Guys. This week I broke a TV, I was blinded by the sun and ran into a stop sign with my car, I accidentally made a heresy on The Bible Binge, and I have reached 100% of coping mechanisms. One of them is to read Wendell Berry’s Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front:
Happy Saturday, friends! It’s felt like a second and an eternity since the last Swipe Up #pandemictimes
Erin, I’ll be praying for your grandma! Please keep us posted on how she’s doing.
This was an interesting week but still contained many treasures:
✨I’ve been rewatching The Nanny and I forgot how funny that show is! It’s been great for decompressing before going to bed.
✨The Popcast AUA made me laugh out loud several times and it was much needed!
✨I ended up at urgent care a couple times this week and the doctor assigned to my case was so kind, took the time to figure out what was going on and made me feel comfortable in some anxious moments. Her name was Dr. Good 💯
✨I made delish macaroni and cheese.
✨All of your comments on my first post last week were a definite treasure for me. I felt so welcomed, so seen, hopeful and so excited to be apart of this group. Thank you!
I love meeting people whose name corresponds with their profession. I once met a librarian named Joe Wisdom, for example. I hope you are feeling better!
Since I'm writing this on Saturday, this may not be seen, but that's okay!
Erin - I'm currently too exhausted to pray but if I could hug you and your grandmother, I would. Sending all the positive thoughts and love your and her way.
Oh, and if the heresy was about the Balaam's donkey thing, be assured! Of all the 'heresies' to commit, this one is cleared up with a quick Google search... not true for most Biblical fact-checks! I am greatly encouraged by the work done by the Bible Binge, especially in *gestures vaguely* these times.
there is just... so much in the world. I thought about making a list of all the bad things just so I could see them all together and remind people we're going through all of this at once, but then I realized that is what the list of headlines in the WaPo and NYT newsletters are, and that would be redundant and inefficient. Thank you instead more making a list of good tweets. That is more helpful and nice.
I’ve been really enjoying The Story Song podcast, where the 3 hosts try to figure out what is happening in different “story” songs, then give you the background on the song.
You're Wrong About and Overdue are the ones I listen to most consistently. I occasionally dip into the YWA extended universe (Why Are Dads and Maintenance Phase), Levar Burton Reads, and Women at Warp.
I absolutely LOVE You’re Wrong About and Maintenance Phase! It’s good to know that most of the world’s problems can be traced back to either the patriarchy or diet culture 😂
Hello!!!! Happy Friday, y’all!!! It has been a week, no?! But imma focus on the good things this week. Just finished The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins. SO GOOD! Also, she’s my friend from high school and I’m insanely proud of her.
Long weekend thanks to the MLK holiday on Monday.
Good TV: WandaVision
Night Stalker (not for the faint of heart)
Binging the final season of Dance Moms
Y’all, that has brought me the most delight. That Abby Lee Miller is a hot mess.
I legit thought the phrase was “burn that bridge when we get there” until I was like 18 thanks to the Brooks & Dunn song. I still say it wrong sometimes. 😆
Biggest treasure - spending the weekend with our little fam at a lake cottage a few hours from our house! It is a little blast from the past in here - cassette tapes (!!), old board games, etc. We are roasting s’mores tonight, taking our boys fishing tomorrow and planning a few little nature walks to just enjoy some space that isn’t our four walls. I brought books and plan to drink my coffee on the porch with a little view of the lake tomorrow and my Enneagram 9 self is so happy!
Oh one more treasure! If you need the most delicious and easiest dessert ever that dirties only one skillet, may I recommend this One Skillet Brown Butter Toffee Cookie? I didn’t have toffee do I did a mix of semi sweet chocolate and dark chocolate and it turned out divine. Definitely want to try with toffee next time. This is my favorite food blogger. Tons of notes in her recipes and lots of ideas for substitutions.
When I do post, I’m usually an early bird because I like to read The Swipe Up first thing Friday morning, but today I didn’t have time because it was the first day of school! Sidenote: This is not my job I’m leaving, or my new job, it’s my side gig. I teach one class to aspiring teachers at a tiny Christian university nearby. About this university... well, I think the Jesus I know isn’t the Jesus they know-my Jesus loves WAY more people. I love, love, love being an adjunct professor but this environment wouldn’t work for me full time. Anyway, one of the things I have then do is make a professional Twitter account and I give them examples of people to follow. One thing I share is an article that’s a few years old with all kinds of folks on it. Some are social justice people which obviously lands differently now. I asked the students to share and two of them shared such insightful tweets about oppression and inclusion and fighting for all people. I was very inspired that maybe there’s a shift coming! This was also super awesome because the class started so poorly due to internet issues that I legit sweat through my tshirt I was so anxious (thank God for loose cardigans amiright?!)
