Category Archives: News and Events

Throwback Post: In the High Desert With Cornichons and Peaches

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**THROWBACK POST**

August 22 2013:

So very grateful to have the opportunity and option for Thomas and Lillian to attend High Desert Montessori! These are two of the quotes on the walls in Thomas’ building.

Thomas loves going there and loves his teacher, Mrs. Nicole. Lillian is happy and I love everything about it. This is our 2nd year at HDMS and it was such a relief to get rid of the constant back and forth about Lillian and her IEP at the traditional public school. Her IEP went from over 30 pages to about 7 pages when we moved to HDMS.

Thomas did have some rough bumps last year, but since he switched teachers after Spring Break last year, it’s been wonderful. Plus, over the summer the Friends of HDMS bought the building Lillian’s class is in AND the office building next door! Now, we’ve got the room for a HDMS High School (currently stops at 8th grade). YAY!! We LOVE HDMS!

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Cornichons! Bought these thinking they were just tiny pickles. WOW! They are tart! The more I eat em the more I like em! Definitely a different flavor. Just did a search online and found: Cornichons are pickled French gherkins and not cucumbers. They are related but not the same plant race. YUM and You’re Welcome!

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August 22 2012:

YUM!!! Thank you Kimberly Phipps-Nichol for always thinkin of Team TLC when you have too much fresh food … Yummy maters, fresh peaches and nectarines and even some delicious dried peaches!! Lillian took some of the dried peaches in her lunch today and I had the heirloom tomato and a fresh peach today with lunch … My mouth and tummy were happy dancin!!! I’m grateful for YOU and for yummy fresh food!!


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August 22 2010:

Poultry Seasoning – breakfast of champion monster trucks.

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August 22 2009:

Bloody Mary, boiled shrimp (tip: boil shrimp in beer (yummo)), salad, glass of wine, dancing with kiddos & step-father (Frank)! What a GREAT evening!!! YeeHaw!!!!!!!!!

Throwback Post: Conversation Adventures at the Team TLC Casa

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August 22 2013:

Conversation adventures at the Team TLC Casa …

Adventure #1: Lillian in the backseat after school excitedly (and sometimes grumpily) trying to tell me something. Very hard to understand her so I ask her to slow down, repeat the 1st word and many times I have to tell her I just don’t understand. She wants to sign to me in the rearview mirror .. not a good idea! Then the kicking of the seat begins and escalation of her voice. Poor Thomas still gets bewildered when she does this.

Adventure #2: Thomas simply does not want to listen to Lillian sometimes … She insists on telling him all of her aches and pains and other tidbits. She gets frustrated and asks me to tell Thomas whatever it is she’s trying to tell him. Tonight at the table, she asked me to tell Thomas something. I told her he’s at the table right next to you, I think you can tell him. So, she did. I think she gets used to asking me to tell him things. Many times he understands her better than ME!!

Both adventures sometimes end in the little lady lashing out at us. Do I complain about this or am I sad or angry about this? Absolutely NOT! I am grateful that Lillian continues to try and speak, actually does speak and has the tenacity to get da** mad when someone is not listening to her! Rockin the Conversation Adventures at the Team TLC Casa y’all! 


(July 2013)

Throwback Post: How Do I Love Thee – Maria Montessori

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August 22 2014:

Maria Montessori and High Desert Montessori School… How do I love thee? Let me count the ways … Seriously. Many years ago in my imagination I had envisioned the perfect school and learning opportunities for Thomas and Lillian …

Poof! A little while ago, back in the 1800’s, an amazing woman had her own ideas and with her vitality made her ideas a reality. I’m so grateful and blessed she did and that about 13 years ago a few people in Reno had the vitality and vision to create HDMS. Back to school night for upper elementary last night (Lillian) and it was FUN! Those teachers are some seriously kick bottom amazing and fun people!! Got a list of the homework assignments … LOVE!!! (see below)

Not only that but BOTH buildings are now fitted with solar panels. Last year they saved $30,000 due to the solar panels at the lower elementary building. Even bigger ones were installed over the summer for the middle school and attached office suites. Wahoo!!!

In line with the school motto this year of “Our Attitude is One of Gratitude” … I’m overflowing with gratitude for so many people and all the way back to 1870 when Maria Montessori developed her theory!!

Throwback Post: Sweetness and Kindness

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August 23 2013:

After we got home from The Romano Casa tonight Thomas did all the things I usually do to get the camp-out-in-the-living-room set up (they get to camp out in the living room on the weekends).

Then he fluffed up two pillows on either end of the couch, went and got the bamboo plant out of the Reiki Oasis room and set it next to the couch. Told me to close my eyes and come lay on my tummy on the couch. Then he massaged my back with the car massager thingy!

