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Love Always, Joann

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About Me

Dear Friends,

Hi and thank you for stopping by. My name is Joann and I’m a wife, a mom of twin boys, a lovable chocolate lab and very talkative bird!

My husband and I met at work and we have been married for 12 years. He is my best friend and I am so grateful to have him sharing this journey with me. He is my biggest supporter and I couldn’t have asked for a better dad for our boys.

My twin boys are 7 years old and their names are Michael and Alex. In February 2014, my son Michael was diagnosed with Autism. He is nonverbal; however, he has started putting words together slowly but surely. He has really made a lot of progress and I couldn’t be more proud of him. My son Alex is a beautiful little boy with the prettiest blue eyes you have ever seen. I always tell everyone Alex can talk enough for both. He is super smart and makes me laugh all day.

I’ve been wanting to start a blog for some time now, but never had the courage to follow through. At a very young age, my mom would give me a journal every year for Christmas. She would always tell me, “I hope one day you’ll sit down and write your memoir.”  As much as I wish I had the time to dedicate to my memoir, it’s not possible. It’s been almost 7 years since my mom passed away from cancer. Every day I often think of my life growing up and how she always inspired me to write. She introduced me to my love of books and writing. And, she is the main reason for this blog. I knew I had to find a way of fulfilling her wish (and mine too) and this seemed like the perfect way to do it. I hope you find my stories interesting, humorous and inspiring.

Although, my story will be the focus of my blog, there are many other interesting things to write about. I hope you come along for the ride.

In every letter or card my mom gave me, she would always sign it the same way. “Love always, mom.”  With that said, Mom, this is dedicated to you.