Looking forward to the long weekend and hopefully soon getting a start date for my new job.
Much love and prayers to your Grandma Erin. Grandparents are special treasures.
Hello, my favorite internet people. I have missed you so but I didn't want to be a turd bringer all the time so I took a break. Things still are very hard but I miss you all so much so I thought I would pop in and say hello. I am so excited about the Galentine's gift exchange! I just did one with the Jen Hatmaker Book Club and it was so much fun!! Elfster is the best thing ever in terms of helping facilitate it. Thanks, Jillian for heading that up.
Let's see. I am officially old in that I got an adjustable bed for Christmas and it is a little piece of heaven on earth. It has zero gravity so it takes the pressure off of my joints (especially my hips) and gives me some relief from my RA.
Also, I am trying to get back into reading so I have gotten a few books I am really interested in and plan to spend the weekend reading.
I feel so overwhelmed by all of the political stuff.... I have been unfriended by so many people because of my views...including my Aunt with no conversation. I was so hurt. I mean do you not know me and my heart? All of this over politics in which are just a small part of things.
Lastly, last week a counselor I saw for many years passed away due to covid because of a compromised immune system due to cancer, and then Wednesday my Mom's cousin passed away due to covid. I have been so heartbroken over the losses and the fact that both did not take masks as seriously as they should have. I hope the vaccine will continue to get distributed faster so that maybe by late summer we can have a little be of a new normalcy.
I hope to get back in the grove of posting each week because of this lovely safe corner of the internets. <3
Christy, I am so sorry for the losses you have experienced this week. If you need to vent/talk/process..my DMs are open always. Having a weekend of reading sounds glorious
Guys, we were turned down at our visa appointment this morning. We’re crushed. Now we’re stuck in London where we don’t know many people, with a raging mutant virus, I still have to homeschool the kids in French with the very little assignments I get from their teachers (Lord help us if they give up on us) until this virus is better?
I’m sorry to be a downer. I’m just so sad. I don’t know what we’re going to do. Please pray for our family.
This week I’ve been doing everything to distract myself leading up to our appointment. And also from, you know, the craziness going on there in the US.
-New season of Carmen Sandiego on Netflix
-Mario Odyssey video game is the best mix of modern game play and Mario
-we are loving all the Cadbury here!
-lots of stupid walks, stupid runs, stupid yoga whatever is needed to overcome anxiety
We are looking for some tutors to help especially with writing. Because I am not a good teacher. That video of the woman praying about distance teacher I feel it deeply “Lord I am your servant but what I am not is a teacher”
Visa situations are the worst. I've been living on a tourist visa for 3 years now, and its a lot. I'm so sorry. I'll be praying that you get it resolved soon.
I am sorry you were turned down however I will say you do live in the land of Cadbury which is the best chocolate ever. Also tea, and scones, and crumpets, and clotted cream and castles. If you have to be stuck being stuck in London isn't so bad compared to other places. Of course, it isn't home! Sigh. That is all we want I think in this crazy world. I hope you find peace in the little moments. I am praying for all of you. And mostly I am praying God moves in a mighty way for y'all. He is able.
Yes, we’re hoping to explore more once the lock down is lifted some! For now we settle for lots of walks near our flat and Cadbury. Had crumpets for the first time last week, and I honestly thought I knew what it was. Turned out to be something completely different!!
Happy Friday! This is my first time commenting here, though I've been reading and lurking for a while. It felt time to actually jump in and say hello!
I have been dead tired this week. The "too muchness" of everything is getting to me. And the fact that many people around me seem to be going on with their lives as normal is giving me serious whiplash. I genuinely appreciate that this community isn't afraid to say things aren't normal or ok.
The thing that has been getting me through the week is that my parents are visiting this weekend and will then be taking my toddler to stay with them for a few days. We haven't seen them in person for many months, so I'm excited that they will get quality time with their granddaughter. And let's be honest, quiet, toddler-free time is hard to come by these days so I'm probably the real winner here. Cheers to the weekend!
Hello, hello, Jordan! Glad to have you here in the comments with us. :) What a gift to have your parents visiting. Wishing you a glorious few days of toddler-free rest!
