Control What You can Control

I had the honor of speaking to a room full of mothers a few weekends ago. To say it was a group of amazing women is an understatement. These moms are strong, resilient, brave, kind, and have the ability to find humor and joy even on their darkest days. They are no stranger to disability. Or stepping into the role of nurse/therapist/teacher. And driving to and from therapy centers. Living in waiting rooms. Children’s Hospital. And living on hope. They became advocates simply by giving birth. They inspire me. These…

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I Just Live It

We were sitting with the realtor about to discuss what we were looking for in a new home. I know she wanted to know about bedrooms and bathrooms and location. I didn’t care about that stuff. Not really. In the grand scheme of things that stuff wasn’t a priority. “We can’t be near a busy road. The house has to have a fence or the ability to add one BEFORE we move in. And most importantly, we cannot, under any circumstances, be near water. Non negotiable. I worry about windows…

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He is Home to Me

My middle son has been having some big feelings lately. He is 8 years old and sandwiched in between two very big personalities. I think sometimes it can be lonely to be the easy one. His dad and I are working for hard to make sure he knows how magnificent and treasured he is. Last night a movie on the couch with popcorn and tickles. This morning a doughnut date, just the two of us. And lots of conversation. Which is the best part in my opinion. I love hearing…

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They Walk

See these two boys? They are brothers. One is 10 and one is 8. They both have birthdays coming up and at least once a day I hear… ‘First Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Cooper’s birthday and then mine!’ This family loves their birthdays. This photo may look like no big deal and when I snapped it, as the little brother walked his older brother into his first day of school this year, I remember pausing and thinking…this is it. This is what I prayed for. Every day. While driving. In…

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His World Makes Him Happy

Let me tell you about this boy. He is one of a kind for starters. Which is one of my most favorite things about him. He dances to music no one else can hear with courage and joy. He is more himself than any person I have ever met. Unapologetically. But he also comes with some pretty strict rules. Ones he has created himself. He does not stay up late. Nope. By 9 pm he is in bed every night. He watches the same movies on repeat. And has since…

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Thank You for Ordering Forever Boy

Now that the dust has settled on my book cover reveal, I want to say the sincerest thank you to everyone who purchased a copy of my book for preorder. And thank you to all of those who hopefully plan too! Sharing our story in the hopes to help others had always been my dream. I can say for certain that the beginning of my journey into autism would have been entirely different if I had found someone who I could relate to. This book will do that for you.…

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The Story of Us

We have lots of new followers here! Welcome to our little corner of the internet. We are the dad (Jamie), the mom (Kate), and the littles. Cooper is 10. – Lover of trains. Sawyer is 8. – Protector and hockey player. Harbor is 2. – Wants to be a T-Rex. Wynnie is 3 months. – Perfect addition to our family. We talk a lot about autism over here and how our family has settled into it. We aren’t perfect and have made lots of mistakes but we do our best…

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Forever Boy is in the Top 100 on Amazon!

I don’t know if it’s going to go away so I want to post this right now as I dance around my living room with my kids! #83! Forever Boy cracked the top 100 on Amazon! This is all you and this absolutely amazing community! Thank you so much for believing in me and our story. For following! And for ordering a preorder copy! It’s such a huge deal that a little old mom from Minnesota made it this far. I am humbled. Thank you for being with me on…

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My Biggest Cheerleader

Sawyer: Mama, I told everyone at school about your book and that they should buy it. Me: You did? That’s awesome. Wait. Do you know the title? Sawyer: Yeah. Of course I do. It’s about my brother. Me: So what’s it called? Sawyer: Cooper. Cooper’s Voice. Er. Um. Finding the Boy. Forever. Me: Yes. That’s exactly right. Nailed it. My biggest cheerleader. PS. Forever Boy is number 44 on Amazon. That’s of all the books. Like all of them. I am humbled and honored. I don’t think I can ever…

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Thank You for Learning About Autism

I want to say the hugest, most heartfelt thank you to each and everyone of you who has supported me and my family on this journey. I know that so many of you have fallen in love with Cooper and our story. Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie too. And of course Jamie. 8 years ago I sat on my couch in Duluth, MN and I created a blog. I named it Finding Cooper’s Voice. And I truly had no intention of anyone every reading it. I poured my heart out to…

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