2014 National Stuttering Awareness Week

Who knew when I had Nate, that his birthday would fall during National Stuttering Awareness Week and he would stutter?  Nobody!  But, it does!  This week is National Stuttering Awareness Week and today is Nate's 12th birthday.

Nate is extremely kind, compassionate, intelligent and giving.  He loves his family and will do just about anything for his siblings. He has a strong love of soccer, and plays his hardest on his club soccer team.  He loves to serve on the altar at Mass, and his favorite role is carrying the crucifix during Mass. He's also musical, and excited that we are looking for a string bass for him to call his own this summer.

He is my selfie partner, the child who will always care for me when I'm not feeling well, and is the most empathetic of my three children. He will go out of his way to make sure others feel included.  He is a thinker, and is always considering how others feel, as well as how things work.

Today, we made a video about stuttering in honor of National Stuttering Awareness Week.  Here it is!

Sharing Arizona with friends

Last week, I let the kids play hooky from school! It was well worth it because a friend of ours, Sarah, was in town from frigid Boston.

We had the good fortune to meet Sarah thanks to the National Stuttering Association, where she takes charge of many of the kid activities at the annual conferences.  Over the last 3 years, we've gotten to know her better and think she is awesome!

She stutters, and is an ELL teacher, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of the NSA.  When Nate's teachers mentioned earlier this year that they couldn't imagine a teacher stuttering, I wished I could teleport Sarah into their classrooms so she could show them that it was no big deal!

One of the things that I like about Sarah is that she is extremely kind and considerate towards everyone. She really takes the time to listen, especially to kids! She has taken a genuine interest in my 3, but I know that if you asked any parent whose kids spent some time with her they would say the same thing!

We were excited to show her the Desert Botanical Gardens during her stay in our lovely, warm state and she and her sweet friend had a great day.  My kids shared their wealth of knowledge about Arizona and I know that if nothing else -- the sunshine and warmth were highlights of their day.

On our way home, Lydia piped up from the back seat -- "I really like Sarah's stutter!" and Nate said "I liked being able to spend the day with someone else who stuttered!"  It reminded me again how grateful I am that we found the National Stuttering Association.  It's allowed us to meet the most amazing and wonderful people and build fabulous friendships.  Along the way, we've learned quite a bit about stuttering -- mainly that it just doesn't matter if someone stutters!  No matter who you are, or what your gifts are, all that matters is how you treat others.

Sarah is a shining example of a wonderful person that I'm glad my kids look up to.  She makes our world a better place. If she didn't stutter, we probably never would have met -- so I'm also grateful for Nate's stutter and her own!

Stuttering is Cool Book Review

I have mentioned Rossi's book, Stuttering is Cool, before on the blog -- but Nate just made a video review of the book that he wanted me to share!

You can find the book on etsy by following this link!

Can't Wait! #NSAinAZ13

Wordless Wednesday -- soccer camp

Tell Me Thursday -- this boy

I don't have a favorite child, but when I'm sick -- this child is my favorite child.  He is the most caring, most empathetic, and most gentle person to have around when you're not feeling well.

I know -- what a surprise! -- but I was sick again this week.  This time, the entire family came down with a stomach bug.  Nate got it a day earlier than I did, so when I was feeling like a truck hit me, he was the one who made sure I had drinks and even made me Jell-O (and now you know another secret about me -- when I'm sick I crave Jell-O.  I also craved it throughout my pregnancy with him.)

He also quietly played with his sister and plugged in headphones to the television so the sound wouldn't disturb me.  None of which I asked him to do -- he just knew what to do.

This picture is of him visiting his grandfather in the hospice last month. He's also the only one in my family who really talks about his grief or asks about mine.  He's one special kid, and I am honored to be his mom.

Thanksgiving & Room Renovations

A few weeks ago, I pushed a bit hard and finally got Bo to agree to work on re-doing the boys' bedrooms.  We had talked about heading to California the day after Thanksgiving, but instead decided to stay home so he could focus on the rooms.  We decided to start with Nate's room -- paint, rip out the carpet, lay down laminate floor, remove the too-tall platform bed and build a new, shorter platform bed.  (While I say that "we" decided, please know that ALL the work was done by Bo. He's awesome)

On Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I received a phone call from the school nurse.  I rushed over, picked up Nate and took  him immediately to the ER.

