Many Hats Mommy

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Seeing with Different Eyes

I think parenthood changes almost everyone’s vision. Now you have to think about this small person who is dependent on you. You now analyze situations and perceive life differently. What things are ok to keep in the home, or what needs to be put on a higher shelf? Is this book so great after all? Do I need to add some discussion or save it for later? When do I let him try independently, and when should I assist? Yes, parenthood brings a whole new batch of things to consider.

Add a special need–autism, epilepsy, food allergies, diabetes, etc.–and your perception really changes.

Last week I asked you what you see when you look at this playground:

Thanks to those of you who left your observations!

The before-autism me would have viewed this playground as a place of fun, excitement, joy, exploration, and friendship. Now, I approach this playground and see it through the eyes of my six year old with Aspergers. Continue reading

Graphic courtesy of Home Educating Family's blog


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Back to School, Back to Blog

It’s that time of year. Moms purchase pencils, paper, notebooks, crayons, scissors, and many other back-to-school items. Some children bemoan the end of their summer, and some rejoice that they will return to their classmates. It’s time for a new year.

As you know, my little home on the internet is a bit dusty. I’ve not been posting regularly since both my husband and I got new jobs. Mine, working from home as the Social Media Coordinator for Home Educating Family. His, taking him farther down the road so he’s home less during the week which means I have less time for play.

I noticed that my writing buddy had started posting again on her blog. Just like me, she had lost time to work on her internet home, too. But she’s decided to dust off her keyboard and get back to it. She’s encouraged me to do the same, even if it’s not as elaborate as it used to be. For this season in our lives, we may need shorter posts and fewer frills.

So, Continue reading


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S’more Success!

This week gluten-free graham crackers were on sale. Yesterday I had an idea: why not introduce the boys to the childhood fun known as S’mores?

Now, if you aren’t familiar with a S’more, it’s usually made at campfires. You roast some marshmallows, and then grab two graham crackers. You make a sandwich out of the marshmallows, a chunk of chocolate, and the graham crackers.

We didn’t have a campfire. We used a microwave, mini chocolate chips from Enjoy Life, mini marshmallows, and our on-sale graham crackers. It became a practice in dexterity as the boys tried to get the mini chips and marshmallows to stay on top. Then the big question was, would Mommy explode the marshmallows in the microwave, instead of just melt them? (No!)

However, the ultimate question was, would Dr. J actually EAT them? Why, you may ask? Continue reading


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Autism Parents Must Always Think Ahead

Remember this post where I was so excited Dr. J took a shower? The continuation of the story is a word of caution, a reminder to stay on your toes and think ahead.

At the third or fourth shower, Dr. J seemed to have it down. I listened carefully while he showered, and was so glad and thankful he was doing so well and enjoying it so much. Then this happened. Continue reading


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World Autism Awareness Day

Last year on Many Hats Mommy I had a whole month of autism awareness. This year, well, I’m too tired. I have been going through a mild fibromyalgia flare, and I’ve also been busy working for Home Educating Family and advocating for special needs over there.

This momma lion is tired!

So, what’s an autism mom to do when she doesn’t have energy to create a new post? Invite her friends to share, of course! If you have written a post for Autism Awareness Month, feel free to leave a comment about it and include the link to your post.


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FYI, I Miss You

Dear Readers,

I just felt a need to stop in and say “hi” to the best readers in the world! I don’t want you to think I’m ignoring you. Since I have started as Social Media Coordinator at Home Educating Family, my time for my blog has almost disappeared, along with personal time on Twitter!

I miss my friends.

But, please know that I am still busy advocating for autism and special needs! I have incorporated a special needs post over at Home Educating Family’s blog. You can find a post just for you every Saturday! I’ve lined up Paula Kluth, Amalia Starr, and Lisa Lewis to visit our blog! AND, I introduced the World Famous Bobbi Sheahan to my friends over there, and she recorded an episode of Life Plus Homeschooling for the FREE 24/7 online convention they are debuting in the Spring!

I miss chatting with you on Twitter and Facebook, but I believe God has brought this opportunity my way so I can help a mainstream company address the needs of the special needs community. Home Educating Family is excited about helping your families! Even if you are not a homeschooling family, you can still benefit from their blog, magazine, and soon-coming convention.

I am also working on a book with the aforementioned World Famous Bobbi Sheahan. So, dear readers, please know that as soon as I figure out the best way to schedule everything, I will be back to tweeting with you more!

In the meantime, I thank you for your patience and invite you over to Home Educating Family’s blog where you’ll find a very wide variety of topics being discussed!


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Cathartic

A week ago Sunday night I invited some Twitter friends to play a game. “You might be an autism parent if…” Well, one of my friends (@RaisingASDKids) turned that into the hashtag (subject for conversation) #Youmightbeanautismparentif and the fun was on! I actually got silenced by Twitter because I sent too many tweets and retweeted all the #youmightbeanautismparentif tweets.

It has now been a week, and #youmightbeanautismparentif is still going strong! So, if you missed the action, here are some of the best from the first few hours a week ago. Continue reading

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