love, courage, and caffeine

It’s been a long time since I shared a blog. Finding a place to start feels impossible; so much has happened! Here’s an update on Ryder and the family. Ryder is 15 now and in 10th grade. He attends a specialized program at a community high school, where he is supported by staff at a […]

The kids are off to school, and I have 2 hours and 13 minutes to myself, but who’s counting? Ryder has finally recovered from a bout with the flu, one that had him out of school for a whole week. I was starting to worry about him on Monday, but reminded myself that he just […]

It’s only the second day back to school after Christmas holidays, and Ryder missed the bus. I chalk it up to still being on holiday time. That, and my 4:00am wake up call from Hayley today, which left me running around the house with only one eye open this morning. Still, we got him to […]

Monday 9:42am The snow is softly falling, I’m sipping on coffee, music is playing in my ears, and I’m sitting here thinking life is pretty good. Even though Ryder threw up everywhere this morning, and so Hayley was late for school, and I forgot to send her blue folder, and I forgot to wash her […]

Hayley was invited to her first birthday party for a classmate! Not surprising, she’s a lovely little human, and loves making new friends. She was excited, and I was so happy for her. After she received this invitation, I started thinking about friends of ours who have never been invited to a classmate’s birthday party. […]

Sometimes I go through long stretches of time not knowing what it is I want to say, or how to put it into words. Sometimes there is so much emotion running through me, that I’m not sure where to begin. Sometimes it’s writer’s block; sometimes it’s needing time to reflect on my own, in my […]

Preach! Just kidding, no preaching here, but today I’m thinking about gratitude and the impact it has had on my life, health, wellbeing, relationships, and happiness. You see, I do stumble and fall. I do have low points. I grieve, sometimes wallow in my hardships, and every now and then, feel a little sorry for […]

I fell apart today. I fell hard and I fell fast. It’s been two weeks of vomiting, and Influenza, and kids home sick from school, and no relief, and little sleep. I’m taking antibiotics for my own flu that turned into nastiness, but it’s not a miracle cure, so I’m trying to take care of […]

Ryder was especially talkative at breakfast today.  He was using his voice to make all kinds of noises, focusing intently on what he was telling me. I smiled, and told him I love to hear him talk. “What are you telling me?” I asked. It was a very happy morning for us, yet I’m feeling […]

It took a while, but things finally started to settle down after the whole medical ordeal Ryder went through in June. I think I needed a bit of time to process, and to breathe. It made me realize a lot of things, including not to be complacent when it comes to Ryder’s health and care. […]