I just want to report that the “fancy” crutches were a complete hit! She has now decided that she needs at least one or two more sets to go with her different outfits! I feel I have created a monster! LOL

Due to the fact that most of my family has been sick, we stayed home this weekend. That does not mean we didn’t have fun though. Here are some ideas for family time in the Fall.

1. Make a leaf pile. Don’t you remember the bliss of feeling yourself surrounded by the crisp, colorful leaves?

2. Start a “Beautiful Leaf” collection. Try to find as many colors of each kind of leaf as you can.

3. Plant some Fall flowers!

4. Watch the animals as they prepare for winter.

That is just a short list of easy, fun and free things to do!

Have you ever noticed that when one child gets sick, they all do? Now Jacob and Cassidy are sick also. I guess that means I get to play doctor this weekend. Which brings me to a list of things I should have already had handy. Especially when the seasons are changing and school is in full swing.

1. Hand sanitizer.

2. Kleenex

3. Antibacterial soap

4. Lysol

5. Clorox cleaner/wipes

The cleaner the surfaces and hands around your house are the healthier your family will be.

I can not believe I forget to mention this yesterday! Always, always, always keep medical information handy. Keep a copy of emergency contacts in your vehicle at all times. It is also a good idea to keep a list of medications and who takes what. This way if anything were to happen it will be helpful to the emergency personnel.

I know I am not the only mother out there with a child who has special needs. Here is a list of things I find very helpful when traveling.

1. Always remember to make sure your destination is handicap accessible.

2. Know the route and make sure there are plenty of rest areas. (This applies to anyone really, no one EVER has to go at the same time.)

3. If you have a handicap hang tag, bring it. You don’t know if your vehicle will need service or break down.

4. Take breaks just to get out of the car. This is good for those who get car sick as wel.

5. If your child needs special items to function, bring extras. (We keep an extra pair of crutches in the van at all times.)

Remember it is always better to have things you don’t need,than it is to need something you don’t have.

Rachel is sick, but tomorrow I am going to share my must haves for traveling with a child with disabilites.

Since Cassidy is fast approaching the lovely teen years, I have been looking to update her “look”. She sometimes feels very self-conscious due to her crutches. So I have done a little research and came across some very fashionable crutches. I think she will just go nuts over these. Once I decide on the color and pattern that is!

One thing I have found very helpful when preparing to take a vacation, long or short, is a checklist. This list should have everything you need on it so you can check it off as you pack.
For example:

1. Shampoo and conditioner

2. Toothpaste

3. Toothbrushes

4. Deodorant

5. Hairdryer

6. Sunblock, lotions

7.Extra towels. (never seem to be enough in the hotel)

8. Pillows! Everyone sleeps better for some reason!

9.Snacks (Of course)

You also need to make sure you have a list of any medications you may need to bring as well as double check that everyone has packed enough clothes, underwear, socks, etc.
Hope you find this little list helpful!

When I woke up this morning and glanced out my bedroom window, it hit me. Autumn is in full bloom. The colors are intense this year! The golds, reds, oranges, yellows! What a great time to take an extend weekend trip to the mountains. Weekend getaways are so very wonderful for quality family time. It gives the whole family a chance to get out of our daily routine and just relax and enjoy each other.

As I mentioned in my post yesterday we went to the apple orchard and harvested this past wekend. Today we continued our exploration of the many things you can do with apples. Although I am admittedly a health “nut”, some things are just to good to pass up. Two of which are candy apples and caramel apples! What fun to make and what a mess to eat. Ha, ha. What used to be a project that took hours can now been done in minutes. With all the premade kits available, there is really no reason not to partake of this fast and easy activity. The candy apples are less messy to make, but with caramel now available in fat-free, sugar-free versions it’s the lesser of two evils! Plus, it’s fun for the whole family!

Wow! This past weekend was so packed full of fun! We went and rode horses, picked apples, and enjoyed a hay ride. I don’t think we could have fit another activity in. Jacob especially seem to enjoy picking the apples and learning how many different things can be made with them. All the children LOVE apples pie, but did not seem very impressed with the fresh apple cider. Guess it did not appeal to their sweet tooths. I suggest that if you live close to an apple farm you take the children and help harvest. Watching them pick and sort and learn is most enjoyable.

Everyone in my family loves horseback riding, which is great because it’s an easy activity to incorporate into many family vacations. We’re all so excited that little Rachel (my two-year-old) is finally old enough to sit with me on a horse (our six-year-old, Jake, sits with Kevin, my husband). This summer we went on our first vacation involving horseback riding since before I was pregnant with Rachel, and we all had a great time. (more…)