About Me

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I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations. This blogger is available for hire! Let's talk and learn how a blog can expand your business.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Preparations

 We are in the final countdown! 

My kitchen is overflowing with cookies and treats, our stockings are hung and Timmy is anxiously checking the time on the snowman every few hours. Our Christmas tree and garlands are shining bright and, slowly, my house is beginning to benefit from its holiday scrub down. There is no doubt, Christmas is upon us.

Yesterday was Scott's last day of virtual teaching for the year. (His school system is continuing the virtual school model throughout the beginning of 2021, and probably for the duration of this school year.) He is officially on vacation until January 3. Much to Robby's chagrin, he needs to spend some time catching up on assignments during his break, so he will not be able to completely walk away from his studies.  

Happy Few Days Before Christmas!

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Mr. Bill

 It has been several years since Mr. Bill moved to Florida, yet we all continue to miss him dearly. Countless times I have caught myself heading over to his house, eager for a reprieve from the chaos of my boys and a friendly ear. Whenever anything breaks, or when we have exciting news, we all fight the urge to walk across the street to talk with Mr. Bill.

Although I miss him throughout the year, his absence is more profound during the holidays. For years he helped me play Santa, stashing all of our gifts in his closet and assembling the toys before they were gifted. I miss sneaking over to his house at night to wrap the gifts. He would tell stories, drink eggnog and sing Greek songs while I wrestled with wrapping paper, tape and the stress of the season. Towards the end of the evening, as his eggnog began to kick in, his singing would become louder and my holiday stress would melt away.

Yesterday was the day I designated to wrap Christmas presents. As Scott and I were figuring out ways for him to distract the boys during a pandemic, my thoughts were drifting back to Mr. Bill. I looked out the window and saw a silver truck coming down our driveway. At this time of year, it is not unusual for deliveries to arrive in personal vehicles so I didn't think much of it. But there was something about the way that the truck turned into our driveway that felt familiar. Before the driver even turned off the truck I was running out the door.

Mr. Bill came to visit! His daughter was married over the weekend so he drove up from Florida for her wedding. To say that we were happy to see him would be an understatement. In such a dark and difficult year, his surprise visit was a highlight.

Robby came running out to the living room when he heard Mr. Bill's familiar booming voice. Despite having two heart attacks during the past year, he looked fantastic. His visit was brief but we were all delighted to spend a little time together. My goodness how we miss having him as our neighbor!




 


Monday, December 21, 2020

Virtual Holiday

Between having a cookie party with Mrs. Claus (with a cameo surprise from Santa) to live streaming the Nutcracker with Robby, this weekend was nonstop Christmas celebration- pandemic style. Even though our experiences are different this year, we had a great time and made some wonderful memories. I'm glad that I decided to go for it with the virtual experiences. Not only were we able to help support artists and organizations that have been shuttered because of the pandemic, but we were able to infuse a little holiday magic right into our home.

Timmy was completely enthralled by his interactions with Mrs. Claus. In full costume, she knew information that only Santa (and his wife) would know (with the exception of Mom of course). After discussing our cats, his brother and his new skills in kindergarten, she told Timmy that Santa appreciated his Christmas wish because it was different.  Apparently a lot of kids don't wish for treadmills. Go figure!

Robby and I had fun on our traditional Nutcracker date. We brought home take-out, dressed in our matching holiday jammies and settled in front of the fire for the show. Scott did a great job of entertaining Timmy for the evening, allowing Robby and I to thoroughly immerse in the show. Watching the ballet on the screen instead of in person was definitely different, but it was still fun.

I spent yesterday baking cookies and cleaning in anticipation of Santa's arrival. It was a great weekend, and we are all looking forward to the excitement of the week.