Everyday HOPE

We have a WINNER!

Congratulations to MARIA...winner of a $10 gift certificate to Dinners by the Dozen!!
ENJOY!!

LUXURY~ and a treat for YOU!

Sometimes the fast pace life...from housework to homework to carpooling to deadlines just plain gets to me, and I crave a little bit of luxury...some peace and quiet. A chance to get away from it all. Any parent can relate to this, especially if you're coping with your child's special needs.

I read an article recently that talked about the effect of stress on the body. The researchers were measuring the relationship between stress and inflammation. Can you guess the group of people  being studied? Moms of kids with chronic disabilities!

I find that a little luxury can go a long way in helping my stress level. Please understand... it doesn't remove the stressors from my life. But a bit of luxury can certainly make me feel refreshed.

I think luxury comes in many forms. For me, the simplest luxuries are the best! Yesterday, my mom sent her cleaning lady to my house. My WHOLE HOUSE was clean! That's a wonderful feeling. Today, my kids and I are enjoying a day off. They're still in their jammies, and we've all had yummy lunches and a chance to chat and read the comics together. That's a luxury to me, too...uninterrupted down time.

We'd like to throw a little luxury your way, and help you simplify your life a bit. Cooking dinner can be a hassle, especially when you have hungry kids asking, "Moooooom! What's for dinner?!?!?!?!" I've been going to a great little shop called Dinners by the Dozen.  In the span of two hours, you make 12 great dinners, which you then take home and put in your freezer. No grocery shopping, no dirty dishes, no chopping or prep work. It's easy, fast and FUN! Rather like spending time cooking with a good friend.

Carolyn Ritchie, the owner of Dinners by the Dozen, is offering a special discount to HOPE clients and friends. For the next three months (March, April, and May), you can receive $1 off per meal, or 50 cents off per half-meal that you make at Dinners by the Dozen. Simply call or email Carolyn and mention that you read about her on the HOPE blog, and she'll explain how to place your order.

But wait! That's not all, folks! If you leave me a comment here on the HOPEful blog that tells me your idea of luxury, I'll put your name in a drawing for $10 off your next visit to Dinners by the Dozen, compliments of HOPE. The drawing will be on Wednesday, February 20, and I'll announce the winner here.

To reach Dinners by the Dozen, visit the website at www.dinnersbythedozen.com. You can email Carolyn at info@dinnersbythedozen.com or call her at 330-995-6512.

Please note: HOPE doesn't receive any additional discounts from Dinners by the Dozen...I just think this is such a great thing, so I'm happy to promote it. I can't wait for you to enjoy this luxury!

HOPEful workshops this week!

It's a busy month here at HOPE...we're having a great time teaching workshops. Please come and join us on Thursday, February 7 in Chagrin Falls for "Coffee with Katie." We'll be discussing educational planning and learning about the laws that govern special education. The Open Parent Education Network of Chagrin Falls is hosting this lecture.

Later that evening, come on over to Aurora Schools, where we will be presenting "Planning for Progress." Participants will write a vision statement for their child's education and create a notebook for educational record keeping. This is a great workshop for anyone interested in organizing--and making sense of-- all of those documents!  The Aurora Partners for Full Potential is hosting this workshop.

For times and locations, and for more information, please email me at katie@hopeforlearning.com Both of these workshops are free and open to the public. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Thursday!

One word

Gracious! It's  been a long time since I last posted. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.

I love January. For me, it's a time for reflection after a busy holiday season. This year, it's also been a time for rebuilding and refreshing. We've just completed painting our back hall and freshening up a bathroom. It's amazing how just a can of paint and a new curtain from Wal-Mart can make me feel like I have a whole new house!

We have a tradition of setting goals as a family for the new year. This year, we have put a different spin on things...we each have chosen ONE WORD to set the tone for our year. I got this idea from a blog I've been following: www.aliedwards.typepad.com (This incredibly creative graphic designer is also the mom of a very special boy...check out her blog for great ideas and great perspective! )

So...my word is BALANCE

It's a really necessary word for me. I tend to get very intense about things. Projects. Work. Planning. Writing.  I need a little balance to restore a sense of creativity and peace. So...that's my word. Stay tuned for reports on my progress!

What's your word for the year??

Angel Investors

A few years ago, when Suzanne and I were starting up our business, we learned about "angel investors." A colleague told us that this might be a good way to find start-up funds. I wasn't sure exactly what this meant, so I asked my brother-in-law, an entrepreneur. He explained that angel investors are folks who invest in a company without expecting to get a return; they often want to help a fledgling company to get on its feet. They're investing in the community.

As I reflect on the past five years, I realize that we have had so many angel investors supporting what we do...The Turben Family Foundation has generously supported us with their financial gifts, as well as their support. This allowed us to get up and running quickly and efficiently, and it enabled us to reach out quickly to families who needed our support.

We've had other angel investors, too, who have invested their time and talent. One morning, Suzanne and I had an important start-up meeting with community leaders. This had been on the docket for weeks, and we were incredibly excited...and completely terrified! And then... my daughter came down with strep throat. My friend, Julie, came over at the crack of dawn to babysit for her so that I could still attend the meeting.  Our husbands have given us excellent business advice (and have tolerated our increasingly large cell phone bills, as well as our sometimes-long work days!) Friends from our church have prayed for us. Administrators and teachers we respect have offered information and guidance. Doctors and therapists from the community have  referred families to us because they believe in what we're doing.

And we're thankful.

So, this all got me thinking about parenting...we all need "angel investors" in our parenting, too.  The older, wiser neighbor who has been through it all with her kids, and is willing to encourage you. The youth leader who nurtures a relationship with your teen. The pediatrician who takes time to not only get to know your child...but is willing to understand you, too. The grandparents who tell you you're doing a great job with your kids.

Who are your "angel investors" in parenting? Be sure to thank them! 

Walk Now for Autism in Cleveland

On Sunday, September 30, the Cleveland Chapter of Cure Autism Now/Autism Speaks is holding its first ever Walk Now for Autism at Jacob's Field.This promises to be a great event, with lots of time for networking, sharing stories, and having a great time with families. I'll be there...come and visit me at the Resource Tent! I'm raffling off a free IEP consultation (complete with coffee and treats!) For more information on CAN/Autism speaks, visit www.autismspeaks.org

"There's a child between us"

Recently, I attended a school conference at a middle school. The parents called the meeting; they wanted to establish a good rapport with the school staff and gauge the child's adjustment to the new school year. During the meeting, the child's dad said something remarkable.

"Please don't hesitate to call us or email us if you have concerns, or if you feel our child isn't following through on your expectations. We're here to support you and your work...sometimes communication can be tricky, though, because there's a child between us." He explained that sometimes, notes from home and newsletters from school, carried via backpack, can hinder the communication. In addition, a child's version of events might be quite different than an adult's. His desire, he said, is to communicate effectively and proactively, sending the message to the child that all of the adults are committed to hard work and learning.

How wise...and how applicable for all of us. His comments were well-received by both teachers and administrators, setting the entire team up for success.  Good stuff! 

WELCOME!

Welcome to our HOPE-ful blog...we're glad you stopped by! We'll be using this space to update you on special education policies, new technologies, and instructional techniques that really work. More importantly, we'll be posting stories that will inspire you, make you laugh, and make you think...come back often for a dose of HOPE!