Expectations are like rabbits. They can be warm and fuzzy, but when ungoverned, all manner of problems result. The other day I had only a few minutes to make a…
Jennifer Dyer
Jennifer Dyer has an M.S. in Communications Disorders, which served her well in her professional career as a speech-language pathologist. Never did she imagine that her education and career were God’s way of preparing her to be a mom to her own daughter with autism. Today, she enjoys reaching out to other families who face similar diagnoses. As a cancer survivor, carpet-cleaning veteran, and originator of the “Messy House Ministry,” Jennifer feels blessed to share joy, peace, and humor with others facing life’s challenges. She and her IT genius husband Brandon have been married since 1998.
Mom vs. Angry Child: Resisting the Urge to Bite Back
Eldest was having a bad day. The world was conspiring against her. To make matters worse, Dad was making her do homework. So when I entered the scene with a…
Moms Need Encouragement
The other day Eldest and I had a wonderful mother-daughter date … until the drive home. Somehow, reflection on a movie shifted into an argument about laundry, which ended in…
Autism, Food, and Weighty Parenting Issues
As a child I struggled with food. Texture issues and a strong gag reflex made meals a chore. I didn’t even like going over to friends’ houses because I was…
How Is Your Foundation?
The other day while waging war against the weeds in my yard, I noticed the dirt was pretty low next to the driveway. In fact, there seemed to be a…
De-stressing the Holidays
I’m going to say something radical: Thanksgiving is not about the food. Yes, Thanksgiving is a feast. It’s a time to be thankful for the year’s bounty, and we celebrate…
The Martyr Mom
Yesterday I starred in my very own production of Martyr Mom. I’m the only one who does any work around here, I thought. The closing act of my mom drama was…
A Lesson in Tenacity From My Daughter with Autism
Even though she is minimally verbal, my 9-year-old daughter Rachel can stick to a subject. For example, this year she decided she wanted to ride the special needs bus to…
My Child Wants to Follow the Crowd
A few weeks ago, while visiting friends, Eldest texted to ask me if she could watch a movie. When I looked up the movie, I didn’t like what I read…
Resisting Desire’s Pull
Have you ever wanted something you didn’t have? Wanted someone? Chances are if you are human you answered yes. What is desire? Dictionary.com defines desire, in part, as “a longing…