Gah, I needed those Tweets. Erin, your letter makes me remember what day of the week it is. I have felt especially foggy lately... so thank you for keeping me on schedule!
Hi everyone! Long-time reader, first-time poster! Erin has said you’re the loveliest group of people on the internet so I thought I’d reach out...
We had a really tough week... my almost 4 year old daughter was diagnosed with CAS (childhood apraxia of speech) and autism. We are stunned... to hear her diagnosis in such clinical terms was jarring. I stay at home with our 3 kiddos (almost 4 year old twins and an almost 2 year old), and Ive known for a little while that our day-to-day life is “abnormal” (extreme emotional swings and meltdowns, lots of repetition, constant clinging to me, trouble sleeping), but to see the concern on her psychologists face when I told her we have very little support was hard to stomach. (Its easy to just keep chugging along, doing what you know, and then someone steps in and says “omg you need help” and you look around and were completely oblivious to the raging fire... )
We left an abusive church last summer and are struggling to build community.... my family is not a dependable support system, and I don’t know any other special needs mamas.
My questions for you lovely people.... are you a special needs parent?
Will it always be this hard?
Is it normal to feel very lonely?
What support did you find that helped you the most? How did you find other parents that understand?
Hi Emily. We are going through the autism diagnosis process right now with my three year old daughter. What a new world we are entering. I am @jtillay on IG if I can be of support/vent session anytime. We are going to make it!
Emily! That is a lot for one person to carry! I’m so glad you laid it here so these beautiful people can help you carry it. This little community is a blessing and so helpful. I see so many have already commented with advice and resources. It truly takes a village. We are so glad to have you here. I am not a special needs mom but I do know loneliness and struggling through hard things. So, lifting you up and praying for strength, comfort and patience.
Momma with a son who has autism! The beginning is the hardest. Early intervention is key and your state should provide with much (free through the school system) help. You are not alone! @annatamar on insta or annatamar@gmail.com if you need a momma who knows how it feels!
Well, I'm so glad you're here and also I knew as soon as I read this that the people who could help would step up, because they are truly the loveliest people. Praying for you Emily. This is so tough and you're such a great mom to care for your daughter in this way. She's so lucky to have an advocate like you!
It is often hard to recognize that what you deal with at home isn't the case for everyone because it's all you've ever known. BIG PROPS to you for seeking out evaluations and advocating for yourself and your child in the process. That is good and hard work and you are to be commended for it. Kudos to you, also, for showing up here and asking for what you need. This community is WONDERFUL at helping where and when they can and just being willing to sit with you in it. I am not a parent of a child with special needs (or any children, for that matter); however, I am a special education teacher who works with lots of families. It often does feel hard and lonely, but it will not always feel this hard or this lonely. With interventions and therapies, it does get easier. Many parents talk about how, when they were at the place as you are right now, they never thought they would get to where they are now. The psychologist should be able to point you to some resources for interventions. I also know that many community support groups might not be meeting right now due to COVID, but maybe you can find some local help there? There's a huge chance that I am not local, however, I am more than happy to listen and help where I can. My email is willoughbybe@gmail.com or you can DM me on insta @bkwilloughby, whichever is easiest for you :)
Your kind words and encouragement brought me to tears. Thank you so much for your response. It’s so nice to know you’re an educator, I truly don’t understand what our options are now and how she’ll integrate into a school setting. It’s overwhelming!
Gosh, that’s a lot. While I don’t have children with special needs, I’m a speech therapist with 15 (um, maybe more but I’m not aging myself) years experience! I specialize in kiddos with autism who often have apraxia of speech. I also have a nephew with autism. Please feel free to use me as a resource or to vent or to bounce ideas off of! I’m @angeliquemc80 on IG! And my email is angeliquemc80@gmail.com! All the love!
You are a magical unicorn of a woman!!!! Do you even know how hard it was for us to find an SLP experienced with apraxia in our area?! I may have some questions for you once we get going down this path.... the only provider we could find doesn’t take our insurance so we’re paying $100 for a few sessions so she can teach me how to work with her at home.
Where do you live? That price isn’t fun! The plus side is that you are gonna learn SO MUCH to help her generalize these skills. You got this! Reach out anytime!
