Why I don’t have a Christmas tree in my classroom
Christmas is hard. We think of it as a joyous time for children. We love seeing their eyes light up in wonder at the bright lights, sparkly decorations, and delectable sweet treats. But for students with neurological or psychological disorders such as autism, ADHD, emotional disabilities, or other cognitive disabilities, it’s a horrifying nightmare. First, there’s the sensory overload of the …
Where have I been?
About a year ago my health began spiraling down to the point that I was feeling at least 10 years older than I am. My health insurance isn’t all that great (public school teacher) and only pays a pittance. I racked up bills for MRIs and other diagnostics like you wouldn’t believe. Thank you, Indiana, That’s why the Hoosier …
The War on Words
As a United States citizen, I often wondered if freedom of speech would one day be squelched by the government. But in the past few months, it’s not the government hindering writers from penning their hearts. It’s the technocracy — that elite, wealthy, untouchable group of tech moguls — that threaten this sacred freedom. But not everyone’s freedom of speech …
Baby-stepping through new portals
UPDATE: I’ve been swamped, obviously. But I’m finally catching my breath and wanted to share the most recent news from the Akins Ranch! I cross-posted the following on our ministry page: Countdown in T- minus 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – BLAST OFF! I was in first grade when I first heard those countdowns on …
My Interview on Lighten Up!
What a blessing to be interviewed by Melanie Dale on her podcast, Lighten Up! Please share this interview with your friends and let me know if you have any questions!
My autism interview on ConversationsLIVE
When I first started interviewing for my book, A Pair of Miracles, I was terrified. Now I really enjoy it. I still have a long way to go to sound polished, but I keep trying! Here’s my interview with ConversationsLIVE host, Cyrus Webb. Thanks, Cyrus, for having me! Please let me know in the comments below how you liked the …
A site makeover and autism!
I’m learning my way around my new site! Until I can figure out what’s what and how it works, I wanted to share this incredible speech by a man with autism. He has an incredible testimony. He’s a miracle, just like my twins! Do yourself a favor and listen to his story. You’ll understand autism better and you’ll be inspired, …
The power of “not yet”
Late bloomer baby boomer. That’s me. Admittedly, I’m on the outer fringe of the baby boomers. But I’m definitely not on the fringe of late bloomers. And I’m in good company. People laugh and think I’m being insulting when I mention I’m a plodder. I’ve never been a runner. Well, except for maybe that one, short, miraculous time in college …
Not your grandmother’s snow day
Teacher or student, I’ve always loved me a snow day. (For you English teachers, I realize that is not proper grammar. I’m writing in casual conversation here…) I grew up in southern Kansas. Snow days were rare. My best recollection of a snow day was the winter of 1971 when my dad wrapped Wonder Bread sacks around our shoes and …