He was admitted, and this picture you see was from the Thanksgiving meal he and I enjoyed at the hospital cafeteria.   Yes, it was quite the eventful holiday.  Thankfully, he was released in the late afternoon and we made it home to enjoy Thanksgiving with family.  (That Bo spent all day cooking - so I'm glad we were able to make it home and enjoy it.)

We still aren't sure what is wrong, but life-threatening, scary things were ruled out.  He is weak, and cannot yet return to school. The holidays meant that nobody was open on Friday to start setting up appointments, so we have the first follow up tomorrow.

His dad worked tirelessly on his bedroom and it is 90% complete. The blue stripes are on his wall to look like Shelby stripes (the car.)  It was a ton of work, but it probably gave him a great place to channel some energy as we worry about our sweet boy.

We are hoping that the symptoms suddenly disappear as they suddenly appeared, but are ready to do whatever is necessary.  We are grateful that it doesn't appear to be life-threatening, but we are also hoping for some answers in the coming days.

Hug your kids and loved ones tight tonight. Things can happen in the blink of an eye.

Nate & International Stuttering Awareness Day 2012

October 22 is set aside every year to be International Stuttering Awareness Day.  This year, Nate created a brand new presentation to give to his class that updated the one he created when he was in 2nd grade.  His dad and I visited his classroom this morning so we could watch (and support) him!

He did a great job! He knew the material, and while he most definitely stuttered throughout, he shared some information that was knew to his classmates and even his teacher. The kids in class were all attentive and interested, and asked him some great questions at the end of the presentation.

At the end, he handed out custom "Stutter Like a Rockstar" tattoos I had made.  (It's been awesome being tagged in pictures on Facebook today from some of the people I sent tattoos to!)

One of the questions he was asked was, "Have you ever spoken in front of any other group than your Stuttering Association?"  His answer was "No, but I sure hope to!"  He was also asked if it hurt when he stuttered (he answered "no") and another asked for clarification about the different types of stuttering (he gave excellent examples to explain repetition, prolongation and blocking.)

Here's a quick video Nate made when he got home from school this afternoon --

National Stuttering Conference 2012, VLog

Nate & I were in St. Petersburg last week for the National Stuttering Association National Conference.  I intended to post while we were there, but never found the time.  Nate shot this video the morning we left St. Petersburg.



I have a couple posts I want to write about the conference last week, but I've been working all week and haven't had a chance to gather my thoughts.  Hopefully this weekend I'll have a few minutes to write.

Double Digits

My middle child turns 10 today.  He has been excited for this birthday for a long time, because not only does he turn "double digits", but he is also only 6 years away from a driver's license.  His grandmother said to him yesterday, "You'll wait until 30 to drive, right?" and he looked at her and could do nothing but laugh.

This boy loves his cars.  He always has loved cars -- when he was small it was toy trucks and cars.  During this past year, he has developed a love of hot rods and especially Ford Mustangs. He can recite facts about cars like some people can rattle off their favorite foods. While Mustangs may be his favorite, he watches all kinds of cars and has passed along his ability to spot cars on the freeway to his sister.  If he could, he would like to have us buy him a car so he could spend the next 6 years working on it so it was ready to go when he gets that driver's license.

Beyond his obsession with cars, he still loves all things military and weapons.  He hopes to attend the Air Force Academy and become a pilot.  He prefers non-fiction books over fiction books, but this year he did read a few fiction books that he really enjoyed (Holes, for one.)  He would still prefer to pore through his Mustang reference book, or a book about warriors.

He adores being outdoors and loves that summer is almost here with triple digit temperatures. He likes all things about nature, and loves to explore.

He is generous, compassionate, friendly and kind-hearted. He is always the first to jump and help out with a task. He has a positive and can-do attitude. He truly enjoys being with his family, and he shares very special and close bonds with both his brother and sister.

