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Our April Hello

April 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Dear KNOWDifferent Families,

This continues to be such an unfamiliar time, I would be lying if I told you I am not struggling. I know I am not alone, and, honestly, that helps me so much. I keep telling myself to be patient, have grace and know that we are in this together. School being canceled for the rest of the year was a lot to digest. I believe it is the best thing for us and we will all be ok, but, friends, I am not a teacher. nor do I know how to schedule a school day for a special needs child. BUT, in the scheme of things, I will make it work. I will create a plan, one that allows creativity, one that allows downtime and one that continues to remind me that this will be temporary IF we all do our part.

Marchin’ In To Spring

March 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

March is here, month 3 of the new year! March means Spring is coming, which I am now embracing. I am looking forward to flowers . longer days and more warm weather. It is also the birthday month for my hubby, the guy who really is my rock! I am figuring out my plan to surprise him with something special!

Falling Into February

February 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

January was a busy month at our home, and it felt like it was 3 months long! We celebrated 2 birthdays, including Marky’s 17th. I admit, my emotions were all over with this one. Maybe it is the anticipation of the next one or the reality of how quickly time is passing. Probably both. It was a great celebration doing things he asked for, which made me happy. Dave & Buster’s and an Escape Room, which I was terrible at, but it was fun!

I am doing all kinds of dances in my corner, in hopes of a major snowstorm. It is time. Every winter needs a good “stuck in the house for 2 days – no school- snowstorm”!

I am so excited to have my friend and guest writer, my friend and amazing mom- Lisa Ann shares a personal piece in this issue.Our calendar is full, there are MANY conferences coming up, check our calendar and community info on site. We add new ones daily.

If you’re looking for some fun ideas for the big game, check out our Pinterest board here, and here for Valentine’s Day. I share some cookin’ ideas here.

Here are some great and affordable ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts, or, just something for you!

We welcome many new readers this month thanks to new exposure, more community outreach and our friends sharing the site. Nothing makes me happier. If anyone has any questions or input for me, feel free to reach out at carissa@knowdifferent.net . KNOWDifferent wants to know what you want to see, hear or have on as part of this site? ALL feedback is welcome.

February is Tricia’s birthday month~ I will give her an embarrassing shout out here because, without her, I could not get this newsletter out and to you! She keeps me organized! Happy Birthday do you, Tricia! Looking forward to another great year together!

Be sure to check the site and Facebook to stay up to date. If you have anything you want to share or add, please get in touch. This site is for you, we need to and want to know what works! You can email Carissa or Tricia.

KnowDifferent.net is a site for all special needs families that have to do anything “KNOWdifferently”. No matter what the diagnosis, our site will offer you a place to learn, a place to share and a place to feel KnowDifferent.We have some great community events coming up, be sure to check our calendar frequently as we add to it daily. Some more detailed info is included here about Winter sessions for our kids to keep busy as well.

Here’s To 2020 And All Of Us!

January 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Happy 2020, it is a New Year, and a new decade! My hope is that this year brings us all laughter, good health and some wonderful new memories! I try not to set resolutions and make promises to myself that I just cannot keep. I choose a word of the year, that sets the foundation for the year. It seems to work for me, have you chosen yours yet? You can read mine and get some ideas in the article below.

Happy December!

December 1, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

December is here. I have seen so many posts on social media about levels of anxiety and stress increasing. and I know that happens for so many of us. I am very aware that my spirit is way lower right now than in years past. I do not want to get caught up in the shopping stress and pressures all around us. I really want to enjoy the simple pleasures in family, friends and making memories. Everything feels so much more rushed and “staged” . What can we all do to prevent some of this? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Happy “KNOW”vember

November 1, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

Happy KNOWVember! One of my favorite months, the holiday we celebrate this month revolves around food, thanks, and gratitude. I love the gathering of loved ones and traditions of food and sharing together. I know this month also brings some stress for many with the anticipation of December and the holiday madness that can easily take over. I will be sharing some ideas for this later this month.
Today is our daughter’s 19th birthday. It is the first birthday we won’t be together to celebrate and although it is all part of the life process, it is hard and I am missing the old normal. We will head to Charlottesville this weekend to celebrate with her and new traditions will create new memories. I wrote this poem a few years ago, it still rings true.
We change our clocks this weekend, be sure to plan for that in any way that will help it be the smoothest transition. We share some ideas here.

“OWL” Ready October

October 1, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

October! Although it still feels like Summer, it is officially time to enjoy apples, pumpkins and all things Fall. It is one of my favorite seasons, I am looking forward to a little cooler weather and the change of leaves. This is one of my favorite quotes I want to share with you-

Swinging Into September

September 1, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

Well, September is here. Goodbye to the lazy days and less structured days of Summer. Welcome back to routines, homework and Fall Fun. It has been a rough few weeks for me but I am moving forward! We actually decided at the last minute to take a day trip to the beach to celebrate this last weekend of Summer, it was exactly what I needed! For me, the ocean and sunshine is therapy!

August’s Arrival

August 1, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

Well, August found its way here. Too soon for my liking. It is hard to stay in the moment and enjoy the last weeks of Summer when school supplies and anticipating all that needs to get ready is on my mind. I guess the trick is finding balance, something I think many of us as parents do daily. I will offer some info in this issue for us all on back to school, but I also really want you to all try to make some of these days really be al about just doing something that makes you happy. We’ve done a few small travel trips this summer, visiting family in NY and SC and finishing up with a few days just with our family at the beach. That is my happy place!
A few days of nothing but beach, sun, and downtime, It is exactly what I needed and although I wish it were longer, I am so thankful for the days we had. The picture I share here is from one of the morning Sunrises. I will be using it to get through the tough days ahead.

Hello July!

July 1, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

Well, Summer is here. How are you all doing with the change in routines? Our guy is in a Summer program through school. It has not been easy getting him there. During the school year, he starts at 9 am, this program starts at 730 am! We have not been on time yet and I am not sure we will be.