I can’t get enough of these delicious, flavorful, but surprisingly light lemon cookie sandwiches. I make them all of the time. Ingredients I cup room temperature unsalted butter ¼teaspoon salt 1 cup confectioner’s sugar 1½ cups flour ½ cup cornstarch 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Zest of one lemon Frosting 1 cup confectioner’s sugar ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (50 grams) Juice of … Read More
A Different Kind of Christmas Present
Niko, my darling boy, is 13 this year. He has Williams Syndrome, and like a lot of kiddos with WS, he’s difficult to buy for. One year he asked for an escalator, and Santa pulled a few tricks out of his bag for that one. He doesn’t attach to typical things, generally. He doesn’t particularly care about gifts, and that … Read More
Shades and Shadows Reading: Pictures!
It was glorious. Such a beautiful, enchanting venue. I was simply charmed. It took place at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, and it was otherworldly. The readings were beautifully done. They clocked in at about seven minutes apiece. We had three readers, then a short break, and then three more readings. It left me wanting more. The most memorable to … Read More
A Kinder, Gentler First Aid Kit
I’ve told you about the Frontier Girls, which is similar to the Girl Scouts. Both of my daughters participate and they love it! I can’t say enough about our leader, who takes my breath away. She’s Wonder Woman. They had a first aid day on Saturday, spending four hours learning things like CPR, etc. One of the requirements is to … Read More
A Veterans Day Bus Ride
My son Niko, who has Williams Syndrome, has a few fixations, Washers and dryers, for example. Listening to the same song over and over. Hotels and buses. About six months ago, we promised we’d go on a public bus in November. He’s been looking forward to it for months, and has asked about it several times every day. (Anybody familiar … Read More
Frontier Girls and Williams Syndrome
My daughters are members of Frontier Girls, which is similar to Girl Scouts. They earn badges, do activities, and apparently surprise their mother. This summer Niko and I came to two meetings and taught the girls about Williams Syndrome. We shared this short video. We talked about several of the WS characteristics. The girls asked Niko and I questions. It … Read More
Awkward Conversations with Geeky Writers: My Bloody Valentine Edition
Happy Friday the 13th, friends! Why don’t you spend that glorious day with the Geeky Writer’s crew? We’re having our first broadcast of the year, and you’re invited to participate! Ask us questions on the Facebook page and we’ll answer via live (and usually embarrassing) broadcast. Spend Valentine’s Eve with your four bloody Valentines. I’ll let Todd tell you the … Read More
Preparing Your Child with Special Needs for School
This is an old blog post and Niko is now in high school, but it’s still relevant. As school time rolls around, there are always things we can do to help the transitions become easier. Happy school year! I can’t tell you the tears, both his and mine, that have ensued because of new schools. This is my darling Niko. … Read More
May is Williams Syndrome Awareness Month
Most of you are familiar with the fact that my 11 year old son has Williams Syndrome. It’s an exceptionally intricate genetic syndrome that affects so many things about him. His heart. His mental capabilities. He’s going to middle school next year and he doesn’t have the dexterity to manipulate a button. But he loves. Oh, how he loves! I … Read More
So I Ran Away.
A few days ago. It had been one of those days. Those weeks. Those months. And I snapped. I needed out. My husband came home from work and I was clawing at the door, saying I was sorry but I needed to step out for a few hours and I loved him and I’d back after the kids were in … Read More