He also likes to be alone, and can be very quiet and contemplative.  That is, when he's not being loud and rowdy.

I remember the night I went into labor.  Bo had told me earlier that day not to worry about the car seat because I was 4 weeks away from my due date.  Nate, however, had other plans and decided it was time to be born.  My sweet friend drove from the other side of the valley at 2AM to care for Colin while Bo & I went to the hospital.  Of my 3, his was the easiest birth and it was amazing to bring him into the world.

For his birthday this year, he started horseback riding lessons.  He is loving them so far.  Later today, he'll also receive an audiobook, a manga drawing kit and a promise for a new cowboy hat.  Family is coming over for dinner and we'll enjoy his requested dinner of bacon hamburgers and mashed potatoes.  We'll take his picture in front of our inflatable birthday cake.

He requested a plane cake.  I haven't made a fancy cake in a few years (his last was the bulldozer when he turned 6), but the child is turning 10 -- so how could I refuse?  It made for a late night last night, but he'll have a cake that looks like a plane tonight!

Today, on May 15, 2012, I wish my Nathaniel (who prefers to go by Nate) a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

**The first pictures are from when he was 4 -- the youngest pictures I have right now on my computer.  The rest were taken yesterday -- his last day of being 9.**

A Small World - National Stuttering Awareness Week

Yesterday, Nate served at Mass.  He's been an altar server since September, and it's something that he enjoys.

After Mass, we were waiting for Nate to change out of his alb and a man came up to me about the same time that Nate came up to me.  He asked me, "Are you his mom?  Is his name Nate?"  I was surprised, but I answered "Yes!"

It turns out that his wife had recognized Nate on the altar because she had watched some of the YouTube videos he has made about stuttering.  She found the videos because she was looking through the NSA website to find out more information about stuttering, and noticed one of his videos on their site.

We were able to meet his wife, and their 9yo son who stutters.  (Their family also includes 2 daughters -- not to leave anyone out!)  They seemed like a sweet, wonderful family and they were very excited about the conference in July and are hoping to attend.

Nate was shy today, so he didn't talk much -- but I probably talked their ears off about how wonderful the NSA is and how fantastic the conferences are.  (Listen to me -- I've only been to one!  But I still think they are fantastic.)

Without the NSA's website, it's unlikely we ever would have met this family that attends our church.  Nate is the only child who stutters at his school, and their son is also the only child who stutters at his school.  With stuttering only affecting about 1% of the population, it's not that easy to run into another person who stutters.

Nate was nervous about being on the altar today.  Even though he's served since September, he doesn't serve every weekend, and there are 5 altar servers at each Mass.  He is much more comfortable acting as the crucifer than one of the servers on the altar.  Today, it was as though he was meant to be there!

I am so glad we met them, and hope that we have the chance to spend more time with them before the conference in July.  It's always nice to see familiar faces, even though the faces at the NSA conference are some of the friendliest around!

It seemed like a great way to kick off National Stuttering Awareness Week!  And, now Nate feels like a bit of a rockstar!

National Stuttering Awareness Week 2012

Today is the first day of National Stuttering Awareness Week 2012.

Nate, who turns 10 this week, stutters.  He has stuttered since he was about 3 years old.  He has been in speech therapy for 3 years now.

Stuttering is a part of him, but it's just that -- a part.  He has never let stuttering define him and rarely lets it hold him back.

Yesterday, he had his first horse riding lesson.  As we were waiting for the trainer, I asked him if he wanted to mention his stutter to her, or if he wanted me to mention it.  He said he wanted me to mention it.

But, you know what?  There wasn't a need.  It's obvious Nate stutters, but it was also obvious that it didn't matter to the trainer.  She listened to him, didn't interrupt him, and they had a great lesson.  Stuttering never even came up -- and I think that was a good thing.

In the same day, he didn't want to order his lunch because he wasn't very fluent today. That was fine, too, and I ordered his lunch for him.

After his lesson yesterday, he made this video.  It's Nate -- telling you that yes, he stutters, but it is just one part of who he is.