It's been AWHILE, and for that I'm sorry - I lurked through some of the Friday editions but essentially moved my life to Chicago from St. Petersburg FLA. I arrived to our very own Lil Swipe Megan who selflessly came into the CITY and helped me unload my car. I look forward to more Lil Swipe in person meetups, until then I will continue to curate friends on the internet. 💕
🏈 FNL Update: Friends, it's been a long time but I am now cruising onto S4 and what pray tell came onto my screen?? The very Michael BAE Jordan!!! How have I survived this much of my life and never realized he was on this show?? I love this addition and I think Jess is so beautiful, and I'm still trying to figure out where else I know this actress from, but refuse to go to the interwebs in case I spoil something. I still feel that the show has big gaps in delivering updates, like why was Landry a class behind? Did we always know that? It's been a nice break to get back to this show.
🌇❄ I've lifted my head from the purgatory of work to find sudden snow flurries with big fat snowflakes and for this Florida girl-- it is pure magic for my soul.
🧣 It's so much fun (its early days I know) to bundle up in all the layers and embrace my inner Hygge.
📚 I just started reading the Narrowboat Summer by Anne Youngson and it is delightful. About two random women that find themselves navigating a canal boat for a few months. Such a perfect book to sink into during this time.
💛 I could use any suggestions for Chicago food places to try for takeout!
I listened to the audiobook "The Little Book of Living Hygge" driving around in December and it was the absolute best thing. There's a "CAKE WATCH" part that I especially connected with. 😁💕
Don’t look too hard into the whole “who is in what grade” thing in Friday Night Lights. The math does not add up for some of them (like Landry, and in what world is S1 Tim Riggins a sophomore?)
Cannot wait for the Chicago Swipe meetups, they will have to involve deep dish pizza for sure!
And welcome to Chicago, where we sometimes get 3-4 types of weather in the span of a few hours, but always, the wind!
Giordanos is great pizza, and if you're near a Portillos, they're great as well. We just had both Stan's Donuts and Do-Rite Donuts build stores near us (within a 10 minute drive) and I highly recommend both as well, though I personally think Do-Rite has the best old fashioned donut ever.
Send ALL the recommendations my way Amanda! Are we friends on IG yet? I'm barnold165 -- yes! Today was one of those weather days. I thought FL was like that, but today was absolutely magical. Love those giant snowflakes.
I'm def more of a Lou's fan than Giordanos (although you will never see me turn down a chance for pizza!) 🍕 and I basically grew up on Portillos! I've already had them delivered once, but fairly certain I can walk there. Going to check out these donut recs as I'm ALWAYS down for that. Need a bagel place too!
CANNOT wait for our Chicago Swipee Events with our dear presi Megs!
I'm excited I finally have the time for some pandemic viewing! It's been on my list forever. Some of it doesn't hold up quite as well, but the journey is sure fun!
Happy Saturday, friends! It’s felt like a second and an eternity since the last Swipe Up #pandemictimes
Erin, I’ll be praying for your grandma! Please keep us posted on how she’s doing.
This was an interesting week but still contained many treasures:
✨I’ve been rewatching The Nanny and I forgot how funny that show is! It’s been great for decompressing before going to bed.
✨The Popcast AUA made me laugh out loud several times and it was much needed!
✨I ended up at urgent care a couple times this week and the doctor assigned to my case was so kind, took the time to figure out what was going on and made me feel comfortable in some anxious moments. Her name was Dr. Good 💯
✨I made delish macaroni and cheese.
✨All of your comments on my first post last week were a definite treasure for me. I felt so welcomed, so seen, hopeful and so excited to be apart of this group. Thank you!
Dr. Good 💗💗💗
I love meeting people whose name corresponds with their profession. I once met a librarian named Joe Wisdom, for example. I hope you are feeling better!
Hello friends!
Since I'm writing this on Saturday, this may not be seen, but that's okay!
Erin - I'm currently too exhausted to pray but if I could hug you and your grandmother, I would. Sending all the positive thoughts and love your and her way.
<3
I see you Beverly! :)
Thank you Melissa!! <3
Oh, and if the heresy was about the Balaam's donkey thing, be assured! Of all the 'heresies' to commit, this one is cleared up with a quick Google search... not true for most Biblical fact-checks! I am greatly encouraged by the work done by the Bible Binge, especially in *gestures vaguely* these times.
there is just... so much in the world. I thought about making a list of all the bad things just so I could see them all together and remind people we're going through all of this at once, but then I realized that is what the list of headlines in the WaPo and NYT newsletters are, and that would be redundant and inefficient. Thank you instead more making a list of good tweets. That is more helpful and nice.
