Callie’s Community Project

26/09/2024

Taking a poll- Do you watch TV with subtitles?

04/09/2024

He pays attention to my mental health.

He's a good man.

He reminds me often that we are in this together, but I am extremely grateful that he understands I typically take the brunt of the mental load when it comes to our special needs daughter.

My mental load fluctuates from day to day. Sometimes I can go weeks without feeling overwhelmed but then other times it feels like the stress has no end in sight.

It's in those long lasting hardships I feel him step up and holds us all together. He holds me together.

He's a good man.

I'm thankful to know I don't have to share this journey alone and I have someone who values my role in our very unconventional life.

I will never stop appreciating this man and his unwavering devotion to our family. His ability to mentally meet me where I am and help build me back up will forever be something I'm grateful for.

He's a good man.

24/08/2024

Happy 11th birthday to Callie

16/08/2024

This is a raw moment into our world of special needs.

It looks hard.
Honestly it often is.

But this moment is deeply beautiful to me.

Our daughter has a hard time with blood draws. Just one of the many medical things that's difficult for her.

But having a team that is build for those hard moments makes her experiences that much more manageable.

It seems sad to witness in person, but the knowledge and experience of a well trained team has made all the difference for us. Something I have truly come to value and appreciate

It may not look pretty, but it is whats needed to get the job done. And for that I am thankful that we have this as an option.

11/06/2024

Way to go Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities Training Center on the purchase of a new changing table. We appreciate this so very much!

Holmes DD used grant funding to purchase a universal changing table to make available at community events. The first event where the table will be is THUNDER OVER HOLMES COUNTY on June 29. Look for the purple tent on Court Street.
If you know of an event where this table could be used, reach out to us!

07/06/2024

Special needs bikes and playgrounds hold a special place in my mom's heart, seeing my child experience the same joy as others.
Wishing you all a magical weekend!

06/06/2024

It's finally Summer Break at Callie's house. We were curious if anyone had any fun plans for this summer.

22/05/2024

What a wonderful idea for our little community. Thank you Kendra for seeing the need and being willing to meet it for our kiddos.

17/05/2024

Last week we took a vacation to Florida and had Callie stay at home with caregivers.

It was hard leaving Callie, but I continue to remind myself that taking a break from being the primary caregiver is needed and DESERVED. There is no shame in realizing someone's limitations and doing what is best for them even if it doesn't meet the social normals. So we vacation without Callie.

This also allows us to vacation with our son and provide him with wonderful memories with his parents he might not of otherwise gotten if Callie came.

We rode a plane.
Swam in the ocean.
Went on a boat.
Played in the pool.
Enjoyed dinner out.
We relaxed.

All things Callie could of done. But the time, effort and stress it would take to get Callie to these things would not of been easy. Instead she enjoyed time at home with some of her favorite people doing her favorite things. She was not forgotten, she was loved on even more.

We all deserve a break, no matter how big or small. I will never stop thanking our wonderful village for allowing us the opportunity to have these breaks.

16/05/2024

We've been busy the last few weeks. But we never stop working on ADLs at our house. Check out this video of Callie this morning putting on her own slip on shoes. Right before I started recording she hollered at me "Watch!" and then her "I did it!" at the end just made my day.

01/05/2024

Last Friday I had the pleasure of helping during the bottle rocket launch at my son's school. It was honestly one of the most fun things I've gotten to be apart of in awhile. The excitement and joy on the children's faces will forever be a core memory I hope to never forget.

When it came time for the 4th grade class to participate I couldn't help but watch the kids just a little more intently then the classes that went before them. Callie would of been in their class had she been "typical" and I try to soak up every minute I get with kids her age.


I listened to the girls snicker and watched as the boys kicked rocks at each other. I smiled as they truly enjoyed launching rockets and secretly wished Callie could of gotten to participate. I appreciated my time with them. It's a happy reminder to me as I get to see where Callie would be at developmentally and socially at the age of 10.

Years ago I found it difficult to be around other children Callies age. The difference between them was too much for me and would often make me sad. I'm not sure what changed, but since then I've learned to appreciate the season of life Callie is in and value the opportunities I get to be around other kids her age.

30/04/2024

We are back.... We sure missed everyone!

Callies dad and I spent the last few months helping each other heal. Who would of known a heart surgery for dad and a hysterectomy that resulted in complications for mom would take so much out of you. It was a long and tiring few months but boy are we glad to be back on mend.

We wanted to give a heartfelt thank you aswell to our wonderful village whom stepped up over the last few months bringing us meals, offering care to our kids, and just dropping in to see what we need. We are beyond grateful for our village.