Getting Real: Parenting a Child with a Speech Delay

After a roller-coaster week of Summer Kindergarten Transition, I decided to finally write down some thoughts I've been having all school year long. I'm adding this to my series of "getting real".

Clayton will be 5 in July & we've know for almost 2 years that he's been speech delayed.  He was tested through the state and started in pre-school and let me tell you- we were blessed with an amazing team from his teacher, his aides, and his therapists.  He came so far from being in pre-school with specialists around him. But there's still room for improvement...and that's where the frustration and disheartenment creeps in.  Let me preface this by saying, Clayton is the sweetest most loving boy I've ever known, and I'm not saying that just because I'm his Mom!  He will compliment you, thank you, call or sir or ma'am and hug you goodbye all meeting you for the first time.  He makes me so extremely happy every single day.  

Having a child who is delayed, in whatever area it may be, can pull at your motherly emotions whenever you you think about where they should be.  After Clayton was first analyzed/observed, I remember crying feeling like I had failed as a mother.  Here was the only job I had to do, and I hadn't even done it correctly and needed other's help.  Lots of help.  Help with things I don't know how to do.  And honestly, the feelings have never really disappeared. They're just now accompanied by hope, motivation and pride.  

Does it sound like a roller coaster? Probably because it is.  Sometimes it's a daily one, other times I can stay at a the high point for days or weeks. One of the things that most often makes my heart ache is hearing other kids Clayton's age having conversations with their parents or trying to have conversations with him. Because they're normal conversations, and complete sentences versus Clayton needing prompting to "fill in" words between his main idea words.

But you know what?  He is so happy.  He is full of life and energy.  He is social and active and has no physical limitations.  Sometimes things beyond our capabilities happen with no fault of our own.  Clayton loves with a fierceness, and I instilled that in him.  I have helped him develop so many other incredible qualities.  So for now, I try to focus on those high points of this roller coaster.  Because, "this too shall pass".  There IS so much constant improvement and development that I need to remind myself that many others aren't doing.  

And so to you mothers, who maybe feel like you didn't or aren't doing it right...you are because you are loving them with a strong, fierce love that is irreplaceable.  You may shed some tears after you put them to bed, or sneak a piece of chocolate to help get you through your day, and that's okay.  Without the lows, we wouldn't appreciate the highs.  And boy, are there so many amazing high points!!  They will never stop needing you, and being there for them is the greatest challenge we may ever be blessed with.

image sources: one // two // three

4th of July Watercolor Printables

WARNING: This post may cause you to break out singing GOD BLESS AMERICA! in Whitney Houston style.  (Just me? ....okay)

Deck those halls in the name of independence! I love decorating for this holiday. I love this holiday.  I just love America! My parents (especially my dad) instilled in us at a very young age the respect of country and the important of patriotism and love for democracy.  Not a day goes by that I'm not grateful for the freedom I am blessed with in this amazing country and those who work so diligently and selflessly to protect it. 

 So let's decorate immedietely, to give the US of A it's proper celebration time!  Get started with these fun and bright and patriotic printables!

 Download all the printables HERE

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

I mentioned on twitter the other day that I finally found a way to drink the almighty apple cider vinegar...without dying.  If you've ever tried it, you know that is no easy task.  Years ago I started trying to take a shot of it in the mornings, right as it was on the cusp of exploding into this "miracle liquid" many praise today.  I stood in my kitchen maybe on third day, tried to shoot it down my throat without tasting it and I inhaled and exhaled all the same time and it went down the wrong tube!  Now, we've all had this happen with water...can you imagine how it felt with VINEGAR?!  I actually thought, "This is it, this is how I die."  I could not breathe or catch my breath and I had a raspy voice the rest of the day.  

I tell you this tale as a precautionary tale....DO NOT take shots of straight ACV, you MUST dilute it!

Now that I've scared you sufficiently, let's stay with what type of ACV you should use.  Although it's easy to just buy the cheap store brand version, if you're going through the effort of drinking vinegar, at least make it worth it and grab the BRAGG's Organic kind.  Give it a shake before use.

To make your ACV drink:

1 Tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup

1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 Cup Pure Apple Cider

3/4 Cup Water

 Mix all ingredients well & if you're feeling crazy, sprinkle a tiny amount of cinnamon. 

Don't try to guzzle it all, I like to take 1 or 2 big gulps at a time to keep it from burning too much.

I love to drink this first thing in the morning.  You can look up all the amazing benefits, but for me personally, it helps with skin, metabolism, and stomach health.  I've tried a few different ways to drink ACV, and this is by far the most enjoyable yet still efficient way to get it in your system.