Nate's Thoughts on Stuttering

Today, Nate & I attended the NSA sponsored Stuttering Youth Day event at ASU.  It just happened to coincide with International Stuttering Awareness Day!

We had a wonderful morning at the event (I'll share more in a couple days) and then headed over to a pumpkin patch so the kids get find pumpkins, and then to the Phoenix Food Truck Festival to finish up our long day.  I tell you all of this as a preface, so you know that he made this video after a long day!  He wanted to share his message, though, so here it is!

Stuttering Awareness Day - October 22

October 22 is International Stuttering Awareness Day. The sweet boy pictured above is the reason I even know such a day exists.

Nate stutters.  He has stuttered since he was about 3 years old, and has had speech therapy for the last 2 years.  His stutter never stops him from communicating with others, or sharing his story.  He just keeps trying until he finally is able to get all the words out.

Last October, I saw a mention of a "Stuttering Youth Day" at ASU someplace online.  I looked into it further, and registered for the event.  I had never heard of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) before then, but I wanted to learn more about how to help Nate stop stuttering.

I learned so much at that morning event.  Most importantly, I learned that the important thing is NOT helping Nate stop stuttering -- but to accept his stutter as an integral part of who he is.  I learned about research done about stuttering, and how it is unlike most other speech impediments.  I learned that people who stutter make up only about 1% of the population.  I learned how much my boy liked listening to others who stutter.

That doesn't mean that we don't want to help him learn tools to control his stutter when he makes the choice to do so.  Stuttering affects him physically and sometimes is very uncomfortable.  Many people don't want to take the time to let him finish his own sentences.  Others are just plain rude when he tries to communicate.  But, we acknowledge that he will probably always stutter.  And, that's okay!

Learning about the NSA, and the local kids chapter in our area, has made a huge difference in how we think about stuttering, and what we know about stuttering.  We happily attended events locally, and then made the effort to attend the National Conference over the summer.  Nate has now met tons of people who stutter and he is richer because of it.

Right now, Nate is struggling mightily with his speech.  The speech therapist he had been working with moved to a different school and he's not clicking with the new SLP.  He finds it hard to remember to use his tools and his secondary behaviors are very strong these days (physical manifestations of his stutter that cause him to strain his neck and shoulders and bob his head). We can always understand him, but more often he is asking us to order for him at restaurants to avoid the entire situation of trying to order a meal.

What I know, though -- thanks to the NSA and all the wonderful people we have met through the NSA -- is that his speech will get better, and maybe even worse.  But, there are those who will support him.  Help him.  Those who are just like him and struggle with fluent speech.  He can be in touch with others who truly understand what it's like to stutter.

Tomorrow , Nate and I are attending our 2nd Youth Day Event.  Nate is looking forward to it, and plans to wear his sea-green shirt (the awareness color for stuttering)  We'll both proudly wear our "Stutter Like a Rockstar" bracelets.  We'll learn more about stuttering.  Meet more people who stutter and those who love those who stutter.  Most importantly, we'll be reminded that we are not alone.

Click here to read more of my posts about stuttering. 

Tell Me Thursday - Oscar Winner

It's very possible that you don't recognize the man sitting with Nate.  He is David Seidler, and he won an Oscar for his amazing screenplay for The King's Speech.  He was also the keynote speaker at the National Stuttering Conference this year.

Nate chose to skip the kids' workshop in order to hear him speak.  He told his life story -- of how he stuttered as a child, how he and his family evacuated England during WWII, how he coped with his stutter.  He shared his story beautifully, and I learned a lot about him that I didn't know. He shared that he had promised the Queen Mother not to write King Bertie's story until after she had passed away, and also that he felt it was a mistake to re-release the movie with a PG-13 rating.  (The original movie is rated R for language.  He felt it was completely appropriate in the scene where it was used, and felt that it took away from the story to remove it.)

During his speech, he said "love and support are more important than mechanical devices" when thinking about how to help people who stutter.  I have to say that I wholeheartedly agree with him! 

