Achieving a whole night’s sleep around here is an amazing feat, and what a difference it makes in getting the day started off with the right attitude and energy. I go through waves of weeks of sleeping well, then weeks of not sleeping through the night. I think since I moved my room back upstairs it’s been more of a challenge for me since I can hear Jess when she is self-talking through the night or in the early morning. When I do wake up in the mornings and realize that it’s actually almost time to get up…well then, that’s like starting the day off with a celebration.
Brag
Today, I was up, starting on my coffee and in the shower before 7:30 a.m. I had my hair done, a little makeup and was dressed and ready for my day before 8:00. This is a great way for me to start the day.

Gratitude
I am grateful to live close enough to make a spontaneous trip out to Nonnie and Granddad’s. I took some cookbooks for Nonnie to autograph for the Crispies, and while I was there I got to visit a little, and Granddad made some biscuits and strawberries as a treat. Zoe was so happy to get to go with me. She loves going to Nonnie and Granddad’s too.
Your Turn
What is your bragitude for the day?
Hi Val,
Finally have some down time to catch up on your videos and blogs. I really enjoy following you and your family. I can relate to your life, not as a parent of a person with special needs, but as a teacher of special needs children for almost 30 years. Now, in no way am I saying we have had the same experiences or responsibilities. No, not at all. But, I have gotten very close to a lot of families over the years and i have shared with them the frustrations and challenges as well as the love and joy that their child brought into
the world. So, some of your thoughts and experiences are very familiar. You are a very articulate and interesting writer. If you ever have the time, ( ha, ha- right?), you should really write a book. I think a lot
of families and educators would read and appreciate your wisdom, honesty and experiences. You are very good at what you do!
I really want to participate in the 30 days of Bragitude, but I know I cant keep up with it. So, for today I will say I am grateful for a few days of fall Louisiana weather
so we can spend our weekends in the woods camping. This is my favorite past time and get away. However, like you, we are DISNEY fans and make a trip at least twice per year.
For my Brag, I will say after 29 years of good parents and great kids, and not so good parents and difficult kids, 1000 IEP’s , and a million useless staff meetings, I still wake up each morning loving what I do. Even, though I am seeing that retirement light at the end
of tunnel, I still love being a Sped teacher.
I will close with this-
Some people are ignorant. It kills me when people who do not even take the time to learn Jess’s back story, criticize and question what you do and why you do it. I could go on, but I am sure you know what I mean! Just keep doing what you do.
I have been a crispy for a while and I am glad I
finally had the time to say hello!
Thank you so much for your kind sentiments. I do, in fact, hope to find the time for writing a book.
I’m so glad you said hello!
Val