Author: Jessica Grono

National Junior Honor Society isn’t easy to join. It is much like a college application. For some colleges, this application might actually be more difficult. Laura has accepted to join the NJHS. It has been an excellent way to celebrate all of her hard work. Laura is a very serious academic student with an awesome track record. She has only once gotten an 87 on her report card. All of her grades exceeds 90, and I’m not even sure how she accomplishes it. I know that I’m extremely proud of her and so grateful to know her. When Laura entered…

Jason’s first school dance happened last night. Do you remember your first school dance? I believe mine was in middle school. Laura’s was in first grade, and Jason’s now was in first grade. It was a high honor to help him get ready and be his mom to accompany him. A few weeks ago, Jason came home from school. He pulled out his orange folder excitedly, and said, “There is a dance at my school!” Jason handed me the cute invitation. With his big brown eyes looking at me he eagerly waited for my response. I said, “of course we…

Teaching is an amazing experience. Employment is a huge obstacle for people with disabilities. I struggled with employment immediately after completing college. Discrimination is real when it comes to disabilities, and please don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I have cerebral palsy, and there is no way to hide it. A physical disability is the first thing people see. Yet, I conquered landing several jobs that are outside the house in the last year or so. Teaching has always been my interest ever since in kindergarten. Teaching is in my blood, but my body doesn’t cooperate with me. Cerebral palsy…

Lighthouse is a symbol of hope, trust, and better days are ahead. Once in awhile, a song will come along and hit you right in the heart. My Lighthouse, by Rend Collective, is that kind of song for me. I just can’t believe that I haven’t heard the song before now. The song is about how a God serves as our lighthouse. He is the beacon when we lost our way. I strive to have a good relationship with Jesus. I listen in my heart His plans for me, and I draw from His strength. The song reminds me even…

Grateful is a feeling that can actually change your life. Let me explain. When someone feels thankful, your spirit relaxes and opens your heart to new experiences. I try to have a grateful heart even when life is difficult. My children are the most reason for my gratefulness. On Sunday, the weather was unseasonably warm for mid January. I don’t like the cold so I always welcome warm weather. After teaching my PREP (Catholic education,) going to Mass, and eating breakfast with my kids, dad and nephew-Jason and I had a fun afternoon! Let the grateful adventure begin Laura and…

Substitute teachers have super powers! Being a substitute teacher is a lot of work, but the pay offs are amazing. I am new to being a substitute teacher, but I am not new to teaching. Being prepared is the number 1 attribute for being a wonderful substitute teacher. It’s all about how ready you are mentally and what tricks you have in the bag. What is a substitute bag? I never thought of a sub bag being so important, but it is! Think of it like this – you don’t have a classroom. Everyday you’re in a different room that…

Do you enjoy animals? I always have for all of my life. I prefer dogs over cats yet I love tigers. My children have grown up with animals since they were born. At one time, we had 3 dogs, 3 cats, a hamster and a fish. I admit three dogs isn’t easy, but two is just right. Unfortunately, pets die and change. Now we are a 2 dog, 3 cat and a turtle family. I can’t imagine life without a pet. My dogs snuggle with me, kiss me and make me laugh every day. The https://family pet shows.com/travels all over…

I think it has been too long since I wrote a blog about my amazing kids. I can say amazing because all kids are truly amazing. Since I see them more because I’m home when they are, I realize how incredibly unique they are. I’m grateful that I can be here to just be in their presence because they are just too neat not to be around. Jason is my amazing first grader Next month Jason is going to be seven. Where did seven years go? Jason is a fun, sensitive and smart kid to be around. His smile lights…

I know February is often associated with love because of St. Valentine’s Day and relationships. St. Valentine’s Day has evolved for me through each year. I’m at the point where the holiday is just getting better! I’m often asked relationship advice and how I met my husband. No, I’m not a relationship expert, but I do like to try to help others. I’m not complaining about my life because I am thankful for everything I have. Although I need to be real with my cerebral palsy.  It isn’t always a walk in the park.  My wheelchair, my involuntary movements and…

January is a busy month! I admit that it hasn’t always been my favorite month because I do not like the cold. I’m always sad when Christmas lights go away and it’s dark outside. I wish lights on people’s houses would extend through March! Everything looks so much more happy and not so blah outside. Alas, I create goals to help everything go faster. When you set goals though, they can make a long, cold and dark month move a lot quicker. I try not to set goals too high or I will be mad at myself for not accomplishing…