All That and a Box of Rocks

Living with Autism...The day I Railed at God

2013-04-30T18:02:00.000-05:00

I've hesitated about sharing this story for a full month. It doesn't show off my best personality traits, parenting skills or faith. However, it will give you a glimpse of life with Autism. Plus, it has a pretty cool ending. And since Autism Awareness Month is over for another year, I should post something about Autism...right? I've had a nice, way too long break from my blog.

(Call it twin shock, if you will.)

So this is me, posting late, again....for the win.

A little background...

My two youngest boys have Autism. Thankfully, they are both considered high-functioning. The older of the two has Asperger's Syndrome and my little one has classic Autism/PDD-NOS. My little one is laid back and a bit more social than his brother. He is not the least bit anxious about anything except bugs. My older boy, on the other hand, struggles with anxiety every single day. Transitions of all kinds cause him, and often those around him, great suffering. Most days, transitioning from sleeping to waking starts a cycle of anxiety and resistance that just will. not. quit.

After completing three quarters of the school year, I was exhausted and that's without a single day in the classroom. The months of our daily routine had worn me out. On top of my boy's anxiety, we had a terribly long, hard winter filled with illnesses of all kinds. I was SO ready for SpRiNg BrEaK. MORE than ready. Those daily morning struggles had worn me down to a nub. Add the same transition anxiety and resistance at bedtime (and the occasional breakdown at school) and you can probably understand why I so desperately needed that break. My life had taken on the feeling of "Groundhog Day" and every day was the same. Heck, most mornings we even heard the same songs on the radio. I had become a female Bill Murray, trudging through my days. Not good. Spring Break could NOT come quickly enough! Notice a theme here? Yep, this has nothing to do with how Autism affects my boys' daily lives. This is all about me.

Early in the week before Spring Break, our local weatherman added the possibility of snow late in the week. Snow! Could we possibly get Friday off as a snow day?? An EXTRA day off?? Seriously, the idea of an extra day settled within my weary soul and even as the forecast wavered, I began to pray earnestly for that extra day. I told God how badly I needed that extra day. I never once gave thought to anyone else. I was so selfish. Even so, as we trudged through that week before Spring Break, I prayed for an extra day.

Wednesday night my teenager fell ill. He felt bad Thursday morning, but went to school anyway. He was worse by Thursday night. Since he had to have a doctor's note for any absences, I upped my prayers for that extra day off on Friday. No school meant no doctor's note, no hassle. It was probably just a cold and he could recover with an extra day off.

The weatherman had us under a winter weather advisory for Thursday into Friday morning with little accumulation, but hey...

it could happen...

That night I prayed for just enough snow to cancel school. I petitioned God, "Please, we only need enough for an extra day off and a day for my teen to rest and feel better." How thoughtful of me, right? Or maybe I thought God might listen if I wasn't so selfish...

Me...me...me...

I will just be honest and tell you that I was BEYOND angry when I saw wet grass and walkways that Friday morning. I was livid. I felt wronged and forgotten and unworthy. I felt unloved by the One who loves me most.

Needless to say, my boy went beyond his normal resistance that Friday morning--it was a bad, bad morning. Even my little one was a struggle and that is very rare. And on top of that, my teen was ill with a high fever and asthma troubles.

My anger grew and grew as I stomped around trying to get the little boys ready for school and a doctor's appointment for the teen. And once I dropped the little boys off at the school entrance, (with a fight, I might add) I turned that anger toward the God of the Universe.

I let Him have it. (By the way, you can be honest with God about your feelings. He already knows your heart, so hiding it won't change a thing.) I told him how disappointed I was that He didn't give me that extra day I felt I needed so desperately. That He didn't care enough about me to even acknowledge my request. Not only did He not acknowledge it, He allowed the morning to be so much worse than normal. Of course, I didn't take any credit for my bad attitude all morning--that was His fault, too, as far as I was concerned.

I railed at Him just as hard as I had begged my teen to go to school and 'tough it out' for one day. So sad.

I felt justified. I needed a break. Now.

Shameful.

I returned home that morning just long enough to get the teen and head out to the local minor med clinic. We had visited this clinic all winter and it was always packed. If you didn't get there at 8:00 am, you were in for a wait. We both knew what we were up against that day. It was 8:30 already. I made sure to let God know what I thought about that, too.