End of the Year Orange Treats

When I saw Eighteen25's "orange you glad it's summer" pun, I couldn't get it out of my head and knew I had to create my own version for some fun end-of-the-year treats.  Last year's treats were equally simple, but still delicious.  

 This time around, I took orange slices and dipped some in melted chocolate and sprinkled with just that tiniest amount of sea salt.  They taste JUST like those chocolate oranges you get around Christmastime.  Addicting as well.  I spray painted the tops green to mimic the orange on the tag stick on a simple tag to tie in the pun and boom!  Little effort, and big impact. 

Be sure you don't forget those bus drivers & aides, they deserve to be rewarding for dealing with your children all year, too!

The Garlands of Summer

In case you ever wondered what Summer would look like in garland form...this is it.  Watermelons, pineapples and rainbow bunting- that's what summer dreams are made of. 

Make 'em, stack 'em and enjoy your summer goodness.

The watermelons are made from 2 different sized circles, cut in half with seeds drawn right on.

The pineapples are cut using shape printed off from google and sized down to wallet-size.

The only thing that's missing is the smell of a bonfire at the beach....

Park Workout

This shop has been compensated by CollectiveBias, Inc. on behalf of its advertiser, EAS Sports Nutrition.  
#easbrand #PowerinProtein #collectivebias //   Photography by Trisha Shelley Photography

Today I'm sharing some quick exercises to help you get a workout in, even when you're not at home. It's almost like a multi-tasking workout, because I can workout while my son plays on the playground! While I was out running errands before the park, I stopped by Walmart to re-stock my favorite protein powder, EAS® 100% Whey Protein Powder.

 This has been my go-to protein for a few reasons, because it has the right amount of protein for me to get lean muscle (without looking like a body builder), and because there is no filler ingredients or added sugar to their whey protein. If you're an Ibotta user, EAS® 100% Whey Protein & EAS® AdvantEdge Carb Control.
Head to the park and start by stretching.  All of these moves can be done either by time (like a HIIT workout) or by reps.  If you do it by time, I recommed by starting some where between 45 seconds-1 minute, depending on what kind of fitness activity you're accostomed to.  If you do reps, try between 10-15.  It may not seem like much but when you do these workouts in 3-5 sets, you'll feel the burn!  You want the last set to feel harder than the first, so be sure to make those muscles work!

How To: Instead of doing regular push-ups, find a step and put your hands on it and pushup. 

How To: Don't move from that step yet! Get some cardio in by hopping up and touching one foot at a time to the step. (Do for a set amount of time or certain number of reps.)

How To: My park happens to have a sidewalk all the way around the playground, so it makes it easy to do some leg work while still keeping an eye on my son.  

These can be forwards or backwards walking lunges.

How To: Another great leg workout, side step and squat into a wide stance with feet turned out.

How To: Find the money bars and hang then lift up both legs to a 90 degree angle, lower & repeat.

How To: If your playground has some of the soft ground or grass, sit down and work those abs!  I like Russian Twist because I don't have to completely lay down on the ground.  Lift legs up to a 90 degree angle and with hands together, twist side to side engaging those ab muscles.

 Once you've finished your workout, be sure to use your protein to help your body recover faster, because it's not easy chasing kids around with sore legs for days!

 Park workouts are a great way to get in your excercise while your kids are having fun as well, and EAS® Protein Powder helps me keep in line with a busy life while still trying to stay in shape.

Check out the New NBC Show S.T.R.O.N.G where EAS® products will be featured on the June 2nd episode. (9pm EST 8pm CST)  //    Photography by Trisha Shelley Photography

Boy Bedroom: Bed Details

Back in February I shared my son's updated boy bedroom with the promise of details and tutorials to come. And finally here in May I'm getting started on them for you! 

His bed prompted it all, when we finally had to move his giant tall body into a twin bed.  We got the frame and headboard from craigslist (win!), and and painted it with chalk paint and roughed it up before finishing, in a way that would make even Joanna Gaines proud.

In these pictures, he has his winter sheets on, which I got at Target this year.  They happened to fit together seamlessly with his comforter.  The navy rugby stripe comforter is also from Target online & also is available in other colors! 

I'm still on the hunt for a bed skirt that's long enough & the perfect navy to match. And of course I had to string up some felt balls from the wonderful Hello Maypole and a marquee letter from Heidi Swapp at Michaels for his nightlight. 

The red stripe pillow is made by me and the easy tutorial is right here so you can make your own. 

And that's the breakdown of his bed!  I can't wait to share everything else with you like his gallery wall, decals & his fun curtain pulls.  Keep an eye out for plenty more details & tutorial posts.