He was also extremely gracious and took time not only after his speech, but also the following morning to sign autographs and pose for pictures.  This picture was taken the morning before we headed to the airport to fly home.  Definitely a special memory, and a wonderful picture!
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2011 NSA Conference Video

This video was shown at the closing ceremony at the National Stuttering Conference last week.  The gentleman who put it together is very talented, and it is a great video showcasing the fun of the conference.  Nate is shown in a couple different spots, but most noticeable around 4:15.  He was embarrassed when he saw the video, but I love his enthusiasm.



If you're a person who stutters, I can't recommend attending a conference enough. What an amazing way to connect with others who stutter, in an extremely supportive and educational environment.  The conference is in Tampa, FL next year!

Stuttering Conference

Nate and I got back last night from the National Stuttering Association's Annual Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.  It was the first conference we attended, and we had an amazing time.

I have attended various business conferences in the past, but I have to say that the group of people we met at the stuttering conference were some of the nicest, kindest and warmest people I have ever met at a conference!  It was 3 1/2 days of smiles and friendly greetings.

The conference welcomes all ages -- from kids who stutter through adults who stutter and those who love people who stutter.  I was extremely impressed that there were workshops and sessions catering to everyone's different needs and interests.

Throughout the conference, there were sessions set up for the kids ages 7 - 12, as well as teens.  Nate got to meet a cowboy and his horse, practice his roping skills, learn how to juggle, and tons more! While he was in these sessions, I was able to choose from sessions geared specifically to parents, or I could attend sessions geared to adults who stutter or sessions presented by researchers and those who work with people who stutter.  I was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices, but I was grateful that there were so many choices!!

It was interesting to be in groups of parents whose children stutter (and also may stutter themselves), but the research-lover in me also loved being able to learn about the research being done in the stuttering community.  As an added bonus, we also had the amazing opportunity to listen to David Seidler (Oscar-winning screenwriter of "The King's Speech) and were even able to get his autograph.  (more on his speech in a later post and also some of the things I learned)

Nate and I arrived in Texas a day and 1/2 before registration and had the chance to wander around Fort Worth and enjoy the sights.  While the conference was wonderful and I hope we can attend as an entire family next year in Tampa -- I think my favorite part was spending 6 days with Nate one-on-one.  We ate out, talked a TON, enjoyed exploring the streets around the hotel, and watching shows about guns, cars, and insects (just like books - he prefers his television to be non-fiction.)  It was an extremely special experience to spend all that time with just one of my children and get to know him a little better than before.

Before leaving for Texas, Nate knew he wanted a pair of cowboy boots and a cowboy hat.  On our first day there, he found both and was thrilled. He's trying to put on his tough cowboy face in the picture above, but trust me when I tell you his face was more often broken into a wide grin during our visit.

A couple people recognized Nate from his YouTube videos, and while he tried to act humble, I know it thrilled him.  When we talked about the conference, he did say to me "I didn't really learn anything about stuttering -- but it was cool to meet so many people who stuttered!"

I think that's what the conference is all about.  The chance to be in a room filled with others that are like you in a pretty significant way.  The NSA conference made that happen, and they did it wonderfully.

Stuttering Article in Raising Arizona Kids

In April, an article I wrote about local stuttering support groups was published in a local parenting magazine.  Since Nate & I are leaving in a few days for the National Stuttering Association Annual Conference, I thought it would be a good time to share the link to the article -- The Kid's Speech.  

This morning, I woke and am finally feeling like myself again.  For the first time since early May.  I was committed to our trip to Texas no matter how I felt, but I will admit that I am grateful that I am finally feeling better.  I expect things to be back to normal shortly! 

I'll be blogging about our trip and the conference, so keep reading!

Tell Me Thursday - Amazing!

This picture is probably the most difficult to discern of all my "Wordless Wednesday" posts.  What you're looking at is a photo collage and a stack of golden trophies.

On Saturday, very dear friends of our family came over to help celebrate Nate's birthday.  They came a little early, and gathered everyone in the living room so they could present something to Nate.  Their sweet, oldest child made a little speech and handed Nate this photo collage, the trophies, a card with a note and a check for an amazing amount of money.

