As we approach your 3rd birthday I can’t help but reflect back on these past years.
It’s just been you and me from the start.
And although some days feel like an eternity, I still catch myself wondering, ‘Where has the time gone?’
God made me the luckiest woman alive when he chose me to be your mom.
Thank you for your tender kisses, and for your ferocious hugs.
For showing me in return all the heart and soul I have poured into you, and for your gentle ‘I love you’s’ to remind me of why I will never stop.
Thank you for making me a better mom every day.
For teaching me more patience than I ever knew I was capable of, and for still loving me unconditionally in the times I don’t.
Thank you for your strength and perseverance.
For reminding me every day of the miracle of a spoken word, and for giving me every reason to believe in hope for the future.
Thank you for being uniquely you.
For allowing me to step into your world, to see all the wonder, magic, and beauty within, and for your forgiveness in the times I can’t always.
Thank you for the lives you are touching, and the mindsets you are changing.
For these people will now move forward in their lives with a better understanding of autism, and hopefully will walk through society with more compassion because of you.
You and this world of wonder that I call autism have taught me amazing things about life this past year that I don’t think I would’ve experienced if not for you two.
You’ve both have taught me how to turn my grief into gratitude.
Pain into perseverance.
Sorrows into sacrifices.
It’s surreal to say that a little boy so curious and charming like you, and a world I knew nothing about could teach me the most important things about this life.
I’d choose you in every lifetime Kanen.
The goofiest little goober, I love you more than you’ll ever understand.
Samira is a 25 year old single mom to a 2 year old son Kanen Arley. Her son Kanen was diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism in September of 2020, which inspired her to start sharing their journey through My Charming Arley on Facebook and Samirasstella on Instagram.
Mars Wrigley and the company’s beloved M&M’S brand just brought the sweet taste of candy-coated chocolate to Walt Disney World Resort’s Disney Springs.
The new 10,000 square foot experiential M&M’S store features a “Wall of Chocolate,” M&M’S character moments and the chance to mix up your own batch of custom candies. Along with all the candy your kiddos (and the rest of the family) can eat, you can also snag M&M’S-themed merch, such as apparel and mugs at the Disney Springs store.
photo courtesy of PRNewsfoto/Mars, Incorporated
Patrick McIntyre, Director of Global Retail at Mars Retail Group said in a press release, “The biggest brands create the best moments in some of the world’s best places.” McIntyre added, “M&M’S brings more smiles across generations and connects people around the world. Choosing culturally vibrant locations for our new stores is key to Mars Wrigley’s retail expansion strategy to delight our valued consumers, and Disney Springs is the perfect backdrop for the most popular confectionery in the world.”
Don’t worry if you won’t get a chance to browse the store’a aisles IRL right now. If a trip to Walt Disney World isn’t in your near-future, check out the store’s virtual tour experience. Visit MMS.com to “walk” through and shop the candy-covered retailer.
Kick off your holiday season with a family visit to your local Christmas tree farm. These local spots offer Christmas trees of ever shape and size along with fun activities for the whole family like hot cocoa and hay rides. You’ll find a ton of Christmas tree farms in Orange County and a slew more in LA if you are up for the drive. Find the perfect one today!
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Tanaka Farms You'll find Christmas trees shipped in fresh from Oregon along with wreaths, garland and all the holiday decor you need to deck out your house. They even offer delivery and flocking if that's your jam.
Richfield Pines – The Christmas Tree Farm Since 1977, generations of families have made Richfield pines a part of their Christmas tradition. Here you'll find 10 acres of live, fresh, fragrant Monterrey Pines. They are the only Southern California Christmas tree grower with trees in the 15 to 20-foot size range.
Peltzer Pines For generations, Peltzer Pines Christmas tree farms have grown gorgeous Monterey Pine and Leyland Cypress trees. They offer acres of space for you to find the perfect Christmas tree this season. All of their trees are uncut so you get the opportunity to choose your very own tree and have it cut right there on the spot.
3400 Rose Drive Brea, CA
7851 Blackstar Canyon Road Silverado, CA Online: peltzerpines.com
Farmakis Farms Located in the community of historical San Juan Capistrano, this spot is a family-owned and operated Christmas tree farm and certified farmers’ market. As you walk through the field of trees, you have the option of selecting from home-grown California Monterey Pine or Leyland Cypress trees that are still in the ground or fresh Noble, Nordmann, Douglas, Silvertip, Grand, and Fraser Fir trees from their grower in Oregon.