The drive to the clinic was silent. I fumed. My teen was in a feverish stupor. He was probably worried about my mental health. Who knows? He certainly wasn't talking to me. We turned into the clinic parking lot. It was empty. Great, I thought. It is probably closed due to an emergency or something. But, no. It was open...and empty. We walked right in and straight back to the exam room and the awaiting doctor.

The clinic was still empty when we left about thirty-five minutes later. Odd. It was the fastest and easiest visit ever. Even the doctor remarked about the oddity of that morning. We were back home in no time with much-needed medication in hand.

Later that day, I picked up two happy little boys who both had great reports that day and smiles on their faces. Weird. Especially after our horrible morning.

And it was officially Spring Break. Hallelujah!!

That night I grudgingly apologized and thanked God for how the day ended. His response was loud and clear. It could not have been clearer if He had sat with me in the flesh and spoke to me face-to-face. This is what He said:

I know you wanted an extra day. I know you wanted snow to fall, but I did not.

I calmed your little boys this morning. You did not notice in your anger at me. Your attitude caused both boys to react to your negativity.

I protected you on your way to the clinic. No snow meant less danger and a safer drive for you and your teen.

I cleared the clinic for you--you did not have to wait at all. Your teen had the doctor's full attention and he got the medicine he so desperately needed.

I allowed a safe drive home and an easy day of rest.

Your boys were happy to see you after school despite your terrible attitude. And by the way...You really need to take time to talk to me when you are stressed and not just when you want something. I gave you these special boys for a reason--I have faith that you can parent them successfully. Do not let yourself get weary. I will carry your burdens.

I care for you more than you will ever comprehend, dear one, but I also care for your teen. You did not need an extra day...not this time. Not more than your teen needed a doctor. And you really needed this lesson.

Ouch.

Thank you, Jesus, for taking my anger and calling me out when I try to take control and do things my own way and in my own strength.

This is me, living and dealing with the reality of Autism, sometimes gracefully, often times, notsomuch...one day at a time.

***I'm thinking about making this a regular monthly feature. Glimpses of life with Autism or Living with Autism--a Parent's Perspective. Parenting Asperger's and Autism can be exhausting. It can be joyous. It can be fun, exciting, scary, crazy....It helps to hear from others experiencing similar struggles and joys. Thoughts?

Wordless Wednesday--TWIN Grandbabies?!?!

2013-03-13T12:30:00.001-05:00

Really?!?!?!

I'm definitely too young for this....

(ETA: Sept 2013)

VeggieTales: The Little House That Stood DVD Review and Giveaway...just in time for Easter!

2013-03-10T17:42:00.000-05:00

I've watched my fair share of VeggieTales movies over the years, and yes, sang those silly songs, too. It is impossible not to love those veggies and the positive messages they teach through animation.

A little over a week ago, my friends at Propeller and Flyby Promotions sent us a copy of the new VeggieTales movie pictured above that was just released on March 5th. My little one has watched it at least once every. single. day. (He's watching it right now!)

It is a great story that starts with the Veggies talking about parables and how Jesus used them to teach difficult concepts to every day people. I really liked that. Here is the promotional blurb about the movie taken from the official VeggieTales website:

The music is entertaining, the characters are funny without that awkward 'over the kids' heads' humor you find in many animated movies. I think our favorite part of the DVD is during the Humpty Dumpty story when his crack gets repaired, but we also enjoyed the two clown builders who helped the pigs build their less than stellar homes. Favorite song? "Solid Stuff" sang by the builder choosing to use bricks and a 'solid foundation'. So cute! But don't take my word for it. Check out the video trailer here:

(Sorry, the YouTube video portal is a little big for my blog setup. )

Now, wouldn't this make a great Easter gift?

Well, you can enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win a brand new DVD of your very own!

Thanks to Fly By Promotions for supplying my DVD for review purposes, along with a second copy to give to one of my readers.

Rules are simple: US residents only, starts NOW, and ends March 15th. Follow the directions in the Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And finally....the legal stuff:

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally or believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

CHD Month Ends with a Book Review...