Erin's tweet game is not to be missed. I love the ones she rounds up. She does the heavy lifting for us all.
What's y'all's favorite podcasts? I'm looking for some new listens.
I’ve been really enjoying The Story Song podcast, where the 3 hosts try to figure out what is happening in different “story” songs, then give you the background on the song.
You're Wrong About and Overdue are the ones I listen to most consistently. I occasionally dip into the YWA extended universe (Why Are Dads and Maintenance Phase), Levar Burton Reads, and Women at Warp.
Oh man, I see you Leave Burton reads. 👀
Oh so many! Favorites as of late include.......
A Drink with a Friend
Cabinet of Curiosities
Annie and Eddie Keep Talking
Anything for Selena
Bachelor Happy Hour
Be the Bridge
Conan o Brien Needs a Friend
Encyclopedia Womannica
Even the Rich
Everything Happens
I Hate Green Beans
Say Yes with Carla Hall
Smartless
Song Exploder
That Sounds Fun
The Big Boo
Obvs all the PMG podcasts
The Daily Smile
Trashy Divorces
Unhappy Hour
Who Weekly
You're Wrong About
Your Last Meal
Have you watched song exploder on netflix? The show is great. The hamilton episode *chef's kiss*.
YES!! That and the REM one made me cry.
Wow! I am going to have to set some time to look into these, thanks!
I like variety.... :)
Let's be clear. I am behind on most of these. But these are ones I hit up.
You're wrong about is one of my favorite podcasts ever! I really like maintenance phase with Matt as well.
I absolutely LOVE You’re Wrong About and Maintenance Phase! It’s good to know that most of the world’s problems can be traced back to either the patriarchy or diet culture 😂
Lol, right?!
Hello!!!! Happy Friday, y’all!!! It has been a week, no?! But imma focus on the good things this week. Just finished The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins. SO GOOD! Also, she’s my friend from high school and I’m insanely proud of her.
Long weekend thanks to the MLK holiday on Monday.
Good TV: WandaVision
Night Stalker (not for the faint of heart)
Binging the final season of Dance Moms
Y’all, that has brought me the most delight. That Abby Lee Miller is a hot mess.
Thank you for reminding me of The Wife Upstairs! I saw it mentioned somewhere, and thought: yes. Need that
You’re welcome! It’s a good one so get ready to read it in a couple of hours!
I legit thought the phrase was “burn that bridge when we get there” until I was like 18 thanks to the Brooks & Dunn song. I still say it wrong sometimes. 😆
Biggest treasure - spending the weekend with our little fam at a lake cottage a few hours from our house! It is a little blast from the past in here - cassette tapes (!!), old board games, etc. We are roasting s’mores tonight, taking our boys fishing tomorrow and planning a few little nature walks to just enjoy some space that isn’t our four walls. I brought books and plan to drink my coffee on the porch with a little view of the lake tomorrow and my Enneagram 9 self is so happy!
Take care, friends!
Le sigh. Drinking coffee in a porch with a lake view sounds lovely.
Oh one more treasure! If you need the most delicious and easiest dessert ever that dirties only one skillet, may I recommend this One Skillet Brown Butter Toffee Cookie? I didn’t have toffee do I did a mix of semi sweet chocolate and dark chocolate and it turned out divine. Definitely want to try with toffee next time. This is my favorite food blogger. Tons of notes in her recipes and lots of ideas for substitutions.
http://www.carolinechambers.com/blog/2021/1/11/9zva8tiohc9eey4srabkia6xz8jfmb
When I do post, I’m usually an early bird because I like to read The Swipe Up first thing Friday morning, but today I didn’t have time because it was the first day of school! Sidenote: This is not my job I’m leaving, or my new job, it’s my side gig. I teach one class to aspiring teachers at a tiny Christian university nearby. About this university... well, I think the Jesus I know isn’t the Jesus they know-my Jesus loves WAY more people. I love, love, love being an adjunct professor but this environment wouldn’t work for me full time. Anyway, one of the things I have then do is make a professional Twitter account and I give them examples of people to follow. One thing I share is an article that’s a few years old with all kinds of folks on it. Some are social justice people which obviously lands differently now. I asked the students to share and two of them shared such insightful tweets about oppression and inclusion and fighting for all people. I was very inspired that maybe there’s a shift coming! This was also super awesome because the class started so poorly due to internet issues that I legit sweat through my tshirt I was so anxious (thank God for loose cardigans amiright?!)