29932 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano, CA Online: farmakisfarms.com
Snowy Pines Christmas Trees Snowy Pines has been serving Southern California for 45 years now. They have the largest selection of Christmas trees over any other Christmas tree lot. You'll find trees from 1-20 feet. They carry Noble fir, Nordmans fir, Grand Firs, Douglas Firs and silver-tips (Charlie Brown trees)
We have a photo wall in my house of black and white pictures from different important stages of our lives. I love the pictures, I love how the wall looks, and I stare at it often. Sometimes I take a moment to really look at it, not just fly by. I usually just look at the kids, but the other day I stared at my face in each picture.
I have no idea what prompted me to do that (I hate looking at myself in general, let alone analyzing a photo of myself) but each face—my face—told a story.
In my wedding photo, I was ecstatic. It was hands down the best day of my life. The picture is of me with my husband during our first dance. I’m beaming with a smile ear to ear…I’m truly happy. We had no time to choreograph our dance, we were barely in the same city, let alone the same room before we got married. But I didn’t care how lame we looked just holding each other and swaying like teenagers—I was married to the love of my life and I was the happiest girl in the world.
The next photo is of my son, exactly seven days after he was born at his Bris (a religious ceremony—and probably the most stressful life event for a new Jewish mom). In the picture, my husband and I were holding him and kissing the top of his head. I looked terrified, my face a complete look of self doubt and uncertainty. Am I holding him too tight, too loose, is he okay, will he be okay, what happens if he cries, what happens if he doesn’t cry, is he too hot, too cold? I literally worried about everything and felt responsible for every single emotion of his—and I was certain I was going to mess it all up.
The next pictures were taken two weeks after my daughter was born. My son was 2 and-a-half years old. My husband and I had a house, a mortgage and two kids. I felt like a real grownup. We could actually afford a fancy studio photographer and fancy birth announcements. I now had two little people counting on me…and I was…exhausted.
In this particular picture of the four of us, I looked impatient. I looked like I had a fake smile and I remember thinking, please everyone just look at the freakin’ camera…just one decent picture. Hoping my naked baby does not poop on me. Hoping my son doesn’t tantrum and refuse to be in a picture, hoping we can get the perfect birth announcement… Thinking: just keep it together people!
Looking back at all these photos, I thought what I would tell my past self, knowing what I know now.
Dear Wedding Day Me,
Remember this day and this feeling forever! The love you have will literally carry you through some dark times. You will be challenged, beyond the point you think you can endure and you will doubt yourself…a lot. Some days will feel like it’s too hard to keep going.
You will walk through fire, sometimes alone, sometimes with your husband by your side, sometimes him holding you and sometimes you holding him. But you will come out the other side holding each other and completely in love! You are stronger than you think.
Dear New Mom Me,
You have so many doubts, everything in you is unsure and worried. That’s okay. Your son doesn’t see any of that. He doesn’t care if you nurse him or give him a bottle. He knows you love him with all your heart and he loves you right back.
You’re his rock, the one he comes to when things go wrong. Tou figure sh-t out and tell him it will be okay. And he believes you ’cause you’re mom. You got this, and…You are stronger than you think.
Dear Veteran Mom Me,
The next couple of years will be tough. You’ll feel like you will never have your stuff together…again…or ever! Your kids will get hurt and you will feel like the worst mom ever. Sh-t gets real. But things get better. They always get better. You’ll walk through fire again…and again…and again—but you get through it, stronger every time.
You will meet many guardian angels throughout the way, in many different forms: just be open to it, to all of it.
Life is messy and unpredictable and so hard for your Type A personality—but you gotta let it go girl! Just let it go and enjoy these fleeting moments. They don’t last. Be present and don’t worry about the perfect picture, because it’s the memory behind the picture that is so much sweeter and better.
And never forget: you will always be stronger then you think.
I'm a mom to 2 busy kids and a pediatrician. My blog is about all things mom, doctor and how the two come together. My goal is to help you find your voice while I find mine and help you become your best version while I become mine!
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has announced it will expand available attractions beginning Mon., Jul. 6. The center originally re-opened it’s doors on May 28 with reduced admission prices and limited walk-through exhibits.
The IMAX Theater, pre-shows for Space Shuttle Atlantis® and Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® presented by Boeing, Shuttle Launch Experience® and more dining options will all be available in limited capacity. The visitor complex will be open for reduced hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
The space center is also adding new ticket options. The new “Explore More” package is now available and includes a free ticket to return for a visit in 2021 for $57 plus tax for adults and $47 plus tax for children ages 3 to 11.