2013-02-28T13:13:00.000-06:00

Before My Heart Stops is the memoir of Paul Cardall, a Congenital Heart Disease survivor. As a husband, father and talented musician, Paul shared his deepest thoughts on his blog while waiting for a heart transplant. Many of us in the CHD community hung on every post, amazed by Paul's faith and fearful as his health obviously declined. The good news is...Paul received the ultimate gift of a new heart and recovered quickly. He began living, really living, almost immediately. He had lived more than 30 years with a heart similar to my oldest son's, who only managed to survive 9 weeks. Now he has energy and strength. What a testimony of faith! And even though I have never met Paul, it was such a blessing to watch.

Not long after his transplant, Paul compiled his memoir, including much of the inspiring content from that blog. The result is the book I just finished reading. It is beautiful. It is a front row seat of heart-wrenching, scary, sad, maddening, joyous, and faith-filled experiences as Paul and his family waited. It was as much a blessing to read now as it was to witness on his blog in 2009.

Thanks to Deseret Book for supplying a free copy of this book for my review. If you'd like to read it, you can get it today at a greatly reduced price. Today only.... $5.99 for a beautiful hardcover memoir.

This was a wonderful way to end CHD awareness month, don't you think?

Wordless Wednesday--The Toothless Edition...

2013-02-20T13:38:00.001-06:00

Not to mention....EXTREME close-up...

Just look at my big boy missing both top teeth!

Speaking of extreme...

This is his toothless version of an extreme bubble bath.

That's his idea of mega fun.

And he even cleaned up the mess.

It's Not Just Valentine's Day...

2013-02-14T12:38:00.001-06:00

I've never been much of a fan of Valentine's Day. Shouldn't you show your love every day? It's nice to get candy and flowers and cards, but it doesn't have to be today.

I am more than happy to focus my attention in a more meaningful direction--the 'other' Heart Day. Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Day. That's also today. Today is CHD Day!

February is Heart Disease Month; I think everyone knows this. Everyone has seen the "Wear Red for Women" and "Wear Red for Heart" campaigns. Most people are aware of the risks of high blood pressure, stroke, and acquired heart disease. However, people are woefully uneducated about CHD.

In honor of CHD Awareness Day (today) and CHD Awareness Week (February 7-14) I have been posting a CHD fact on my Facebook timeline every day. (Special thanks to fellow heart parent Jim Ferritti for supplying concise, yet meaningful information every single day this month.)

I will share a few facts with you here:

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth.
Common examples include holes in the inside walls of the heart and narrowed or leaky valves. In more severe forms of CHDs, blood vessels or heart chambers may be missing, poorly formed, and/or in the wrong place.
CHDs are the most common birth defects. CHDs occur in almost 1% of births.
An approximate 100-200 deaths are due to unrecognized heart disease in newborns each year. These numbers exclude those dying before diagnosis.
Nearly 40,000 infants in the U.S. are born each year with CHDs.
Over 85% of babies born with a CHD now live to at least age 18. However, children born with more severe forms of CHDs are less likely to reach adulthood.

Many people believe heart defects can be "fixed", never again to be considered an issue. In truth, this is extremely rare. They are not really fixed, but adjusted to better compensate. Most people born with CHD who need surgical intervention will be followed by a CHD specialist their entire lives. If they live, that is...

Thankfully, medical technology continues to make advances despite the lack of awareness and research funding. The chances of a normal life for a child born in 2013 are better than ever. There are great cardiac programs at hospitals all over the country and around the world and they are working hard to develop and perfect procedures which result in better outcomes. It is exciting and scary to think that babies born with CHD are now living into adulthood. Fifty years ago, that was extremely rare.

Even so, babies, children, and adults still die every day from CHD.

These pediatric cardiac programs treat the CHD child's medical issues, that's true, but many also cater to the general well being of the entire family. Just this past weekend we attended the annual Heart Institute Reunion at our Children's Hospital. It was pretty sobering to see so many people affected by CHD gathered in one place. I was not prepared for the emotional intensity in that moment. So many adults, teens, children, and infants strung together across race, geographics, and social status, held together by a disease so common yet so unknown...

I met some amazing families in person for the first time at the reunion, which was pretty incredible. I chatted and reminisced with medical staff and doctors, and brought home a nasty case of the Norovirus. (but we won't talk about that!) All in all, it was a great day. My little one really enjoyed it. Plus, he got a goodie bag and this great t-shirt:

(And no Norovirus...knock on wood.)

One more really cool thing happened last week.

This is the main entrance of my boys' school. See the AED sign? I'm not sure how long it has been up, but not long. I just noticed it last week.

