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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.

June’s Arrival

June 1, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

June! Can you believe it, we are officially halfway through 2019 and it is time for Summer!

It’s been a busy few weeks in our home, the ASCV 5k was a great success and our team won for team spirit. This picture is of our team before the walk. I truly loved the feeling of community that this event brought to our family. I wrote about it for ASCV and will share it with you once it is live. Our middle daughter has been asked to be on the sibling panel with them next week. I am really looking forward to hearing from siblings. So often, the “typical” children are overlooked and at the same time, understand so much with their siblings.

Happy May!

May 1, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

Happy May! I am loving this sunshine! It seems like we have gone from Winter to Summer, not much of a Spring, yet! I am not going to complain after all of the rain we had, but, ideally, some 70 degree weather days would be perfect! This picture is from the Herb/ Plant Festival at Maymont. It was such a great day. I created a Festival Guide on the other site I publish, and I reference it all the time. There are so many happening around Richmond and some of them are great for our kids. (Side note, I CUT ALL my hair, and after a few weeks, have grown to love it- no matter the age, change can be hard!)

April’s Awareness

April 1, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

Happy April, a month that brings warmer weather, the blooming of flowers, and the planning of Summer. We also will be living in Richmond for 10 years this month, Happy Anniversary to us! Many celebrate Autism Awareness in the month of April. As someone who lives with it every day, I applaud a month but would do a standing ovation for it 365 days a year! I wrote a little about this in an article below as well as an article on doing hard things!

Marchin’ In

March 1, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

Happy March! February usually feels like the longest and coldest month for me, but, this past month flew by, and we had all 4 seasons in a week! I’m hoping that Spring is coming and that the rain is done!

Feelin’ February !

February 1, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

Happy February! January was a tough month for me. I’m going with the belief that if it started off on the uphill climb, the next 11 months are going to slowly descent with a little more ease. I know you all have those days, weeks and months. I also know that we are some of the strongest and resilient Care Bears out there and we never quit. Although, there are days, we really want to.