Looking forward to the long weekend and hopefully soon getting a start date for my new job.
Much love and prayers to your Grandma Erin. Grandparents are special treasures.
How great that the class is turning out so well!
Hello, my favorite internet people. I have missed you so but I didn't want to be a turd bringer all the time so I took a break. Things still are very hard but I miss you all so much so I thought I would pop in and say hello. I am so excited about the Galentine's gift exchange! I just did one with the Jen Hatmaker Book Club and it was so much fun!! Elfster is the best thing ever in terms of helping facilitate it. Thanks, Jillian for heading that up.
Let's see. I am officially old in that I got an adjustable bed for Christmas and it is a little piece of heaven on earth. It has zero gravity so it takes the pressure off of my joints (especially my hips) and gives me some relief from my RA.
Also, I am trying to get back into reading so I have gotten a few books I am really interested in and plan to spend the weekend reading.
I feel so overwhelmed by all of the political stuff.... I have been unfriended by so many people because of my views...including my Aunt with no conversation. I was so hurt. I mean do you not know me and my heart? All of this over politics in which are just a small part of things.
Lastly, last week a counselor I saw for many years passed away due to covid because of a compromised immune system due to cancer, and then Wednesday my Mom's cousin passed away due to covid. I have been so heartbroken over the losses and the fact that both did not take masks as seriously as they should have. I hope the vaccine will continue to get distributed faster so that maybe by late summer we can have a little be of a new normalcy.
I hope to get back in the grove of posting each week because of this lovely safe corner of the internets. <3
Christy, I am so sorry for the losses you have experienced this week. If you need to vent/talk/process..my DMs are open always. Having a weekend of reading sounds glorious
I’m so sorry for your losses, Christy ❤️
Whoa this week. Whoa!
Erin, thinking of your grandma and her healthcare providers! 💙
Treasures:
✳️Bridergton soundtrack— lead me into a wormhole of finding all the pop music turned classical on Spotify
✳️Finally moving out of my parents house next week after a year of living in Florida. Ugh, pandemic.
Thinking of you all as we navigate this weird time!
That Elizabeth Teng Tweet?...I've never felt more understood.
Guys, we were turned down at our visa appointment this morning. We’re crushed. Now we’re stuck in London where we don’t know many people, with a raging mutant virus, I still have to homeschool the kids in French with the very little assignments I get from their teachers (Lord help us if they give up on us) until this virus is better?
I’m sorry to be a downer. I’m just so sad. I don’t know what we’re going to do. Please pray for our family.
This week I’ve been doing everything to distract myself leading up to our appointment. And also from, you know, the craziness going on there in the US.
-New season of Carmen Sandiego on Netflix
-Mario Odyssey video game is the best mix of modern game play and Mario
-we are loving all the Cadbury here!
-lots of stupid walks, stupid runs, stupid yoga whatever is needed to overcome anxiety
I'm so, so sorry. How discouraging. Praying for you.
All the prayers! Do you need any support in the French language?
We are looking for some tutors to help especially with writing. Because I am not a good teacher. That video of the woman praying about distance teacher I feel it deeply “Lord I am your servant but what I am not is a teacher”
If you need any stopgap help, I can help! It was my major and editing/writing is my strongest suit. You can email at jilliankmf at gmail
Visa situations are the worst. I've been living on a tourist visa for 3 years now, and its a lot. I'm so sorry. I'll be praying that you get it resolved soon.
Renewing tourists visas are always a little stressful!
Oh I am so sorry, Rebecca! What an absolute bummer. Praying for you guys!
Goodness-how devastating. Much love to you and your family. 💙
I am sorry you were turned down however I will say you do live in the land of Cadbury which is the best chocolate ever. Also tea, and scones, and crumpets, and clotted cream and castles. If you have to be stuck being stuck in London isn't so bad compared to other places. Of course, it isn't home! Sigh. That is all we want I think in this crazy world. I hope you find peace in the little moments. I am praying for all of you. And mostly I am praying God moves in a mighty way for y'all. He is able.
Yes, we’re hoping to explore more once the lock down is lifted some! For now we settle for lots of walks near our flat and Cadbury. Had crumpets for the first time last week, and I honestly thought I knew what it was. Turned out to be something completely different!!
Awww. I’m so sorry to hear this!!!
Rebecca, I am so sorry to hear this. Praying for you and your family.
