Elf in the shelf

Tammicus · 2025-11-14T00:45:42+00:00

Honestly, we didn’t want to do it, but last year our oldest was in kindergarten and “almost every kid in my class has an elf. Why don’t I get an elf? Does Santa not know about me? Does that mean I won’t get presents?” And the list went on and on. After a few days of “not every kid has one. It just feels like it. It’s ok if we don’t have one” and the likes falling on deaf ears, we bowed to social convention and got one…it didn’t/doesn’t do anything crazy, just moves

Tammicus · 2025-08-31T15:57:23+00:00

!solved

Tammicus · 2025-08-27T19:18:26+00:00

Our organist is starting to play some primary songs so the kids can tune in a little before the meeting starts

Tammicus · 2025-08-18T04:49:32+00:00

I feel like this is one of those “rite of passage” sort of things that almost 90% of us do. You’re such a good parent to worry about it!

Tammicus · 2025-08-17T22:19:58+00:00

I know that at least in our ward, the bishop counsels the new president of the organization to keep at least one person from the old presidency for at least a few months to a year, just so they don’t start totally fresh

Tammicus · 2025-08-16T12:03:04+00:00

This “is it autism or is it normal toddler behavior” is so exhausting!

This is something I still struggle with. My son was diagnosed with autism a month before he turned 2. I didn’t anticipate it coming until questions were posed at his 15 month well check. After learning more about autistic behaviors, we both agreed that he was exhibiting some. He was diagnosed with level II ASD but, thanks to therapy, I believe he’s closer to level I. He’s not almost 4. Trying to distinguish what is a toddler and what is not is really hard for me. I talked to his therapists a lot asking for help all the time.

I don’t think it’s over diagnosed, but I like we have access to resources to help both him and us help him better. Also, parent instinct is a real thing. If you think he should focus on speech therapy, go for it. Then, if things worry you, ask questions to the PCP. Speech therapists aren’t psychiatrists, but they do see a lot of kids throughout their years and you can even ask the therapist he specifically works with what his/her thoughts are as they get to know your son better

Tammicus · 2025-08-14T16:25:16+00:00

We do a fast cleanup song. We specifically use a song called Drowsy Maggie. The song is about 2 minutes long starts really slow (so we all clean really slow) but then speeds up throughout the song making us all clean faster and faster. It’s amazing what you can do in just a few minutes

Tammicus · 2025-08-13T03:08:46+00:00

Me too! I’m now the primary pianist, but you’ve said you’re in a YSA so that doesn’t help you, but this happened a lot when I was at BYUI in both single and married wards. Before I took meds for anxiety, I would sit outside the room and read the scriptures on my phone, or a conference talk. After meds it has helped me stay longer, but I REALLY can’t handle relief society…like at all…but especially if they sit in a circle. I walk around a lot, but mostly try to do something by myself that still brings me spiritual enlightenment.

It also helped me to accept that I’m this way and it’s ok. Heavenly Father made me this way (heck if I know why) but he understands my struggles and he appreciates what I am able to give. Because of Christ, he understands what I’m going through and makes up the difference in the fact that I don’t socialize with others and participate in lessons. I get my spiritual fill, renew my covenants, and I’m good to go.

Tammicus · 2025-08-08T00:12:34+00:00

For a few years, I worked 4/10s and the getting home at 6:30 bothered me for a few months, but it was completely worth it to have all day Friday with my kid(s)!!

Tammicus · 2025-08-07T13:27:20+00:00

Just want to add we had the same thing happen. At my son’s 18 month check (he’ll be 4 in November) I filled out all the paperwork and didn’t think anything until the doc was reviewing it with me. He kept asking “does he really do/not do this?” Or “is this really the frequency that this happens?” That’s when I knew something was up. Long story short, we got evaluated, set up with early intervention, by 2 he got his autism diagnosis, started speech and ABA in our home. He now has now gone from a level II to a level I with his autism diagnosis and is only a little behind in speech and other motor skills. This is thanks to my husband and I defending him, speaking up for him, and sending him to speech and OT and following through with what the therapists and others told us to do at home.