Four years ago, I felt a strong calling to do something to get AEDs in our schools. My little one started preschool and I was shocked (no pun intended) to learn that the special needs preschool did not have an AED. With my little one's history of arrhythmia and his increased risk of future arrhythmia, it became important to me. I had no idea what to do, or how to even begin, but the calling was strong.

In 2011, I learned that Cathy Schweinberg and The Jason Schweinberg Memorial Classic could help me. The Classic raises funds to support the CHD Awareness Quilt Project, wishes for CHD kids, and AEDs for schools. All of this is done in the loving memory of Cathy's son, Jason, who passed away at 17 due to CHD.

I was able to secure a donated AED for my little one's school in 2011. I was very excited! In 2012, I was able to secure another AED through the Classic. Because of these AED donations, our school system had to create a committee to write policy and training plans for the entire system. I am proud to say that because of these donations (at least, in part), all of our county schools now have (or will soon have) AEDs on site. It really thrilled my heart (ahem) to see that sign on the school's front entrance! I am so thankful, not so much that I think my son will need an AED at school--I pray not. But someone in our community will, someday. And now we are prepared.

Happy Heart Day, friends~

Etched...Upon My Heart Giveaway Winner!!

2013-02-01T18:13:00.000-06:00

The winner is....

Comment #1!

Congratulations, Sandy!

Etched...Upon My Heart Book Review and Giveaway!

2013-01-25T13:26:00.000-06:00

I read a really good book last week.

Isn't it a beautiful book? The cover is a perfect compliment to the contents.

As I've said before, January is not a good month for me. As a matter of fact, it is my least favorite month of the year. This book, Etched...Upon MY Heart by Jill Kelly, which just hit the shelves earlier this week, brought a spark of light to my dreary soul. What great, great timing by my friends at Fly By Promotions!

In this book Jill Kelly writes about how the single moments of life...the good, the bad, the joyful, the pain-filled...and every emotion in between, come together to tell our personal and individual stories. We are who we are because of the moments of our lives. The moments we enjoy and yes, the moments we endure.

Jill writes about moments of her son's hard, short life and death at the age of eight years old. She writes about the moments of her daughters' lives. She writes about the moments of her marriage to former NFL quarterback Jim Kelly. But most of all, she writes about how her faith in God has worked all of those moments together for her good to meet His plan for her life.

The main message of this book (to me) is that God is love and you cannot really know anything about real love unless you know God in an intimate way.

I enjoyed the lists of truths and prayers at the end of most chapters. My favorite quote from the book is, "God will break our hearts, but He will hold the pieces. He will cradle us and redeem every tear we cry." Oh, I just could not agree more!

I believe everything happens for a reason. There are no coincidences in this life--that God has a plan and is not surprised by anything we face. Ever.

The moments of Jill's life will have you smiling, crying, and praising God for the moments of your own life. The days are long, but the years are so short, I always say. We have to savor the good, the bad, and the ugly to understand the meaning of life.

You can learn more about Jill Kelly, this book, and the other books she has written by visiting her website, Facebook, and Twitter pages:

Jillk.org

Facebook

Twitter

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now for the giveaway!

My friends at Fly By Promotions were kind enough to offer a second brand new copy of this book as a giveaway to my readers! I've been really sick this week, so I'll make this simple....

Leave a comment to enter. That's it. And blog about this giveaway, leave a link in the comments, and I'll add 5 more entries for you. Sound good?

Open to US residents, 18 years old and up.

Giveaway starts NOW (January 25, 2013) and ends January 31, 2012 at 11:59 PM.

Tell your friends!

**Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

It's 2013 Jump Rope for Heart Time!

2013-01-17T08:55:00.000-06:00

Cade's Jump Rope for Heart page is finally ready!

(I procrastinated a little bit.)

The kids at BES jump next week, Friday, January 25th. We do not have a lot of time!

Cade's goal is only $250.00. Will you help him reach his goal in honor of his little brother, Eli?

You can donate on his page. Just click this link and click the GIVE NOW button.

You can also Paypal me directly if that works better for you. Some people have money sitting in their Paypal accounts just waiting for a good cause like this, but do not use credit cards online. Paypal to me and I'll add it to the page. Just send me an email (button on the top right of this page) and let me know. Please put JR4H in the comment section.

We can take checks made out to the American Heart Assn, but our time is very limited. Email me for the address.

