eSpecially Ben

Our family's latest escapades are listed on the Charlotte Parent's website -  Friday Nights are Family Nights at the Rink You may not live in Charlotte and near this particular roller skating rink, but think about what activity can be adapted to fit for your entire family that is located in your hometown.  And remember, you never know the answer until you ask if your child can particiapte in a modified way.  Write in the comments places you and your family go to have fun together.

In the fall, I wrote about Ben's  purchase at his first visit to the school book fair. He chose a cute poster of puppies. It hangs above his bed, and he often looks up at it and makes his happy noises. At the book fair last week, Ben brought home the poster of a Lamborghini. I will hang it next to the puppies. I think Bob the Builder pictures will soon be retired. I wonder what this almost 13 year-old-boy will make as his next poster choice after dogs and a sports car. Surely, school book fairs don't have posters of swim suit models.

My Charlotte Parent post this week was made possible by Ben's teacher, Mrs. Glass.  Valentine's Day All Month It's a good reminder to whisper good things into the ears of the people we love.

The cool spaceship is to motivate Ben to walk from one end to another. We have been waiting a long time for Ben to join a swim team. Now, he can show off his skills at the Special Olympics in a sport that he enjoys. Our local YMCA staff and local Special Olympics worked together to start a team.  Ben's first practice was this past Sunday. We could tell he was confused by all the swimmers in the pool with him. He could not help staring at the other athletes. After an introduction and a high-five to a 16-year-old swimmer, Ben was pleased. Making new friends will be great for him. Here's my post in Charlotte Parent: Introducing the East Meck Otters Swim Team

I had a whole bunch of fun yesterday and then got to write about it: ‘We believe in them.’ Panthers fans gather outside practice to show their passion for the team

I grew up next door to my cousins, Matthew and Melissa. My Dad and their dad are identical twins and besides living next door in exactly the same house, they drove the same truck (different colors) and owned businesses together. The family joke was, if they are not together, they are on the phone with one another. Unfortunately, the cousins did not always follow example and get along. Even today, I remember the anger for Matt when he crayoned our entire outside walkway. I think he was only 4 years old, but some things you never forget. Years later, I was here in Charlotte when Matt and his wife Denise moved to Gaffney, SC. On a few occasions, I was able to put aside my anger over the crayon disaster and get together with them. We found out that as adults, we could be friends. Eventually they moved to Texas to start a physical therapy clinic. We have stayed in touch and have been a support for one another as parents of kids with special needs. In 2011, when I started the eSpeciall

This article is in the January 2016 issue of Charlotte Parent, Carolina Parent and Piedmont Parent- but get it here first: Down for the Count: 5 ways for mom to survive being sick And hoping you will not need the information in this article!