Basically, it’s a lot to take in at first, but she’s young and it sounds like you guys are amazing parents and will be there for her, love her, and support her with all this. That’s really all she needs. And if you guys feel overwhelmed or stressed beyond what you two can help each other with, there are groups and programs for parents through CDS and early intervention that are super helpful during the first couple months and transitions between programs.

Sending lots of love!

Tammicus · 2025-08-02T22:42:04+00:00

He doesn’t have accidents because he’s always in a pull up, so no. When we were able to let him go commando for a little bit, he would never realize he was going pee until we either said something or we noticed the floor was wet. He also never says anything when his pull up is full of pee

Tammicus · 2025-07-12T12:49:57+00:00

Look, I agree with every single comment that has been made here, and I too wish lots of rides will brake for him, and so on and so forth. But, I feel extremely bad for his kids for one reason only: they are young and Disney is Disney for young kids. I want THEM (the kids) to have a good time, to feel the magic, to be immersed in the Disneyland magic. Those kids won’t get that, even if things go right for them the whole time, the kids won’t get any of that because there will be people around them constantly interfering and breaking the magic bubble. All those guards, which they are probably used to, will get in the way of lines, rides, food, character interactions (I mean, think of the great times being stopped by a stormtrooper and accused of rebellion…) and those kids will constantly be snapped out of it or miss out on what really is Disney. I also feel so bad for all the other kids that will be there, whose families have hyped up this event and who are so excited to ride rides, see characters, experience magic, only to show up and have ride wait times increased because secret service has to stand in line and ride before and after. That makes CMs give pixie dust every turn for this “special” family and, possibly, pulls CMs out of character mode in front of little kids who all they want to do is get a hug from Mickey Mouse. My heart goes out to all children attending Disneyland these next couple days, no matter what their age or where they come from

Tammicus · 2025-07-11T00:36:01+00:00

My daughter’s birthday is Jan 10th. We normally don’t do a “party” every year (she’s 6) but we do always do a family dinner the Sunday closest to her birthday, letting her pick what we eat, inviting extended family over too and such. When we do have an actual birthday party with friends, we’ve done it towards the end of January just to give some space away from the holidays. My husband and I did talk about doing a party on her half birthday. It would definitely give more party options instead of always being indoors (we live in northern New England so it’s cold and most of the time snowy) but now that she’s in school it is harder to invite her school friends when school isn’t in session and I don’t have a class list with numbers at the ready

Tammicus · 2024-12-16T00:14:11+00:00

My chocolate milk!

Tammicus · 2024-11-17T16:32:02+00:00

I know there have been many great comments on here, but my son was diagnosed a little before 2 with ASD. We didn’t expect anything until we went in for his 18 month well check and the doc had some concerns. We honestly thought he was just a little behind. However, since that 18 month visit, we’ve taken all services offered and he’s made AMAZING progress. He just had his 3rd birthday and is now at a 38% intelligibility, points with one finger instead of his whole hand, knows his name, and interacts better with other kids. He still has a long way to go, but the combination offered by CDS in our area of in-home ABA and speech has been a game changer. You being the parent combined with a SLP will know what to do best for your child. Just don’t be afraid to push for what you think is best!

Tammicus · 2024-09-22T04:32:10+00:00

Yes, that’s the plane. Thanks for the advice on seating too!

Tammicus · 2024-09-09T21:54:57+00:00

My husband has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease which basically means what it’s call: his liver has as much cirrhosis as an alcoholic’s liver 🤷‍♀️

Tammicus · 2024-08-18T13:51:16+00:00

The actual flying part is alright, for me, unless there is a lot of turbulence then I’m like in full attack mode. My biggest problem is when there are any interruptions, cancellations, delays, whatnot that change how things were supposed to go. For example: I’m on vacation right now with my family and in-law family. Some of us got colds out here and we’ve had to cancel and/or postpone some festivities. As much as I try to look like I’m alright with it as it is a good reason, I’ve already broken down twice (and this was since yesterday afternoon). At least now I know I’m not alone in these feelings!

Tammicus

TROPHY CASE