Locals, we can take checks and cash. Just comment on this post or email me and we'll work out the details.

Thank you in advance for helping Cade tell our family's story by participating this year!

No amount is too small! Believe me, we understand that times are tough. If you can't donate, please do not stress about it. You can also help by sharing Cade's page link with all of your friends.

Thanks, friends!

Remember this Post???

2013-01-16T18:13:00.001-06:00

Remember when I posted this post about my 'sticky situation' for Mom Central and Wet Ones?

Well....believe it or not, my entry in the contest was chosen as a finalist! Voting ends this Saturday (January 19th). Here's a linkto my contest entry.

We sure appreciate your votes if you feel led.

On that note, let me acknowledge that yes, I do realize this is my first post of 2013.

Nearly three long weeks since my last post. Happy New Year.

January is a hard month for me. My emotions are all over the place. Forgive me for my absence?

I hope so...

Happy New Year!

2012-12-31T09:30:00.000-06:00

I'm a little early with the well wishes...

I'm making plans for a New Year's Eve family party. My first. We're doing countdown activity bags and the theme is MINUTE TO WIN IT. I've found the game blueprints on YouTube and will have prizes for the winners. In between games, we'll open an activity bag every hour. Here's a link to one example.
Here's another link.< -- Our party will look a lot like this one.

I've never planned anything like this. I'm excited!

Happy 2013!

Wordless Wednesday--Christmas Photography Fail

2012-12-26T23:00:00.003-06:00

This is the sum of my Christmas photography...

A photo of my son's gravesite with his Na-Na now close by.
(So weird for me after 20 years.)

Plus a few shots of my grandson on his very first Christmas...

(My camera flash doesn't work--

the poor quality sorta zaps my desire to take photos.)

Ain't he sweet!

I hope y'all had a very Merry Christmas!

Wet Ones Wants to Hear about Our Sticky Situations!

2012-12-20T12:10:00.002-06:00

My boy likes cake. No, he LOVES cake. His love affair with moist cake and sticky, sweet frosting goes way back. I've posted here several times over the years about his cake escapades.

Like the time he attacked my German Chocolate layer cake. (I thought the coconut icing would keep it safe.)

Wrong!

Oh, and the time he mutilated someone's birthday cupcakes and put them back into the box complete with bites, licks, and just total annihilation.

It was pretty fantastic!

And the numerous birthday posts--with five kids we have a lot of birthday cake.

He really doesn't care who is celebrating, as long as he gets cake.

Sweet baby face covered in frosting. *Swoon*

One thing I've learned to do (finally) is to hide all cake in those snap-on cake carriers or inside the garage fridge. No cake until the time is right.

In all fairness, it's always time for cake in his eyes.

Another tip I've taken to heart? Wet wipes. Lots and lots of wet wipes.

Wet Ones is giving us all the opportunity to share our Sticky Situations along with tips on how to deal with them through their Facebook Contest! Simply log on and share your story and tips, and you can be entered to win an iPad Mini or Six Flags Tickets!

I just entered and it only took a few minutes!

Here’s the link to enter.

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Wet Ones. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

Silence and Support....

2012-12-18T07:07:00.002-06:00

Donate HERE.

Two More Weeks....

2012-12-11T12:29:00.003-06:00

I haven't done a lot of posting lately. We've been pretty slammed with weird, strange, and downright bad news over the past few weeks. The loss of my mother-in-law last week has proven to be quite an emotional challenge, to say the least.

We have managed a little Christmas cheer, but nothing like our normal. We usually buy a real tree, but pulled out an old, very artificial tree from the attic instead. It's looking a little like A Charlie Brown Christmas around here.

The branches are a little flimsy, so I had to use my less sentimental ornaments. I don't want to risk losing those special memories. (I wrote all about that a couple of years ago.) Except for the kissing angels from our wedding cake. Those are front and center EVERY year. No matter what. I used my filler ornaments this year. I like them. It's just a little....generic, I guess. I added some plaid ribbon and some gold lame' ribbon I found at the thrift store.

Pretty.

In all seriousness, it's a nice tree. I'm thankful for it and for what it represents to me.

Here's a clearer shot taken last week with a smiling, brand new 7-year-old.

This fun and sparkly snowman was found in the trash. (I am not above sending a husband or child on a little dumpster diving expedition.) All it needed was a new bulb. The fiber optics add a nice touch.

