their autism was challenging.  I’m not insensitive to that viewpoint,  but I also think it’s important for my child to know how hard I tried to understand and how sometimes it was challenging.  I want him to know it wasn’t me complaining, it was me trying to work through this with him side by side.  Challenges make us stronger and help us hopefully grow in new ways.  My son is not challenging but his autism is.  Together we will face those challenges and overcome them.  #challenges #overcome #autismcommunity #learningeveryday .
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
Good morning Friends! It’s that time of year aga Good morning Friends! It’s that time of year again when we get to start fresh. Whether you set your resolutions, goals or intentions, my hope for you is that all of you have a wonderful new year! I’ve been doing so much thinking about where and what I’d like to do with my blog this year. Looking over last year’s goals, I see there are some that I crushed and some that need more attention. This year, of course, I have new goals and I want to share them with you today.  Direct link in bio.  #blogger #goals #2021 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger
Just because we can all use a beautiful sunset! Ha Just because we can all use a beautiful sunset! Have a nice evening everyone ❤️ #sunset #mondayevening 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger
Just because we can all use a beautiful view this Just because we can all use a beautiful view this morning! Have a great day! #florida #floridabeaches #takemetothebeach #monday #mondaymood
Say yes to adventure! Story time - I’m going to Say yes to adventure! Story time - I’m going to share an embarrassing story with you.  I’m kind of scared of horses.  I know that sounds ridiculous. But it’s the truth. My husband comes from a family who owns and loves horses, him included.  So, maybe it’s not the horse itself, ugh, yes, yes it’s the horse itself.  When I was in my 20’s I visited the Grand Canyon.  One day, we decided to make a reservation for a sunset horseback ride and BBQ. I was nervous about it all day because I had never been on a horse.  But at the same time, I was excited to be there because, well, cowboys! Well, that evening as we made our way to the ranch, I was a wreck.  As they started bringing out the horses, I tried to convince myself I could do this.  I asked our guide to please give me the most gentle horse you have! He smiled and said, “They are all gentle.” Yeah, sure they are. He brings out my horse,and she was beautiful.  I  did my best to avoid looking directly into her eyes as I thought I remembered reading not to. (Later I realized that was a bear, you idiot 😂🤣🤪!) I’m sitting on top of the horse and our guide starts to explain how to use the reins, just general information.  At that point, I could no longer hear a word he said.  He sounded like Charlie Brown’s teacher! All I can hear was, “Wah wa wa,” and at the same time, my “Most gentle,” horse decided she wasn’t waiting for anyone’s instructions, she was making her move now!! Keep in mind, my horse was trotting and I couldn’t hear a dam thing!! I had no clue how to make her stop! All I did was scream at the top of my lungs, “Get me off this thing!” Ugh.  Everyone was laughing and rightfully so.  I can laugh about it now but I haven’t been on a horse since then.  However, that’s all about to change this year! 2021 is going to be the year I face my fears and get on a dam horse! My husband asked me over and over last summer and I just kept saying no! I want to be able to enjoy doing things with my family.  No more holding myself back because of fear.  Life is too short and I made a commitment to do it! So... I’m saying “Yes to adventure,” this year!! I just hope I don’t pxx myself! 😜😂 #yestoadventure
Let's talk Disney! It's been awhile, hasn't it? I Let's talk Disney! It's been awhile, hasn't it?  I'm getting ready to post my blog goals next week, but I wanted to share with you how I will keep my love for Disney alive and well! Last year I discovered a new hobby - cooking and baking! Now, I've always loved to do both, but this year when things got crazy during lockdown, finding new recipes was my way of getting through it.  Last year was the year of trying all new recipes at least twice a week.  I have so many recipes printed out that I just ordered a recipe binder.  Just to give you an idea of how much cooking and baking I did last year, I have a total of 60+ new recipes, I’ve made most of them at least twice or more.  Now that’s just the recipes I printed out, I have more saved in a folder! So, what does this have to do with Disney?  I’ve decided to cook or bake my way through Disney cook books and recipes throughout the year and share it with you.  I already have a few lined up and we’ll see how this goes! I’m going to warn you, when I cook or bake it tends to look like the Pioneer Woman gone wild! 😛. I’ll do my best to make it look “Insta” worthy, but I’m not making any promises! First recipe will be revealed in a few weeks.  Until then, please let me know if you have ever tried to make a food or snack recipe from Disney.  #disneyrecipes #disneyfood #disneyfoodies #disneysnacks 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger
Decluttering - Every January, everyone you know is Decluttering - Every January, everyone you know is talking or working on decluttering around their house.  We’re cleaning out closets, garages and purging all the stuff we no longer need.  This had me thinking, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to declutter your mind? All the things that filled your mind all year long and did nothing but weigh you down.  Click a button and release it all! There is no magic button to wipe the slate clean but that shouldn’t stop you from trying to clear out everything that held you back in 2020.  In order for us to move forward in the new year, we need to stop looking back.  This is one thing I will be working on this year.  What about you? Is there anything you want to declutter from last year? #declutter #mindset #movingforward #bloom 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds needs #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger
Timing is everything, especially in parenting you Timing is everything, especially in  parenting your child with autism.  It was back to virtual learning today for the boys and for about a good five minutes,  I had forgotten how hard today would be for Michael.  After settling into his break, his schedule was changing again and this morning wasn’t easy.  After experiencing a few attempted bites during virtual learning, I was just as done as he was.  I ended his class rather abruptly and then felt awful about it afterwards.  After a few deep breaths, I decided not to dwell on it.  Surely, I’m not the only one who slams shut a chrome book during virtual learning? Turns out I’m not.  After speaking to my friend Grace (also an autism mom) about what had just happened I felt so much better.  It was perfect timing to be able to talk to another autism mom and be able to share our experiences with each other.  It’s so important to have a sense of community and I hope you all know, no matter what, autism mom or not, I’m here for you.  #timingiseverything #autismcommunity #community #support #autismsupport #autism #autismmom #autismdad #specialneeds #specialneedsparenting #littlestoriesofmylife #autismlife #sensoryprocessingdisorder #specialneedsmom #autismacceptance
Hey everybody! You know I'm all about supporting Hey everybody!  You know I'm all about supporting and helping my friends with their businesses!  My friend Lauren has an amazing whitening toothpaste that has gone viral and is the #1 selling whitening product in the world! I can't wait to start using it!

👉 No bleach or peroxide
👉 No sugar
👉 Gluten Free
👉 No sensitivity
👉 Dentist recommended, 
👉safe for kids 
👉 removes wine, nicotine, coffee stains 
👉safe for caps and veneers!

Who wants to try a tube or 2?  Lauren will hook you up! Contact @noragami510
Good afternoon friends! Surprise! I'm excited to a Good afternoon friends! Surprise! I'm excited to announce my giveaway for reaching 400 followers here on Instagram! I am so grateful for your support and wanted to thank you all. I’m just a small growing blog and I surpassed my goal for 2020! I can’t tell you how many times this year I just wanted to give it up, but I kept going.  I just continued to remind myself the reason I started.  I just know my mom would have said, “Don’t give up, you go this.” My blog has really become such a passion and source of comfort to me as an autism mom.  So, thank you!
For those of you who have been following me for some time, you know of my deep love for the coastal town of Positano, Italy on the Amalfi Coast.  Over the last several months, I've shared in my stories one of my favorite YouTube channels, @Nickipositano and the Instagram account of @Bluestarpositano.  Both of these women have shared their life in Italy during the Covid lockdown.  Not only did they share one of the most beautiful places in the world, they created a digital E-book,  a cook book called, "Our Positano Cookbook." The cookbook features recipes that Nicki and Elisabeth have made throughout the lockdown.  Nicki shares her family's favorite recipes and Elisabeth shows you  how to make pasta from scratch, something she tried with her daughters while on lockdown.  To celebrate, I'm giving away your own digital copy of their amazing cook book, "Our Positano Cookbook."
To enter: 
Follow me here on Instagram 
Like this post 
Share this post for extra entry. That's it! Giveaway will end Saturday at Midnight! Winner will need to provide email address, as the cook book will be sent directly to your email account.  Please be sure to checkout Nicki’s YouTube channel and head over to see Elisabeth @bluestarpositano.  Go give them both a follow and enjoy their daily posts of beautiful Positano! 

A special thank you to @Nickipositano and @Bluestarpositano for allowing me to offer their cook book as a giveaway! 
Thank you again and good luck! 
