Tag Archives: Melody Kraemer

Autism Awareness

By Melody Kraemer

As adults, we seek understanding and knowledge of special needs. We teach our children to read, write and spell. We also teach them to be kind, loving and giving. However, we need to start educating all children about disabilities too. We hear of Autism and know some things about it, and somewhere, it seems everyone knows someone with a child on the spectrum. So when you hear Autism, you are familiar with it. But is that familiarity shared with the younger generation? 

 If we teach Awareness that others are different and God created each child special, then I believe we would have fewer stares and pointed fingers. Plus, have people not get scared or worried when an autistic child is around.

They may even stop asking, “What’s wrong with him/her?”

If we teach the kids now to be understanding and loving towards the special needs community, then as they grow older, they become more compassionate with more understanding, maybe more so than their parents were. If we kept this going through the generations, could you imagine the awareness level of Autism? That is something spectacular to think could happen.

Right now, we have to continue to bring awareness about Autism and educate; I dream that one day that all will understand and be aware of Autism, and we no longer have to bring Awareness.

In the meantime, I’m bringing Awareness where I can. 

I am doing the 2023 Autism Acceptance Walk on April 30th. If you want to join my team, here’s my link https://autismsocietyiewalk.flipcause.com/secure/team_fundraiser/MTc0OTkw/12667

Also, please donate if you are inclined to do so with the link above.

John 15:12-13. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

 Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k. Tik Tok @lifewithmelodyk and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

Growing Up

By Melody Kraemer

We all have heard the phrase, “growing up is hard to do.” But what is even more challenging is watching your kids grow up. They get a little older daily, and you aren’t needed in their lives as much. They reached that Preteen age where yesterday you were “mommy”; today you are “mom.”

What happened to the bright-eyed kids excited to go outside and play? When did they get so big that a kiss goodbye at drop off school is a no-no? Now it’s screen time, video games, and friends.? When it used to be, I’ll miss you, mommy, along with the biggest hug.

Yes, watching babies grow up and move on is heartbreaking, but as a parent, we do our best to raise our children to be good humans out in the world while trying to protect them from the evil around them. All we can do is love our children unconditionally, just as Christ loves us.

As a mom of six, I have four that have flown the coop, and I am so proud of them. I take great pride in who they are. Watching them grow was hard, but letting go was the hardest. My two youngest, who is autistic, will be home for a while, though watching them grow, get bigger, and want to be independent is hard. Hug your babies, cuddle, hold them, and carry them, because one day will be the last time they will be held in your arms or on your shoulders. And before you know it, you will be mom/dad or even Bruh. Every day I’m thankful I still get called mommy here and there.

Proverbs 22:6 NIV

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k. Tik Tok @lifewithmelodyk and Facebook.com/autismmomadventur es. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

Happy New Year

By Melody Kramer

Happy New Year. Another year has come and gone. Be happy, be blessed, and be thankful. I was sitting here thinking and mentally beating myself up for the goals I had set for myself that I didn’t achieve for 2022. Also, for the projects that I said I was going to do and didn’t get done, and for all the time I wasted worrying.  But this verse came across my mind. 

 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I am removing all my anxiety from what wasn’t done or completed to what was done and accomplished. It doesn’t matter if it was on my list of resolutions. Life sometimes seems to take a turn, and what we plan to do is not always what direction God wants us to go in. 

The backyard project may still need to be done. But Spending moments with my kids and seeing them laugh and enjoy life is so much more than a New Years’ resolution that I broke. This year I vowed for 2023 to laugh and smile more,  love deeper, pray a lot harder and walk a little slower and enjoy every step of the way without worrying about what got done or didn’t get done.

Happy New Year to you, and may you take time to smell the flowers, watch a bird fly, count the stars, smile at a stranger, and hug your kids any chance you get, Be blessed, my friends. Have a wonderful New Year.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k. Tik Tok @lifewithmelodyk and Facebook.com/autismmomadventur es. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

December

By Melody Kraemer

How can it be December already? So many things I wanted to accomplish this year, and yet the year is almost over. The days may seem long, but the year goes by fast. 

I feel so overwhelmed and anxious at times. However, some of it is beyond my control. I need to relax more and say, “Jesus, take the wheel, please.” 

It’s December, the busiest month of the year, but it shouldn’t be. Many of us get caught up with the hustle and bustle of the season. The twinkling lights, the Christmas tree,  Elf on Shelf, Christmas parties, the decorations, the Christmas goodies, and the holiday events are all nice but let’s stop for a moment and  remember, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.”