Guests can also add on a space expert-led walking tour through Heroes & Legends that features a number of exhibits. This is available for small groups for an additional $20.
It’s all happening at the zoo. In honor of American Zoo Day on Jul. 1, The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) wants to bring the zoo home to you. Zoo and aquarium fans can visit their favorite animals at AZA-accredited facilities around the country by “walking” through AZA’s YouTube playlist.
Hear from zookeepers, view up close footage of your favorite animals, and go behind the scenes to learn more about each species. YouTube playlists play automatically, so kids, big and small, can learn and be entertained while in quarantine.
Visit aza.org for more information and take a “walk” through a zoo virtually, while learning more about the importance of conservation.
You’ve stocked up on supplies and creative ways to pass the time with the kiddos, but what to do when you need something that you just don’t have at home? Don’t panic! Check out these local businesses and restaurants—filling your needs from coffee to gardening, toys to food, and even wine (really)—offering curbside-to-go and delivery services.
Little Shop has been categorized as an essential business by the City of Decatur due to providing educational materials to those sheltering at home. While their shop will remain closed to customers until at least April 8th, they’re still open for pickup at the shop, home delivery, and online sales. Just order through knowledgeable and helpful booksellers in the shop.
133 E Court Square # A, Mon.-Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 pm.
Planning a Covid-19 Victory Garden or perhaps just ready to spruce up your containers for the spring and summer? Pike's has your back. Just fill out this online form and let them know what plants and gardening products you’d like for your home and garden. A local plant expert at your neighborhood Pike Nurseries will call you within 24 to 48 hours to walk through your request to ensure you get exactly what you’d like. They will provide a quote and finalize your order over the phone. From there you can decide if you’d like to pick up curbside or have it delivered to your door.
Kazoo To You delivers a surprise to your house once or twice a week, based on your selected budget and your children's areas of interest. Currently, their delivery radius is within 5 miles of their store at 3718 Roswell Road, plus Friday deliveries to the Roswell area. Learn more and sign up here.
As parents, we're not stranger to the drive-through. So, getting used to Atlanta's curbside or delivery dining options should be a breeze. Check out this solid list of Atlanta restaurants temporarily offering curbside pick-up and delivery by Eater, but note that it's not comprehensive. Have a favorite spot and a craving for something on the menu? Give them a call. They can advise you of their new pick-up and delivery protocols.
This delightful Westside wine shop will have call-in orders ready for curbside pickup, and every bag will have been previously disinfected. They ask that you either open your trunk or pick up your wine form the designated pick up location. Need help finding the right bottle? The Perrine team will gladly advise you based on your food pairings, wine preference, and budget!
1168 Howell Mill Rd., 404-254-5077
Online: perrineswine.com
Between the wet weather (perfect timing, right?) and the call for social distancing, we’re all struggling to find ways to keep little ones entertained. For inspiration (and a little comic relief), we’re bringing you some ideas from our favorite LA celeb moms. Read on to see how Jessica Alba, Kristen Bell, Jenna Dewan and more are coping with quarantine boredom.
Do we really know what TikTok is? Kinda, sorta—only after a quick Google search. Cool-mom Jessica Alba and daughter Havie bust some moves (is that a thing people still say?), while stuck inside. Here's how to host your own at-home dance party.
A post shared by kristen bell (@kristenanniebell) on
It's a Sign!
Kristen Bell shares a "cool coloring project" by her and her kiddos. Looking for more at-home creative activities? Check out these 30 easy and fun paper crafts for kids.
Break in the rain? Hit the trail (even if it's just around the block) like actress and Your Zen Mama Founder Sarah Wright Olsen. Click through the pics to see what her littles discovered along the way.
The Santa Monica Pier may be closed for now, but LA's beaches are* open—and most likely empty. So Selma Blair and her son Arthur were able to enjoy a solitary stroll on the sand.
*Update: Since we first published this post, many of the area beaches have closed to enforce #SaferAtHome. We're urging everyone to follow the city's and state's guidelines.
When life gives you a Covid-19 lockdown, give your kid a... hamster?? That's what writer-director Kelly Oxford did, though she admitted in her post that Day 4 may have been a bit soon to go "full hamster."
Thinking about getting your kid a pet? Here are the best critters for kiddos, when you don't want a dog or cat.
Do your little ones love books? Do you love what books do for your kids, but hate the $18 price tag on a brand-new hardback picture book? Well, fret no more. If you want to build up your home library of children’s books hit one of the new used book emporiums that have recently popped up around the Southland. Even as new bookstores have closed, these used bookshops have flourished, so take advantage of their bargain prices and build up your book stockpile today!