I am infused daily with the sweetness and kindness of these two kids …. Blessed and grateful I get to be their Mom! After he got into bed he told me he knows why I’m so tired sometimes …. xoxo


(August 2013)

Happy 16th Birthday to Thomas Darnell

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November 13 2021

On this day in 2005, the world was blessed with an amazing human. Thomas Arthur Darnell swam into the world during the hour of 9:00 PM PST.

I was blessed to live in an area that had an OB with midwives who built a Birthing Center attached to her offices. It also happened to be less than a 10 minute drive from our home. When contractions moved along, we met the midwife at The Birthing Center, she filled the large bathtub, I melted into the comfort of the water, and shortly after, Thomas joined us.

We were there for about 3 hours, and then back home in the comfort and coziness of our own home. This is a cherished memory, held close to my heart.

Dearest Thomas,

I know most parents say that having a child, being a parent has changed their life for the better. Even that their child has taught them the true meaning of unconditional love. I join other parents in embracing this message.

If one were to look at my life before you, and the years after you became a part of my life, one would see drastic changes. These are not mere words I say to fill the page of your day of birth message. They are truer than true.

You continue to open my eyes and heart to the true meaning of embracing all people, discarding archaic language and thoughts that serve to hurt others, and following one’s heart. Whether that following is a hearty “Yes”, or a solid “No. How liberating is that??!!

I am overflowing with joy that you joined our family on this day in 2005, deeply proud of you, and excitedly looking forward to your future. You are an amazing and wonderful person.
Thank you for being my son, Thomas.

Happy 16th Birthday!!

I love YOU!!
Camilla
Mom

November 13 2021

Key lime cheesecake cups with lots of lovely gifts. 😋😋😋 The Romano Duo and Robert joined us, but I completely spaced on photos of them, or with them! Ugh!

Thank you to Grateful Gardens for the amazing raw, vegan cheesecake cups. They were perfect!

Thomas got t-shirts, posters, book of piano music, computer stand, a custom photo book, homemade card, and money. He is very happy with his gifts. 🎉❤️❤️❤️🎉 (He has a hard time smiling with the Herbst appliance in his mouth. Makes it difficult!)

Plus the photo book I made: https://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/interests/blank-canvas-26102580?vk=OhyKmXWORxWW4ZKpR6O2

2021 Stanford Neurodiversity Summit

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November 7 2021

Perhaps I’m emotional this morning, but I’m listening to the welcome presentation at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit (online), and am in tears. So many sessions that apply to each member of Team TLC. Amazing content! Mental health (suicide), gender identity, careers/entrepreneurship, occupational therapy, and much more.

This session has been amazing! I’ve been listening to this summit all day. I feel seen. I feel validated as a parent, and as a person.

November 8 2021

This is a vital, important topic. Good, informative session.

November 11 2021

Excited for Thomas!! He has his first session on Monday.

Halloween 2021 with a Chromosome 18 Dance Party

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October 28 2021

Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society Halloween Zoom Dance Party this afternoon. So much fun. Love dancing with our C18 pals.

October 31 2021

We had a great time with The Romano Duo to celebrate Halloween. Mom made homemade vegan chili for me and Thomas. So good!!

Then Lillian transformed into the Rainbow Rose Fairy Princess, and Thomas transformed into Sunny from Omori with Something for a bit of Trick or Treating. (The last photo is of Sunny from Omori.)

 

Throwback Post: You Are Not Alone With Fresh Vegetables Under an Eerie Sky With Enthusiasm

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August 23 2015:

Sending so much love, understanding, and “You are not alone” thoughts to those parenting kids struggling with processing emotions and feelings. Three times yesterday in the span of just 5 hours, Lillian had a huge meltdown when things didn’t go as she wanted or planned. I spent about an hour with her each time trying to help.

I was moved to share for anyone else who needs it. You are doing a GREAT job. You are loved. You are not alone. And. Your child (or loved one) loves you for all that you do to help them. I think they feel so out of control and unsuccessful when this happens and your presence lets them know they are in control and successful. xoxo

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August 23 2013:

Stopped by to get oils from my friend Kymberlee Simantel and got some surprise goodies from her garden! YAY! Thank you Kymberlee! Can’t wait to eat em up!

Forgot about this picture I took of the sun yesterday afternoon …. Eerie with all the smoke …. yet still so beautiful!

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August 23 2012:

Finishing our 2nd month of swim lessons … Thanks Grandpa Frank!!

My turn now! I love this new school so much that last night at Lillian’s class parent orientation … I was ready to sign up for everything!!! Had to hold myself back!! I did sign up to be the parent liaison for PTO meetings once a month for Thomas’ and Lillian’s class. I’ve never been this moved by a school and want to be so involved! That is ALL y’all!!


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August 23 2011:

I just love it when all the pieces of our life puzzle just seem to put themselves together when we get out of our own way!! I am truly grateful to the fabulous and awesome people around me – my family and friends, my eWomenNetwork Reno/Carson/Tahoe/Vegas/Sierra Nevadas Chapter friends and my Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society family!!