I have burned myself out trying for that perfect Christmas, and each year all the kids remember is being together or that box they played with for hours on Christmas morning. Sure I am anxious and overwhelmed because time goes by way too fast. Although when it comes to Christmas, it doesn’t matter if only the front half of my tree is decorated, or if we don’t have lights in the yard. I am blessed to be surrounded by my family, knowing that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” 

Luke 11-14 KJV

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k. Tik Tok @lifewithmelodyk and Facebook.com/autismmomadventur es. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

Prayer

By Melody Kraemer

Every morning I wake up and thank the Lord for another day and always ask to protect my family as we go off for the day in our separate directions.

On one day last week, I was praying and said Amen. However, I bowed my head again, asked for protection for my family, and said Amen. For some reason, I did this four times this morning. Something in my heart kept telling me to keep praying.

Little did I know what would transpire on this day. But, according to the timeline of this incident, twenty-five minutes after my prayers, I learned that they had lost my boy at school.

The story of events from that morning: The kids all lined up at the gate and were all there, so they proceeded to walk to class. All but one. My son. He wandered off. I am still unsure why the teachers were front-leading the “autism” class instead of behind them. Oh, that’s right; they did mention that the aide, that is usually in the back called off sick that day.

When the teacher told me what happened, it made it sound as if he was missing for a few minutes, but come to find out, he was missing around 10-plus minutes or so before they figured he was gone.

Once they realized he was missing, they ran out and found my boy in another person’s car. He had buckled himself in and wanted to go home. I am thankful for this parent. She was kind to my son. She had to get the principal, and the principal had to coax him out of this stranger’s car as he was asking for mommy.

They told me about it after school. All the what if’s crossed my mind. My heart broke, but I didn’t cause a scene, yell or scream. I drove off and broke down in tears.

At that moment, I knew why I had prayed so hard that morning for God to keep us safe.

Psalm 121:7-8 NIV

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k. Tik Tok @lifewithmelodyk and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

Hurtful Text

By Melody Kraemer

It’s been a year since I received an ugly, mean text. Have you ever had a moment in time, which I’m sure you have had, where someone has done something to you or has hurt you? The first thing I’m sure you want to do is to get back at them or say something. With every ounce of my being, I wanted to reply and say some ugly stuff regarding that text.

To this day, I still don’t understand how someone could use the “F” word in such an ugly fashion and follow that up by wishing I wasn’t involved in my kid’s life. I would never say such an ugly thing regardless of my feelings towards any human being.

But it was said and hurtful; I’m sure this person meant it to be very painful. When I read it that day, it was like a knife going through my heart; how could anyone wish that the mother of their kids didn’t exist in their child’s lives? 

After all this time, I still have not responded because, from the moment I read that text, I took a deep breath, shed a few tears, and listened to what God had to say about it.

Exodus 14:14 NIV14: The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

That’s what I have done. I have been very still and handed it over to God. Remember always, God’s got this. He’s got your back and will fight your battles. He wants you to live in peace and be happy. Put Him in the driver’s seat! Whatever you are dealing with, turn it over to God.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k. Tik Tok @lifewithmelodyk and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

Always Listen

By Melody Kraemer

I met my husband back in high school. When he walked by, my heart did a skip, and I knew I had to meet him.

Neither one of us knew at that moment when we met each other we were soul mates. We dated through school and were known as “high school sweethearts.”

After graduation, his family moved out of state, and I went with them. Over time I got homesick and returned to Calif with him. Eventually, we went our separate ways. He married and had a family, and I married and had a family. Once in a while, our paths would cross. In hindsight, I think it was our hearts trying to find each other.

Years went by, and my marriage fell apart. Also, so did his. Our paths crossed again, and we were married shortly after that. We had been out of high school for 20 years, but the heart didn’t care; the love never faded. Looking back, we have always been soul mates, and God kept trying to put us together, but we were too blind to see.

It’s been almost 20 years since we said I do. I couldn’t be happier. Now, like any other marriage, it’s not perfect and has its up and downs. But our hearts and souls are happy.

Along these 20 years of marriage, we had two boys. They are three years apart. Both of them are on the spectrum. It’s not easy. But thankfully, I am married to my best friend, who is my rock. He’s my biggest supporter and cheerleader. I am thankful God didn’t differ from His plan for us and brought us together.