I love nativity sets and have several. I don't have room to display them all, so I choose a few each year. I also have a collection of village pieces, but with all these boys and the new grandson to boot, I don't dare display them. :) I'm probably pushing my luck with these beauties...

Our mantel is Chrismas Central. This is where the action is. I'm ho-ho-hoping it is strong enough to hold the goodies in all these stockings this year!

I added a few of my Santas and some more plaid ribbon and a framed print-out I found on Pinterest. (Don't you just love Pinterest???)

I planned to monogram our stockings,

but I just don't have it in me this year.

Maybe next year?

For now, paper tags will do the job.

And finally, I added some gold ornaments to my old wreath and jazzed up the front door.

You know.....it's not over-the-top,

but it really is looking a lot like Christmas around here!

Birthday Boy!

2012-12-06T21:40:00.001-06:00

Can't believe this guy is seven years old.

He woke up to exactly what he requested....Patrick.
(and Spongebob, for good measure.)

He was a very happy boy.

Happy Birthday, Eli Punkinpie!

iPad for Eli Upate...

2012-12-04T10:11:00.001-06:00

Thanks to the 40 iPads in 40 Days campaign at Apps for Children with Special Needs and one persistent mom, Eli has his iPad! We are thrilled and so excited about this amazing gift!

A4CWSN started their iPad giveaway campaign months ago. Every week I had to sign up and 'like' app developers on FB and Twitter. I had to 'tweet' about the giveaway and follow people on Pinterest. I'll be honest....I almost gave up several times. The list of companies and individuals grew very long.

The A4CSWN page on FB has over 18000 likes...I know thousands of entries were made in this giveaway. You can not begin to imagine my surprise to see my name on the list of winners!

So...in a few days we will be iPad owners. Finally.

Now he needs the Autism apps for therapy... Will you help?

Christmas Wishes...

2012-12-04T09:19:00.000-06:00

My Christmas wishes are for a better camera. (seriously)

And for a STRONG mantel. Heh heh.

An iPad for Eli??? (Part 2)

2012-11-23T18:30:00.001-06:00

Well, friends...

Yesterday I wrote a long and drawn out post asking my blog buddies to purchase jewelry from The Puzzling Piece to help us get our little one an iPad for Autism therapy.

Due to the urging of several friends, I am retracting that plea and opening a fundraiser at You Caring.

An iPad and Autism Apps for Eli

This website allows people to set up fundraisers free of charge. Every dollar raised goes to the beneficiary. No jewelry to sell, no overpaying. And each person who wants to help can donate whatever amount they are comfortable donating.

This fundraiser is open until January 1st and the money will be used to purchase an iPad and Autism apps for Eli. Please share this link with your friends and if you feel so inclined, your donation is much appreciated.

We are thankful and grateful~

An iPad for Eli??

2012-11-22T15:00:00.000-06:00

Hello friends,

I know it seems like I'm always asking my friends to support my missions....Jump Rope for Heart, CHD walk, Autism Awareness, etc. I appreciate every one of you who has ever read my blog and made a donation or offered a prayer for my sweet boy and these special organizations. I have the BEST friends, far and near, online and IRL!

I hate to ask AGAIN, but... I am. :)

I am trying to get an iPad for Eli. IPads have become THE tool for therapists, teachers, and parents working with kids with Autism. In the few months that Eli's ABA therapist has been using an iPad for his therapy, he has made leaps in progress. It has been amazing to watch! If he had an iPad at home to compliment his therapy with homework, I cannot even begin to imagine how far he might go.

I have investigated several state, national, and private grant programs in hopes of obtaining an iPad and the Autism apps Eli needs. (The apps can be expensive.) I have applied for every grant, program, and giveaway without success. So, I have turned to The Puzzling Piece for help.

The Puzzling Piece Facebook Page

The Puzzling Piece website

The Puzzling Piece was created by a fellow Autism mom who saw the benefits of the iPad and the need in the Autism community.

The idea is simple. If I sell 60 pieces of jewelry, Eli gets an iPad. The problem? I am NOT a salesperson. I do not have a large real-life network.

So...I'm turning to you all...my blog readers.

The jewelry is priced from $20 to $74. (There is also a T-shirt for $25.) If 60 of my blog friends each bought one piece of jewelry, Eli would have his iPad! I have over 400 feed readers....60 is such a small percentage. That gives me hope!