Love always,

Joann

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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
We had a rough day yesterday... but all is good to We had a rough day yesterday... but all is good today. ❤️ #roughdayshappen #allisgood #autismishardlovinghimiseasy
It’s getting closer to second best time of the y It’s getting closer to second best time of the year~Mother’s Day! 😀Once again this year I thought I would share some of my favorite products from the small shops I like to shop at.  I will provide all the shop info with each post and a direct link in my bio.  None of these are affiliate links or sponsored in any way.  It’s just my way to be able to help and hopefully help you find something different and unique to give for Mother’s Day! I’m sharing all new shops this year.  If you’d like to see last years gift suggestions, see my Mother’s Day highlight.  See you tomorrow with my first gift suggestion! #mothersdaygiftideas #mothersdaygift #shopsmall #shopsmallbusiness
I’ve been in such a funk lately. Everything and I’ve been in such a funk lately.  Everything and anything seems to get on my last nerve.  It may sound awful to say right now but I’m so happy the boys finally return to in person class next week.  I love my boys but it’s time! This is the first time in a year! It’s only half day sessions, but I’ll take it.  Alex will be in a hybrid program while Michael is completely in person learning.  The last few weeks with a bad back and trying to manage everything else was really exhausting.  I just need a break.  I’m not as anxious as I was about them returning safely as I feel more comfortable with it now.  As for me, my back is feeling so much better.  I returned to my Beachbody workout this evening.  I’m so excited about @shaunt  new program starting next week.  I did his sample workout today and absolutely loved it! It was just what I needed.  This program has my name all over it - dance - weights - choreography- perfection! Maybe this is just what I needed to get out of  my funk! #moodbooster #beachbody #selfcare
Happy Monday! Have a wonderful day! #mondaymorning Happy Monday! Have a wonderful day! #mondaymorning #somethingdisneyeveryday
No one makes me laugh more! ❤️😀😂#nationa No one makes me laugh more! ❤️😀😂#nationalsiblingday
Happy Friday! We made it! I hope you all have a wo Happy Friday! We made it! I hope you all have a wonderful day! #friday #tgif #fridaymorning
“Mind your manners, wash your hands,put your nap “Mind your manners, wash your hands,put your napkin in your lap and keep your elbows off the table!” 😂 After we left the 50’s Prime Time Cafe, my son Alex said, “ I don’t like that place, too many rules!” 🤦‍♀️ #Disney #disneyhollywoodstudios #primetimecafe #somethingdisneyeveryday
Don’t be afraid of me, come sit next to me.  I’ll be your friend if you will be mine. 
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I’d love for Michael to have real friendships and to have another person in his corner.  I’ve seen him try to reach out to other kids and watch them quickly back away as soon as they realize something was different.  One time while we were at the park,  I watched a little boy ask Michael a question.  When he didn’t answer he asked him again.  This time Michael responded with a loud verbal stim.  The boy looked at me, waiting for me to say something.  I explained that Michael has autism and is still learning how to talk.  He asked me if Michael was sick and if he would die from autism? After trying to explain it to him, he said ,”Oh that is so sad.” I told him that he wasn’t going to die from autism and he was a very happy boy.  Kids are so curious and I love when they ask questions.  My son is looking for friends.  I’m looking for parents who will teach  their child about my child so we can all be friends. ❤️ #autismawarenessmonth #autismawareness #autismacceptance #friendship
Happy Tuesday! Have a great day friends! #tuesday Happy Tuesday! Have a great day friends! #tuesday #tuesdaymorning #somethingdisneyeveryday
Happy Easter to my friends & family! #easter #happ Happy Easter to my friends & family! #easter #happyeaster #hehasrisen
Traditions Naturally, It’s always around the ho Traditions 
Naturally, It’s always around the holidays that I think about my mom.  What would we be doing today to get ready for Easter.  Maybe cooking ahead of time, baking and coloring Easter eggs.  I think about all the traditions she started for each holiday and how much they mean to me.  I’ve tried so hard to pass them down to my boys.  I would love for them to be able to look back on their childhood with happy memories.  It’s been hard to keep some of these traditions going after she passed away.  We find ourselves catering instead of cooking ourselves.  Coloring Easter eggs may or may not happen. (Eggs are ready to go but guess who has no vinegar) I had every intention of baking this week but my back had its own plans.  The last Easter I spent with my mom and she did the cooking was in 2012.  I was pregnant with the boys and I just remember her telling me to sit down, she’ll take care of it.  I miss my mom and what I wouldn’t do for her to be here with us.  But that’s life, and although I’m not sure I’ll ever get over it, I’ve learned to live with it.  I know my mom is here with me in spirit and I’m pretty sure she’s yelling, “Color those eggs!” 😂 “Yes mom!” Wishing you all a great evening! ❤️#saturdaynight #eastermemories #traditions #familytraditions 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy #differentisbeautiful #teachyourkidaboutmine
Today is World Autism Awareness Day! My son has ta Today is World Autism Awareness Day! My son has taught me love needs no words! Support, Educate, Advocate and Acceptance! ❤️❤️#worldautismawarenessday 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy #differentisbeautiful #teachyourkidaboutmine
What’s it like to have a child with autism?. Tru What’s it like to have a child with autism?. Truth? There are hard days but the good days far outweigh the bad days. I prayed for Michael and God chose me to be his mom.  Both of my boys are a gift from God.  As I have often said, I’m not sure why me? But I trust in him.  This wasn’t the kind of mom I wanted to be, but I have learned so much about myself during this journey.  I’ve grown stronger, I have more patience and more confident in my ability to be the kind of mom both my boys deserve.  This is the kind of mom I was meant to be.  I have a child with autism but he has a mom who loves him deeply.  Years from now, I’ll look back on all the challenges and know it was all worth it.  I have his back and he has my ❤️. 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy #differentisbeautiful #teachyourkidaboutmine
It’s Autism Awareness month! However you choose It’s Autism Awareness month! 