Lesson learned we need to listen to our hearts and hear God’s word. Regardless if it’s not logical, it will all work out. Who are we to question God’s plan for us?

All I can say is the heart knows what the heart wants, and God knows what He is doing, even though we may not. Being married to your soul mate is the absolute best.

Psalm 37:4-5 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of  AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

Summer

Melody Kraemer

When I think all is calm and I’m finally getting a grasp on things, something comes along that shakes my world.

Oh, these last few days haven’t been easy, though.  It’s summer and the kids are out of school. I have one that will be going into Jr high and one into high school in the fall. It may seem like a small change and butterflies in the stomach entering into a new environment. But…in the autism world, it’s more like buffalos in the stomach, the gut-wrenching feeling of the unknown.

I got comfortable with our team at the school. Yes, there’s a team for my boys. It’s not only the teachers; so many more people are involved. I am sure that trying to schedule an IEP with all involved is very hectic, so my schedule best be open when I get that notice. 

Two new schools, two new teams, new faces, a new environment, new bus drivers, new schedules, and so on have given me more anxiety than I care to deal with.

As I am trying to deal with this anxiety and grasp what is to come, I tell myself, let’s enjoy these summer months and put those anxiety feelings on hold. That’s easier said than done when I realized my youngest, semi nonverbal autistic child, got into my passcodes and decided he wanted to order a $3000.00 playset for the backyard from Amazon. Plus other items he decided he wanted. I canceled all the orders except the $3000.00 one. Having put my anxiety on the back burner, it’s now up front and center. I have to take a deep breath and remind myself  Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Here’s to a wonderful happy, stress-free summer.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of  AutismMomAdventures.com Follow her on Instagram @So_Cal_Autism_Mom_Adventures and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures  For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

Happy New Year

By Melody Kraemer

I don’t know about you, but I am happy to see the New Year. 2021 had many challenges, more than I would like to admit. My husband and I even ended the year with a positive Covid test.
Thankfully by the Grace of God, my boys are fine and healthy.
We made it through Christmas, but the remainder of the year was a blur.
Now onto a New Year, which brings us a brand new slate, a blank book, to write/draw our story and we are the painters and authors of that story.
It’s time to set those goals and figure out what we want for the year to bring. I’m vowing to make 2022 a beautiful year, a colorful one, and create magic along the way. Let’s make those dreams of what we want and think about happen.
Each day, find the good and see those blessings in front of us. Let’s shine and smile more. Let’s all move forward to kindness and leave bitterness, hatefulness in 2021.
Any mistakes, forgive yourself, forgive others, and leave it behind you.
It’s time to move forward and write your most beautiful story ever. I wish you and your loved ones a very blessed, happy New Year.
You are the master of your own story. Write it well, and may 2022 be the year filled with nothing but God’s blessing, and may all your goals and dreams become a reality.
Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) : Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com Follow her on Instagram @So_Cal_Autism_Mom_Adventures and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

He Shouldn’t Have to Wear a Sign

Melody Kramer


It’s my birthday month, and the one wish I have is: I wish every month is autism awareness month. I am not asking anyone to get a degree in autism, but to be aware of a few things. Autism is not contagious, and you don’t need to be afraid around an autistic person nor be mean to someone that has autism,
This past month we had attended several “Halloween” events, and what I witnessed from many led me to my birthday wish.
At one outing where my son was flapping and dancing around, having fun, this woman acted as if my son had the plaque. Little kids came up to him and stared at him, and one even kicked him. My little one has no clue why he was kicked or could even express it hurt, and he got pushed too by one. Why do kids think its ok to bully someone differently?
At another event, my boy was doing his own thing in a pile of corn, the corn pit at Frosty’s Pumpkin Patch. He was lying there covering himself in corn when a child decided to walk across him and stand on his stomach. My boy looked at him as I yelled to get off of him. A few minutes later, the boy came back and jumped on his legs. Just because he doesn’t scream or say anything doesn’t mean he’s not feeling it.
Be kind. Teach your children to be kind. We are all created uniquely. None of us should have to wear a sign explaining ourselves. We all should be accepted.
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
2) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com
Follow her on Instagram @So_Cal_Autism_Mom_Adventures and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures
For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

A New School Year

By Melody Kraemer

A new school year! Who is ready? I have enjoyed these past summer months with my kids at home, and it seemed we were off to some adventure almost every day. 