The Last Bookstore, Downtown
This used bookstore is a good reason to make a visit downtown. The store’s sophisticated buyers stock lots of film, art and language books, but you’ll also find a fair helping of children’s books. The well-curated children’s collection on the main floor covers all age ranges and interests and tends to be in excellent condition. If you’re a pure bargain hunter, head up to the loft, where the funkier inventory is all priced at $1!
Why You’ll Love It: The space is as much a steam-punk art exhibit as it is a bookstore, and the location in a refurbished bank is complete with authentic vault and vintage tile floor.
BOOKOFF, Torrance
This fantastic chain buys and sells every kind of media you can imagine: DVDs, CDs, video games, manga and yes, books! Of the several SoCal locations, the Torrance store in the Del Amo Fashion Center has the biggest collection of English-language books; other BOOKOFF locations specialize in Japanese-language materials. One side of the children’s book aisle has higher-end hardbacks; most of the $1 books are on the other side and they tend to be paperback storybooks (Scholastic editions, etc.). If you head to this location, park near the JoAnn’s Fabrics storefront for the shortest walk through the mall. Note for bargain-hunters: Don’t forget to sift through the pull-out bins below the shelves for hidden goodies.
Why You’ll Love It: Incredibly clean and well-organized, with great customer service, you’ll barely notice this store is selling used goods.
Del Amo Fashion Center
Lower Level #290
21712 Hawthorne Blvd.
Torrance
Piccolo’s Books, Westchester & Long Beach
This chain of used bookstores has taken over former Borders locations and filled them to the brim with used books that are all $1 each. The selection is huge and organization can be chaotic at best, so plan to dedicate a substantial amount of time to your treasure hunting.
Why You’ll Love It: The inventory moves quickly and they’re always restocking, so you’ll find surprises and treats every time you visit. We’ve spotted everything from vintage DeLuxe Golden Books from the 1950s to recent Mo Willems releases.
Piccolo’s Books
Howard Hughes Center
6081 Center Dr.
Los Angeles
The Pike at Rainbow Harbor
101 S. Pine Ave.
Long Beach
$10 or Less Bookstore, Northridge
This store actually specializes in what are called remaindered books, most of which are priced at closer to $5 than $1. However, they do also offer used books and they do have a selection of $1 titles. The selection is not as vast as at some shops listed here, but the quality of the inventory and the overall charm of the store make up for the limited choice.
Why You’ll Love It: The remaindered inventory offers a great array of gift-quality books. If you’re stocking up for birthday gifts, be sure to include this place on your shopping circuit.
Dollar Book Fair, Cerritos
Most of this chain’s locations are a bit of a drive (the nearest one to us is in Cerritos) but Dollar Book Fair is worth a look if you’re in the vicinity and you want to restock your kid’s bookshelves. Seemingly less atmospheric than some of the other options, Dollar Book Fair is a no-nonsense used bookstore with very reasonable prices.
Library Book Sales, Multiple Locations
As dedicated book hunters know, library book sales are some of the best ways to develop your own library, all while supporting a good cause. If you’re ready to branch out (pun intended) from your usual locations, register at booksalefinder.com to get a weekly email newsletter listing the locations of upcoming library book sales near your zip code.
Recent research from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville may have found a way to reduce hallway disruptions in elementary schools, and the answer includes a P-A-R-T-Y!
Walk through any elementary school hallway and you’re likely to see at least few kids slowing down the pack. The study, which was published in the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, explored ways to speed class-to-class transitions and reduce hallway walk disruptions.
Instead of penalizing children who stepped out of line, yelled or worse, the researchers took a positive approach—they played a game. The students were given a goal time to reach during class-to-class hallway walks. Classes who, as a whole, met the goal got a reward letter.
If you’re wondering how the kiddos could see a letter as a reward, the key is in the specifics. The reward letters included P, A, R, T and Y, and that spells PARTY!
The children who got all five letters got a 20-minute party with snacks and games as their reward. This reward-based strategy decreased disruptions by up to 74 percent. Beyond that, it also decreased transition times by a range of 91 to 172 seconds.
Christopher Skinner, professor of school psychology and co-author of the study, said of the research, “It must be a bonus rather than an expected part of the class day.” Skinner added, “And it must not involve a punishment. If the reward is a game of dodgeball, there are going to be children who don’t want to play.” That means teachers need to choose a reward that just about everyone enjoys. And who doesn’t like a party?