They know how important the National Stuttering Association is to Nate, and how important attending the annual conference this summer is to both of us.  My dear friend has brainstormed with me a little about fundraising ideas, and I was putting any further efforts on the back burner until the kids were out of school.

What I didn't know is that my friend was planning something and kept it a secret from me. This wonderful family arranged a car wash asking for donations to help Nate and I attend the conference.  It was a complete surprise to us!  My friend made the effort to get information from the NSA about stuttering, contacted people to let them know about the car wash, made posters explaining their efforts, arranged for a location and then her entire family gave up their Saturday to wash cars and raise money.

Just for us!!

The photo collage shared pictures of their efforts with us. The golden trophies were signed by all the wonderful people who had their cars washed and donated money.

To say that we were blown away is an understatement.  We are privileged to be blessed with such wonderful friends and we can't wait for the conference in July.

I met this sweet woman 4 years ago when she swept into my house carrying food and groceries after Lydia was born.  She can always make me laugh, astound me with  her generosity, and humble me with her positive outlook.  She is a fantastic mom. Our children count each other as best friends and her oldest is always quick with a smile and a kind word.  Her husband is a hard-working, friendly, kind man who we are lucky to count among our friends as well.

This is a very public THANK YOU to this sweet family.  We appreciate all of your efforts and are glad we can call you friends.  Nate and I are looking forward to the conference in July, and are so thankful that we have the money we need to make the trip!!

Happy Birthday Nate!

Nate's First Birthday

My sweet, second child turned 9 today!  He was as unexpected as my first, but at least this time I knew about my pregnancy at the very beginning.  We were moving into this house in October, and my sister came from out of state to help.  I was so tired that I kept falling asleep on the couch in between runs from the old house to the new house.

She mentioned "Maybe you're pregnant" and I blew it off as unlikely.  A couple days after she left, I had to tell her that she was right!! 

Colin wasn't a year old yet, and when Nathaniel was born a month early, that made them 18 months, less a day, apart.  Unlike his siblings, I wasn't sure of his name until he was born -- but now that he has been with us all these years, I know I chose the right name for him.  His name means "Gift of God" and this spirited and dedicated child is definitely another gift from God in our lives.

Nate is a young man that is conscientious, generous, kind and loving.  He is always quick to help others and doesn't shirk from hard work.  He has a sensitive spirit, although he likes to put on a face that he doesn't. He likes to work with his hands.  He loves the outdoors and heat. He is intelligent, and when he puts his mind to it, does very well on spelling tests.

He loves to play sports and looks forward to the start of the different seasons.  He is finishing up Little League this week and can't wait for club soccer this fall. He always tries his best and gives each sport his all!

He loves his family very much.  He and Lydia are so close that they often fight with each other, but you can see the love anyway. He and his brother are still extremely close, and I hope the three of them retain that closeness throughout their lives.

He chooses friends who are kind as well.  He is well-liked by his classmates, and teachers.

This year was his first in the school system, and he adjusted beautifully. His grades put him at the top of his class, and his great attitude made him a favorite of his teachers. He is still working hard at speech therapy and learning tools to lessen his stuttering.

He has blossomed into an advocate for the stuttering population by sharing his presentation videos, as well as always being willing to educate others about stuttering. He never lets him hold him back.

He is friendly and outgoing and while his stutter sometimes slows down conversations he never backs away from talking with others.

He's my child that I would choose to visit museums with, because he is thoughtful and interested when visiting them.  He likes to have the space, time and peace to fully appreciate the things around him.

I'm lucky that he still hugs me goodbye in the morning, and hugs me goodnight.  He won't kiss me out in public, but if I catch him in the moment sometimes he will still hold my hand.

Today I wish my "little one" a very Happy Birthday!  He celebrated with his friends yesterday, but today it's about family.  He requested lasagna for his birthday dinner and I was happy to make it for him!  It's been wonderful watching him grow through the years and I'm eager to see what he does next.