It could be that we subconsciously are making up for the summer before when we were in “lockdown.” The summer, let alone this year, has flown by in a blink of an eye. Now the kids will be starting school, and though that much-needed break between us is probably needed. I will miss the lazy days of sleeping in, the swimming, the extended sunshine days, no schedules, and all the downtime. Now isn’t that what summer is all about?  

In a few short days, we will buckle back down and get back on our daily schedule. It won’t be easy, and granted, I should have stayed on a schedule during the summer, but my kids needed this break and had only a few short weeks of summer. With my boys having ASD, autism spectrum disorder,  they attended ESY (extended school year). So these few weeks of summer were precious to us, we enjoyed them and made as many memories as we could.  

My youngest will even be going back to school with a brand new look. He decided to find his daddy’s beard trimmer and start shaving his head. There’s never a dull moment in our world, now onto the next season of life. Reach out and let me know if you are ready for school. 


Ecclesiastes 3:1
1. For everything there is a season, and a time for every a purpose under heaven


 Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of  AutismMomAdventures.com

Follow her on Instagram @So_Cal_Autism_Mom_Adventures and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures 

For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Autism Mom: This Little Light of Mine

By Melody Kraemer

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let shine.  I sing this to my boys almost daily to remind them that they have a light within them and let the world see it. 

 Being autistic, they may not fully understand the concept of what I am singing, but I know they are taking it in. 

 I pray my boys will grow up and be confident, have strength, follow their hearts, know they are essential in this world, and let their light shine. 

 I also take to heart that I need to shine my light and walk and talk with confidence. Not everyone I run into is kind or understanding of my boy’s ASD. On social media, some people could be mean and rude behind their keyboards.

At times I have been defensive, or I feel defeated. I get unsure of myself, and I question things.

I know I am the best mother for my kids though I let people dim my light or shake my confidence from their nasty words. I have to remind myself who I am. I am a child of God and I don’t need validation from anyone. We all have a light inside of us, so let’s go out and brighten up the world and let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

  Deuteronomy 31:6: 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”


Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of  AutismMomAdventures.com

Follow her on Instagram @So_Cal_Autism_Mom_Adventures and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures 

For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Autism Mom: School Lunches

Melody Kraemer

Philippians 2:4 NKJV.

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.”

My boys and I go out almost every day to pick up school lunches. If anything, it gets us out of the house for a bit and gives us a break from on-line school.

On this one particular day, as I turned down the school street, there was a car in front of me that was going very slow. It was obvious this person was looking for something or someone. I just drove around them and proceeded into the school.

I was anxious to get the school lunches and get home before school started again. I still had to drop off something to a friend of mine, but she lived just right behind where the school was. 

As I left my friend’s house, I got in my car as a car pulled up beside me. They rolled down their window ( it was that same car in front of me at the school going slowly). She asked if I knew how to get to the school. ( I was confused a bit since she was right in front of the school.) I started to explain to her to go down the street, turn right, turn right again, and go to… I could see her face was saying, “what?” 

At that moment, I said, follow me. So I had her follow me to the front of the school. I pointed to the open driveway to get in, and I made a U-turn to go home. My son asked what I was doing, and did I know her? I said, no, I don’t know her, but whenever you can help someone do it. He said, I bet she appreciates you getting her to the school. I replied, Well, we may just have answered her prayer. 

“Remember, whenever you’re in a position to help someone, be glad and always do it because that’s God answering someone else’s prayers through you.”

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Autism Mom:Frustration

Melody Kraemer

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

“6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I’m frustrated, are you frustrated?  I wake up, click my heels together, and say, “I wish we had  school on campus.” Though nothing happens, maybe it’s because I’m not wearing ruby red slippers. Does anyone know the way to “OZ?” 

Distant learning is not something my kids are not getting adjusted to at home.  I know it’s hard for the teachers and staff as well. The principle of their school stated this is all uncharted waters, but everyone is doing their best. 

Some children are probably doing wonderfully, though not the case in many families. I know how these parents feel, I am one of them. Have we looked at the impact of how it’s affecting our children, on the spectrum or not? 

Many children I have interviewed have expressed that they are angry, sad, bored, miss their friends, and are scared. 

There are so many emotions flying around for our little ones.  

We always think our children are resilient and happy in their childhood. But on the contrary, they are experiences far more than they may be showing. Kids may not be open to how they are feeling, for not wanting to disappoint mom or dad. 

