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September’s Arrival

September 2, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Dear KNOWDifferent Families,

I cannot believe it is September. I keep asking myself where the time has gone and when Summer will be happening. The answer to that, is Sumer 2020 is over and we are moving ahead. Now in our home, we are preparing for virtual learning and all of the challenges that will come with that. For me, it will be the continued struggle of time and schedule. I “work from home” and love what I do on this site, but time has not been easy to find. Like many of you, the need to add therapies and schooling at home has happened, but nothing has been taken away. Food shopping, cooking and all needed in running the home still have to happen. How are you finding ways to fit all the extra in? I would love to know. Please send me some ideas! There have been many challenges thrown at all of us since March. I have shared month after month, that our focus is to stay healthy and safe- so now we will be continuing to push ahead.

August’s Arrival

August 7, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Dear KNOWDifferent Families,

August doesn’t have the same feeling as it has in past years. We do not have any of the typical anticipation of back to school. This year it is all about finding our balance. Everything is just so different. Our goals have been to stay safe and to stay healthy for ourselves and any we may be exposed to. Summer has not had many outings or adventures, by our choice. But, I would be lying if I said it hasn’t been hard! I have longed for some “normalcy” and some fun with friends and family. Finding things to do has not been easy. This past weekend we did venture to Charlottesville for some “river floating”, it felt great, the ability to socially distance was there and I was with my family in the water. First time all year!

Hello July…Mid Month

July 15, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Dear KNOWDifferent Families,

July 1 arrived but our update here, did not! Mid month news is here, we hope you are all doing well. Summer sure is different this year. We have begun summer school and virtual camps in addition to trying to stay busy with some outdoor activities. No joke, I have been struggling to make this all work but at the same time, finding gratitude in staying healthy.

June’s Here ..

June 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Have you been counting how many days we have been home? I think it is 80?! I did start counting and then stopped and started again, so I am not sure. What I am sure of is that life can feel a little heavy and hard right now. A pandemic within a pandemic and for most of us on this site, managing a loved one with special needs. How do we do it? I do not have the “right” answer, as each of us will find the way that works best for us. What I can remind you of, is this:

May Moments

May 5, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

It is May? I woke up this morning after a few hours of sleep and knew I was forgetting something, but wasn’t sure what. Then it hit me. It is a new month and I did not do an opening here. Guys, this has been tough. I know I am not alone and I know some days are better than others. I have had many days of feeling like I am failing my son, I do not know how to do all of this. I keep reminding myself that it is not forever and our goal right now is to keep our family safe and healthy.

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.