Happy Friday! This is my first time commenting here, though I've been reading and lurking for a while. It felt time to actually jump in and say hello!
I have been dead tired this week. The "too muchness" of everything is getting to me. And the fact that many people around me seem to be going on with their lives as normal is giving me serious whiplash. I genuinely appreciate that this community isn't afraid to say things aren't normal or ok.
The thing that has been getting me through the week is that my parents are visiting this weekend and will then be taking my toddler to stay with them for a few days. We haven't seen them in person for many months, so I'm excited that they will get quality time with their granddaughter. And let's be honest, quiet, toddler-free time is hard to come by these days so I'm probably the real winner here. Cheers to the weekend!
Hi Jordan! Glad you’re jumping in!
Hi hi!!! How wonderful your daughter with get some grandparent time and you get some quiet! Enjoy it!
Hello, hello, Jordan! Glad to have you here in the comments with us. :) What a gift to have your parents visiting. Wishing you a glorious few days of toddler-free rest!
Gah, I needed those Tweets. Erin, your letter makes me remember what day of the week it is. I have felt especially foggy lately... so thank you for keeping me on schedule!
To be fair, a turkey sandwich from Bates House of Turkey is pretty darn delicious!
Hi everyone! Long-time reader, first-time poster! Erin has said you’re the loveliest group of people on the internet so I thought I’d reach out...
We had a really tough week... my almost 4 year old daughter was diagnosed with CAS (childhood apraxia of speech) and autism. We are stunned... to hear her diagnosis in such clinical terms was jarring. I stay at home with our 3 kiddos (almost 4 year old twins and an almost 2 year old), and Ive known for a little while that our day-to-day life is “abnormal” (extreme emotional swings and meltdowns, lots of repetition, constant clinging to me, trouble sleeping), but to see the concern on her psychologists face when I told her we have very little support was hard to stomach. (Its easy to just keep chugging along, doing what you know, and then someone steps in and says “omg you need help” and you look around and were completely oblivious to the raging fire... )
We left an abusive church last summer and are struggling to build community.... my family is not a dependable support system, and I don’t know any other special needs mamas.
My questions for you lovely people.... are you a special needs parent?
Will it always be this hard?
Is it normal to feel very lonely?
What support did you find that helped you the most? How did you find other parents that understand?
Ok, that’s all :) thank you for reading!
Hi Emily. We are going through the autism diagnosis process right now with my three year old daughter. What a new world we are entering. I am @jtillay on IG if I can be of support/vent session anytime. We are going to make it!
Emily! That is a lot for one person to carry! I’m so glad you laid it here so these beautiful people can help you carry it. This little community is a blessing and so helpful. I see so many have already commented with advice and resources. It truly takes a village. We are so glad to have you here. I am not a special needs mom but I do know loneliness and struggling through hard things. So, lifting you up and praying for strength, comfort and patience.
Momma with a son who has autism! The beginning is the hardest. Early intervention is key and your state should provide with much (free through the school system) help. You are not alone! @annatamar on insta or annatamar@gmail.com if you need a momma who knows how it feels!
It also can feel *extremely* lonely. That is a totally normal reaction and feeling. I hope and pray you find a new community that can encourage you!
Well, I'm so glad you're here and also I knew as soon as I read this that the people who could help would step up, because they are truly the loveliest people. Praying for you Emily. This is so tough and you're such a great mom to care for your daughter in this way. She's so lucky to have an advocate like you!
Hi Emily! Welcome the party!
It is often hard to recognize that what you deal with at home isn't the case for everyone because it's all you've ever known. BIG PROPS to you for seeking out evaluations and advocating for yourself and your child in the process. That is good and hard work and you are to be commended for it. Kudos to you, also, for showing up here and asking for what you need. This community is WONDERFUL at helping where and when they can and just being willing to sit with you in it. I am not a parent of a child with special needs (or any children, for that matter); however, I am a special education teacher who works with lots of families. It often does feel hard and lonely, but it will not always feel this hard or this lonely. With interventions and therapies, it does get easier. Many parents talk about how, when they were at the place as you are right now, they never thought they would get to where they are now. The psychologist should be able to point you to some resources for interventions. I also know that many community support groups might not be meeting right now due to COVID, but maybe you can find some local help there? There's a huge chance that I am not local, however, I am more than happy to listen and help where I can. My email is willoughbybe@gmail.com or you can DM me on insta @bkwilloughby, whichever is easiest for you :)
Your kind words and encouragement brought me to tears. Thank you so much for your response. It’s so nice to know you’re an educator, I truly don’t understand what our options are now and how she’ll integrate into a school setting. It’s overwhelming!