Kids may think they don’t want to share their feelings since mom and/or dad may already be upset over this pandemic. 

Some kids can’t even express what they are feeling.  As parents, we need to hug our children more, reassure them they are awesome, and we will get through this. It’s time to remind them they will see their friends again and never give up hope. It’s a time to remind them God is in control and won’t leave us. We have to remember kids may not share their feelings fully, so sit down and have a heart to heart with them, if that’s feasible. If not just stay as positive as you can.

Staying positive is not always easy through this pandemic. For me anyway, but I see my children and look into their eyes, and it confirms they are trusting me to protect them, love them, and stay positive. So I smile and remind them they are the absolute best, and we are in this together along with everyone else. We all need to keep praying, keep loving, and stay positive. God is good and will take care of us and we should not be anxious about anything.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Autism Mom: School

Melody Kraemer

Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths“

We had made it through March, April, May, June, and July, and we anticipated August. August was when school was going to start. It may not have been the traditional full learning days or even five days a week, but we would be back on campus.

Every day my little one asks me for school. I told him on August 10th. That was my mistake; I had high hopes. As the days got closer, the excitement got higher and I was so happy for him.

He doesn’t understand why he is home. He doesn’t understand anything about this pandemic around him. All he knows is he stopped going to school. I know he misses his daily routine, his classes, his teachers, and learning.

Every day he would tell me, “We go school August,10th!”

Then one afternoon, the governor came on and declared it was not safe to go back that only distance learning will take place until at least the end of August. Sadness filled my heart and the worrying about how I would explain this to him crossed my mind as I looked at my little boy.

Now I am all for safety and health, so when it is safe to go back, we will go back to school. Though try and explain that to an autistic child. 

I have to tell him his teacher is sick, that is why he can’t go to school. That statement does satisfy him. Thank goodness, he understands that much.

I am frustrated that distance learning will be part of our lives once again, which did not have a positive impact on our daily life back in March, April, and May. My two autistic boys had the hardest time with distant learning, but we will have to make the best of it and see where it takes us. We can only hope and pray that by the end of August, we will be able to step back on to the school campus and move forward. Though until then I have to trust God above and lean on his understanding and not mine. Better days are ahead; I do believe that. 

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Autism Mom: Patience!

Melody Kraemer

Ephesians 4:2 | NIV
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in
love”


Someone once told me that they don’t pray to God for patience because if you ask God for more patience, he will give you more things to be patient about in the day.
With my two boys, I sure don’t need that.


So how do I ask God to get me through the day? I pray for peace and
calmness within myself. My (autistic) boys will jump, climb and put anything
they find in their mouths. They will lick windows, pick up bugs, once my son
put a bee in his mouth!


Some days I feel like I’m a jumping bean watching after them. I find myself looking up to the heavens many times and saying, “I’m losing it here, help.” Usually, by noon, I am so drained, all my patience is gone. Though I know God heard my prayer because at that moment, my oldest boy will come up to me, put his arms around me and say, “Mom, I think you need a hug”. Or my little one who is not much on words will crawl up in my lap and put his head down on me, just at that moment when I feel I no longer have the patience to deal with life. I may get pushed over my limit on patience throughout the day, but I know God is there, putting calmness in my heart. Life and raising kids is all about love, understanding, grace and a whole lot of patience. I thank God daily for the patience I have.


Melody Kraemer is the Editor
and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For
more information or general encouragement, feel free to email
her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Autism Mom: Mother of Two Autistic Boys

Proverbs 3:5-6 New King James Version (NKJV)-
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”


This time of “social distancing” and “shelter in place” has presented challenges for all of us.


The kids are adjusting to a new routine, and we adults are trying to be creative and positive.

My life before “shelter in place.”


Kids attended school. They had homework and weekends off. We went out to eat, attended events, saw movies, said hello to people, and gave them hugs. Family gatherings and seeing friends were a part of our life. Parks, playgrounds, shopping, and socializing is what we did.
After “Shelter in place.”


Kids are home all day. Teaching autism kids from “social distancing” is not my forte. Many tears have been shed, mostly by mommy. Video conference calls have become the norm, and we can have up to five a day with all the boy’s services and school. Masks now has to be worn when we are out. We no longer visit people or go to places. The confusion and lack of understanding bring frustration to my boys.