However you choose to celebrate it,me and my family respect your choices.  We choose to celebrate by spreading  love and kindness to everyone in the  autism community. ❤️ This month is important to us because the more you know about autism, the more my son is accepted.  If I could wish one thing for my child and all ASD children, it would be for acceptance.  Please consider teaching your children about our children.  Leading by example, and educating goes a long way. ❤️
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy #differentisbeautiful #teachyourkidaboutmine #autismawarenessmonth
Last Monday while placing a new garbage bag in th Last Monday while placing  a new garbage bag in the garbage can, I pulled out my back.  I have been taking ibuprofen and using the heating pad all week.  It started to feel a little better but it started to work the pain around the left side of my back.  This morning when I woke up I could hardly move.  I knew I needed to see a doctor.  My aunt drove me to a walk-in clinic and after a long painful wait, I finally was able to see the doctor.  She believes the pain is all coming from the sciatic nerve.  She prescribed naproxen and a muscle relaxer.  Let’s hope this works because I hate not being able to do anything.  Although I know this is beyond my control, it’s frustrating.  I’m trying to just relax and get better.  I talk about self care and it’s importance but I left something out.  Letting your family take care of YOU for a few days isn’t too bad! I’ve had help with laundry, cooking and cleaning.  It feels good to know your family is stepping up in big and little ways.  Even Michael has been helping around the house with picking up his toys at the end of the day.  The best part is when Alex tells me he wants to take care of me because I always take care of everyone else.  It’s a great feeling to be appreciated.  Okay time for me to take my muscle relaxer and take a trip to Fantasy Island! 🤪 #backpainisnojoke #sundaymood☀️ #ineedavacation #epcot #spaceshipearthatnight 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
“What’s the point in having a twin?” That wa “What’s the point in having a twin?” That was today’s question from Alex.  At the same exact time Michael was having a tantrum, Alex was asking me if he could play with the boy down the street.  I explained that right now it wasn’t something I was comfortable with, but he was giving me every reason he could think of why  it was safe for him to go.  He came up with some great ones, but for me it just isn’t safe enough yet.  The most heartbreaking moment is when he tells me he can’t even play with Michael. “If I had a brother without autism, I would have a friend too.” For me, as an autism mom, these comments and his feelings about his brother weigh me down.  It’s a constant battle within myself to come up with a solution that can work.  We do work on them playing together and he’s very good with Michael.  In his sweet moments, he will ask Michael to sit next to him, help him with his tablet or in a therapy session.  I love him for always looking out for him.  But on days like today, I just feel sad.  I just remind myself this is just part of our journey as an autism family.  I have no doubt that Alex and Michael’s relationship will grow as the years go by. And then Alex will know why he has a twin.  He’ll know why they will be forever brothers and friends no matter what. ❤️#twins #autismsiblings
Pure compression push pop bubble fidget 😊. I ju Pure compression push pop bubble fidget 😊. I just wanted to share another one of Michael’s sensory toy he received that he loves.  This would make a great non candy Easter basket toy for our ASD kids! #amazonfinds #affiliate #fidgettoys #sensoryseeker #easterbasketideas 
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
Journey to motherhood. Never let the odds keep you Journey to motherhood. Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do. It took us 3 1/2 years to finally get pregnant.  Miracles can take time.  Stay positive and hopeful.  Stay strong and keep the faith.  Sending baby dust to anyone still on their journey to motherhood.❤️#journeytomotherhood #fertilityjourney #ivfjourney #babydust #miracles .
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
#autismboy
Today is Epilepsy Awareness Day! I wanted to suppo Today is Epilepsy Awareness Day! I wanted to support my friend Grace and her son Joey by sharing more about this day.  Grace, (who I met here on Instagram) is not only an autism mom like me, but also a fellow NJ girl!  Since meeting her and sharing our days, it’s been such a blessing to have found such a wonderful person and friend right in my own backyard.  She has truly became someone in my life, who I can lean on.  She knows exactly how I feel and we both support each other on our hard days.  She’s such an awesome mom and I’m so happy to have met her.  Thank you Grace for always being there for me. ❤️
Did you know that autism and epilepsy often occur together? Although, different conditions they do have some common features.  According to Medicalnewstoday.com, 20–30 percent of children who have autism develop epilepsy before becoming adults.  To learn more about Epilepsy and how you can help please visit Epilepsy.com.  Your support is greatly appreciated! #autism #epilepsyawareness #autismawareness #epilepsyawarenessmonth 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismlife #autismawareness #autismstars #autismfamily #mommyblogger #specialneedsfamily #littlestoriesofmylife #sensoryprocessingdisorder
#specialneedsparenting #understanding #bekind 
#specialneedsfamily #autismacceptance
Hi friends! Today on my blog and YouTube channel, Hi friends! Today on  my blog and YouTube channel, I am sharing the next Disney recipe!  This week we are headed to Epcot's France Pavilion and making a specialty dish from the 2020 International Food and Wine Festival.  Today’s recipe is for Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese with Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese topped with Herbed Panko. I had a special guest in the kitchen today! My sister, Patty, came over for a visit and, although she is camera-shy, she got in on the action anyway. We had a great time cooking together! At times we were talking so much, we were forgetting all about the recipe! This is how it usually is with us but, I am happy to say, we found our way back over to the stove and this recipe is a winner! Enjoy! Direct link in bio.  #Disney #epcotfood&winefestival #Disneyrecipe #disneyfoodie #disneyfood #disneysnack #epcotfrancepavilion #gourmetmacncheese #YouTube #YouTuber #worldshowcase #epcotworldshowcase #cooking
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#autism #autismmom #autismeducation #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife #specialneedsjourney 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #ourautismjourney
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