RECENT POSTS
Ordinary Life With Down Syndrome
When it comes to Down syndrome, there are two extremes that get represented in our collective imagination most of the time. There’s the exceptional overcomer,
Healing Is Exhausting
Healing is exhausting. At least that is what I’ve been thinking as I’m recovering from oral surgery. I’ve needed my ice packs and my smoothies
Order Your Advent Devotional Today!
Is anyone else out there in a season of waiting? Waiting for healing? Waiting for change? Waiting for your child to get news about college?
Healing: Spiraling Upward?
What if healing is a process of spiraling upward? I know it’s not really a thing we see in nature. We see spiraling downward. The
Penny Sharing in Church for DSA Month
As a part of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Penny had a chance to share some thoughts in front of our congregation on Sunday. She talked
A New Name for Bible Study?
I am wondering whether we need a new name for Bible Study. Maybe this isn’t the problem I think it is. But I wonder whether
October Fun Facts
Every so often, I introduce myself around here for people who are new to this space. I also try to share some things about myself
God’s Love Is the Answer to Depression
God’s love is the answer to depression. I know that’s the type of declarative statement I’m not supposed to make. I know that religion has
TIME | Where Are All the Children’s Books Featuring Kids With Down Syndrome?
We started a conversation over here a few weeks ago about whether or not there are chapter books with main characters who have intellectual disabilities,
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Book Giveaway
{GIVEAWAY CLOSED} Down Syndrome Awareness Month BOOK GIVEAWAY! Enter to win all 9 books, including all 4 of Heather Avis’ books, my memoir, and favorite
S6 E3 | Down Syndrome and Belonging with Heather Avis
“You belong here, as you are, who you are. Come be in this place with us.” Down syndrome advocate and author Heather Avis joins Amy
White Picket Fences Turns 4!
White. Economically stable. Cares about other people. Doesn’t like social divisions. Doesn’t know what to do about those divisions. Afraid that trying to do anything
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Begins
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! It’s a month to celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome. It’s a month to continue to advocate
So Middle School
She is the epitome of middle school. Marilee announced last week that we didn’t need to read to her before bed any longer. She just
Breaking the Anxiety Boomerang
Anxiety is everywhere. I’ve bought three books that reference anxiety in the title in the past month. The pandemic prompted dramatic increases in anxiety in
Mother.ly | I’m a much better parent of tweens than I was of toddlers
I am a much better mom of teens and tweens than I was of toddlers. Or at least, I enjoy being the mother of teens
Communion: The Simplicity of Abundant and Generous Love
In these pandemic-cautious years, I’ve missed taking communion in the front of the church. Now we sit in our pews and pass individualized cups and
Preparing the Child for the Path
Prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child. I really believe in this parenting wisdom. I want to teach them independence.
Why Changing the R-Word Only Matters So Much
Essay Quick Link: New Proposal In Congress Would Remove ‘Mentally Retarded’ From Federal Law I grew up hearing the R-word from other people. “I’m so
Why AP African American Studies Is Important for All Our Kids
African American Studies benefits all kids. The College Board is piloting an Advanced Placement African American Studies Course, and I hope my (white) children have
S6 E2 | A Curious Faith with Lore Ferguson Wilbert
We may sometimes doubt the importance of our questions, but the practice of curiosity is actually a gift. Author Lore Ferguson Wilbert joins Amy Julia