Hi,
Gosh, that’s a lot. While I don’t have children with special needs, I’m a speech therapist with 15 (um, maybe more but I’m not aging myself) years experience! I specialize in kiddos with autism who often have apraxia of speech. I also have a nephew with autism. Please feel free to use me as a resource or to vent or to bounce ideas off of! I’m @angeliquemc80 on IG! And my email is angeliquemc80@gmail.com! All the love!
See this really IS the loveliest place on the internet!
You are a magical unicorn of a woman!!!! Do you even know how hard it was for us to find an SLP experienced with apraxia in our area?! I may have some questions for you once we get going down this path.... the only provider we could find doesn’t take our insurance so we’re paying $100 for a few sessions so she can teach me how to work with her at home.
Where do you live? That price isn’t fun! The plus side is that you are gonna learn SO MUCH to help her generalize these skills. You got this! Reach out anytime!
Hello and Happy Friday Swipes!!
It's been AWHILE, and for that I'm sorry - I lurked through some of the Friday editions but essentially moved my life to Chicago from St. Petersburg FLA. I arrived to our very own Lil Swipe Megan who selflessly came into the CITY and helped me unload my car. I look forward to more Lil Swipe in person meetups, until then I will continue to curate friends on the internet. 💕
🏈 FNL Update: Friends, it's been a long time but I am now cruising onto S4 and what pray tell came onto my screen?? The very Michael BAE Jordan!!! How have I survived this much of my life and never realized he was on this show?? I love this addition and I think Jess is so beautiful, and I'm still trying to figure out where else I know this actress from, but refuse to go to the interwebs in case I spoil something. I still feel that the show has big gaps in delivering updates, like why was Landry a class behind? Did we always know that? It's been a nice break to get back to this show.
🌇❄ I've lifted my head from the purgatory of work to find sudden snow flurries with big fat snowflakes and for this Florida girl-- it is pure magic for my soul.
🧣 It's so much fun (its early days I know) to bundle up in all the layers and embrace my inner Hygge.
📚 I just started reading the Narrowboat Summer by Anne Youngson and it is delightful. About two random women that find themselves navigating a canal boat for a few months. Such a perfect book to sink into during this time.
💛 I could use any suggestions for Chicago food places to try for takeout!
I just looked up the word hygge, and wow that is a great. I want more hygge in my life!
I listened to the audiobook "The Little Book of Living Hygge" driving around in December and it was the absolute best thing. There's a "CAKE WATCH" part that I especially connected with. 😁💕
Don’t look too hard into the whole “who is in what grade” thing in Friday Night Lights. The math does not add up for some of them (like Landry, and in what world is S1 Tim Riggins a sophomore?)
Seriously!! Every season, I'm confused... 🤣🏈
Congratulations on the move! Your new place is looking so cute! And that view from your desk. WOWzers. I hope Chicago is the very best city for you!
Thanks Christy! Good to see you on here and I hope so too. 😍
Cannot wait for the Chicago Swipe meetups, they will have to involve deep dish pizza for sure!
And welcome to Chicago, where we sometimes get 3-4 types of weather in the span of a few hours, but always, the wind!
Giordanos is great pizza, and if you're near a Portillos, they're great as well. We just had both Stan's Donuts and Do-Rite Donuts build stores near us (within a 10 minute drive) and I highly recommend both as well, though I personally think Do-Rite has the best old fashioned donut ever.
Chicago has some great takeout places!
Send ALL the recommendations my way Amanda! Are we friends on IG yet? I'm barnold165 -- yes! Today was one of those weather days. I thought FL was like that, but today was absolutely magical. Love those giant snowflakes.
I'm def more of a Lou's fan than Giordanos (although you will never see me turn down a chance for pizza!) 🍕 and I basically grew up on Portillos! I've already had them delivered once, but fairly certain I can walk there. Going to check out these donut recs as I'm ALWAYS down for that. Need a bagel place too!
CANNOT wait for our Chicago Swipee Events with our dear presi Megs!
Dang, I’m jealous of your viewing of FNL for the first time! I’d love to go back as do it all again! Enjoy!
I'm excited I finally have the time for some pandemic viewing! It's been on my list forever. Some of it doesn't hold up quite as well, but the journey is sure fun!