Giveaway is not sponsored by Instagram #giveaway #positano #autism #autismdad #autismmom #autismlife #specialneeds #mommyblogger #iloveitaly #amalficoast #italy🇮🇹
Lights out 2020! I never make New Year's Eve reso Lights out 2020!  I never make New Year's Eve resolutions, mainly because they never work.  Instead, I create new goals for the new year, it just works better for me. .  Everyone has had a different journey this year.  For many it's been very difficult and some were able to find moments of joy and happiness.  As you enter 2021, leave behind the battles of 2020 if at all possible.  Move forward  with an open heart.  Embrace whatever comes your way.  Learn, grow and most of all love one another always! ❤️ Wishing you all a Very Happy and Healthy New Year! Love always, Joann xoxo 🎉❤️😘🍷🍷#newyearseve #goodbye2020 #lightsout2020 #welcome2021 #lovealwaysjoann 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismstars #specialneeds #specialneedsmom #specialneedsfamily #autismlife 
#littlestoriesofmylife #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #autismblog
Story time- I started dating my husband in October Story time- I started dating my husband in October 1998.  When he asked me about celebrating the new year with him , I was so excited, of course I said yes! We decided to go into NYC.  No, we did not stand for hours in the freezing cold in the middle of Time Square, but instead decided to go to  a party at a night club we both loved.  I was very excited to spend it with him and to be in NYC even better! A few weeks before I suggested we make dinner reservations, but Gabe said, “Don’t worry about it, it’s NYC, we have so many places to choose from, it will be fine.” I didn’t want to be a nag and insist but I wasn’t sure if he was right about that.  When that ball dropped it would be 1999, and since everyone would be out celebrating that one, I knew the city would be crowded.  Well, as we drove into the city, we talked about what kind of food we wanted.  We started out at a few of the places we had been to before.  As we made our way inside, the host asked. “Do you have a reservation?” Ah - no.  Next place, “I’m sorry, you need a reservation.” Next, “Do you blah, blah, blah..” And again, “No we don’t.” After trying every single restaurant in NYC, (lol) he turns to me and says, “I guess you were right.” We ended up having two hot dogs and a large non alcoholic orange drink from @grayspapayanyc , a local hot dog place.  So, was I mad or upset? Absolutely not! We both laugh about that now and we always agree,  it was the best New Year’s Eve dinner we ever had!  I love that we have a story to share about our first time spending NYE together! We had such a great time that night.  That was the night I knew I would marry him.  After all, as the saying goes, the one you kiss at midnight is your one true love.  Maybe not for everyone but it worked for us. 🥰❤️🤪#grayspapayanyc #newyearseve #1999 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismstars #specialneeds #specialneedsmom #specialneedsfamily #autismlife 
#littlestoriesofmylife #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #autismblog
As we get closer to the end of the year, how would As we get closer to the end of the year, how would you reflect on 2020? How has this year changed you? For me personally, I feel that as hard as this year has been, it could have been worse.  In the beginning of March during the first weeks of the  shut down, I was not equipped mentally or physically to handle it.  I remember thinking and evening posting repeatedly, today was hard, today was rough, today was awful. Little by little, month by month, as I let go of so much that was weighing me down, things felt better.  Once I started focusing on my reactions to stressful situations, things felt calmer.  I can look back on it now and see how far I've come.  I can see how this year has helped me in adapting to change and reacting to it in a better way.  I've grown so much as an autism mom and feel more confident in my ability to parent more effectively.  It's made me more aware of the little things, the true importance of family relationships, and learning how not to sweat the small stuff.  I've never been able to accept my son's autism diagnosis.  And although, I may never get to a place where I can comfortably say, "It's okay that Michael has autism," I can say that I'm definitely in a more peaceful place.  The push and pull, the fight and flight aspect of my every day life as an autism mom, has just become something I am better at responding to.  My friend Blair @blairblogs posted her word of the year for 2021.  It really had me thinking and I finally figured out my word of the year.  My word is "Bloom." I have chosen this word because I've grown so much this past year as an autism mom, a wife, in faith and as a blogger.  I want to continue to grow, flourish and BLOOM!! #word #wordoftheyear #bloom 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismstars #specialneeds #specialneedsmom #specialneedsfamily #autismlife 
#littlestoriesofmylife #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #autismblog
On this day 7 years ago, I watched you take your f On this day 7 years ago, I watched you take your final breath.  Every day since then, I’ve tried to do my best to make you proud.  I’ve done my best to keep your memory alive in sharing stories all about you with my boys.  I’ve done my best to live a life filled with love, faith and honesty just as you did.  I feel so blessed that God gave me a mom as wonderful as you.  I miss you every day and  I wish I could hug you just one more time.  The warmth of memories with you fill my heart with love and glimpses of the joy that lives  in my heart knowing we will meet again.  Until then, I ❤️you mom. #imissmymom #grief #griefjourney #angelinheaven #moments #memories
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