We are thankful for the technology we have to be able to communicate by all means and even have a face to face talk with loved ones. Being creative, making the best out of the situation, having faith and staying positive is vital. We are taking a day at a time and riding this wave out. Life changes all the time, sometimes more extreme than we would like, but it happens

.
All we can and must do is trust in God above.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Autism Mom: Why the World May Be Shutting Down

By Melody Kraemer

The world is shutting down, so it may seem. Though is it? Or is the universe telling us something? We have been ‘social distancing” for years. Ever since we became the electronic world, people don’t seem to talk nor communicate.

Everywhere you look, people are on their electronic devices. Many people for a very long time have not looked up from their phones.

I have seen people in restaurants on their phones and not focusing on the person in front of them. I walk by people on the streets and they will bump into me not paying attention. Many car accidents I have read are caused by texting. So this social distancing is not new, it’s just now we can’t stand next to each other unless they are six feet away. But let’s be honest, many people never realized there was someone who was standing next to them.

Maybe now we can get a grasp on life and think about what there is out there. There is a world of beauty and people that will smile at you.

Sometimes I felt so alone in a world of people, why because some have no idea who or what is around them. Some never look up from their phones to see a smile in front of them. Or they are too busy worrying about the next selfie to post from where they are.

Now that everything has shut down and nowhere to go, maybe, just maybe, some will look up from their phones and see there’s a beautiful family in front of them and put down the electronics and get back to basics.

Enjoy the quiet moments, smile at the simple things, and have fun by talking, what a concept. Hopefully, on the other side of this crisis, life will be better, friendships and families will be stronger. Plus, the love of electronics will subside and the world will become a more delightful connected place between one another.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Autism Mom: Are You Happy?

Columnist Melody Kraemer, AKA: Autism Mom

By Melody Kraemer

Are you happy? I am. I wake up each day with a grateful heart. I do get questioned at times of how I can be happy and stay positive with so much going on in my life. Plus, raising two autistic boys who need constant care and attention.


I am not saying my life is perfect. I’m not saying I don’t cry most days and I’m not saying life is easy. I am saying I am happy.


But you cry, how can you be happy, another question I get asked.


God chose me to have, love, and raise these two special boys.


They may be a handful and life can be overwhelming though, at the end of the day, my heart is filled with joy and love.


I have the patience that I didn’t know I had. I have learned to be so understanding, and I’ve learned to enjoy the simplest smallest things in life. I’ve learned to stop and smell the flowers, though my little one will eat them if I let him. I’ve learned to enjoy life and be silly, along this autism road I am on.


I have met some of the most exceptional people on this autism road who have become my supporters, my cheerleaders, my sounding block and close friends.


I am thankful and happy every day that God chose this road for me. Did I want or ask for the autism world? No, I didn’t! The autism world chose me. I’m happy despite the obstacles in the road of my life. I have the most amazing kids and the most gracious God who loves me unconditionally and will never leave me and just knowing that is comfort and happiness. “Happiness is not having what you want. It is wanting what you have.” ― Rabbi Hyman Schachtel


Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Autism Mom: Ice Cream

Columnist Melody Kramer, AKA: Autism Mom

By Melody Kramer

“Don’t let your ice cream melt by looking at someone else’s sprinkles” Wow, isn’t that the truth?


 When I heard this the other day,  it was so accurate. I am not sure there’s even a better way to describe not to be envious or jealous of someone’s blessings (sprinkles).
 I used to let my ice cream melt by counting other people’s “sprinkles.”


Having two boys on the spectrum,  it isn’t easy and adjusting to the autism world was something that wasn’t in my plans for my life.  I started to get envious of people conversing with their children. I use to wish that my child could talk with me and hold a conversation.


 I would see people playing with their children and think if I could only do that with my child.  I would see a group of kids playing, and get teary-eyed and think I wish my child could play with other kids like that.


 I spent a lot of time counting the sprinkles of others, but in the meantime, my ice cream was melting.


 One day I decided to look at the heavens above and prayed about it all. The answer came back to count my sprinkles and quit letting my ice cream melt!


My boys are loving, kind, happy, and they may not be able to do all the things out there, but it’s ok. They are uniquely made and have amazing qualities.
My sprinkles, my blessing from above, is precisely that, Blessings!  In no way would I  ever let my ice cream melt again by counting someone else’s sprinkles because I’ve got plenty of sprinkles on my ice cream.


“Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought life would be like and learn to find joy in the story you are actually living.” Quote By: Rachel Marie Martin


Never let your ice-cream melt.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.