As you each begin your Christmas shopping this Black Friday, I ask you that you take a moment and check out the items at The Puzzling Piece. You can find great gifts AND help Eli get his iPad at the same time!

Items can be ordered from the iPad Challenge page linked here:

http://www.thepuzzlingpiece.com/products_ic.html

Just click the item to purchase. The challenger's name (Lisa Schaffer) MUST be listed on the order for us to get credit. There is a box on the left side of the order page for the challenger's name.

If you can help get an iPad for Eli while shopping for those on your Christmas list, I thank you. It means the world to me! Your $20 can make a HUGE impact on my boy.

Please share this plea with your friends.

Much love and peace~

Place your order here!

Challenger's Name: Lisa Schaffer (VERY important)

And this sweet boy will have an iPad for therapy:

Wordless Wednesday--Thankful...

2012-11-21T11:55:00.002-06:00




How can I possibly list everything?

I can't.

Dream a Little Dream...aka...Eli's Art

2012-11-14T12:06:00.004-06:00

Every morning during the car ride to school, my little one takes pencil and paper in hand to help pass the time. Honestly, he takes pencil and paper in hand the majority of his free time. He is quite the artist.

I planned to post this as a "Wordless Wednesday" post. However, this colorful masterpiece needs an in-depth explanation.

It's a little large for my blog layout, I know. I just wanted to make sure the drawing is large enough for everyone to see the detail that my little one put into his work of art.

This is....

Sleeping Bunny

He finished this drawing in the car yesterday and took it into school with him. Obviously, he was not finished! He felt this particular drawing needed serious color.

Upon his return from school, my little one was very eager to share his finished masterpiece. After several pointed questions, I interpreted said masterpiece. (Sometimes his content is not as...obvious.)

The long, stretched out bunny is sleeping. True, bunnies do stretch out nice and long when they sleep.
Notice his little toes and fluffy tail?

The bunny is sleeping (the stars are out) and he is dreaming about his favorite thing.

Carrots!

He LOVES carrots, and this is why he is surrounded by large hearts.

Love, love, love....

The carrot is the single object in this bunny's dream.

Since this drawing was created first thing yesterday morning, it makes me wonder if my little one was dreaming about a sleeping bunny dreaming about a carrot...

This morning's drawing was of a giant frog with a very long tongue hanging out. On the end of his tongue was a huge strawberry. Above the frog's tongue was a slice of pepperoni pizza. Below it was a large, black bird with bulging eyes, guarding an egg.

But that's a whole 'nuther story.

Shiny Baby

2012-11-03T18:19:00.001-05:00

I have never in my life (and I've lived a while!) seen anyone enjoy a Charm's Blow Pop more than my grandson. He chewed on that sucker until he had no strength left and was shiny and sticky from forehead to feet.

It. was. spectacular.

He went for his first Trick or Treat dressed as a cute little lion.

Then he came home and discovered the candy.

So sweet.

Literally.

Wordless Wednesday--Happy Halloween!

2012-10-31T08:29:00.001-05:00

Excuse me, sir?

(Your bones are showing!)

Is there a doctor in the house?!?!

Yep.

Happy Halloween!

PINGO and the Playground Bully--Children's Book Review

2012-10-18T11:40:00.003-05:00

This is Pingo.

Isn't he cute?!?!

He is obviously, part-human, part-animal. He is also the star of Brandon Mull's new book, Pingo and the Playground Bully, published by Shadow Mountain.

This story is all about the everyday happenings on a school playground. Brandon Dorman, the illustrator, brings the story to life with his colorful and imaginative interpretations of Brandon Mull's lively characters. The story has everything...fictional animals, a dinosaur, a robot, and even a super hero.

Pingo is the imaginary friend of Chad, a second grade boy. The two often spend recess playing with the other second-graders and their imaginary friends. Unfortunately, they all had to learn to avoid Jeremy and his imaginary friend Grunt, the class bullies.

Eventually, Pingo steps forward and invites the bullies to join in on their fun. In the end, Pingo saves the day--Jeremy and Grunt are now part of the gang. Sometimes all we have to do is push our fears aside and speak up to change our situation. What a great life lesson!

Bullying is getting a lot of attention lately, thanks to kids who are taking a chance and speaking up to try and change things. It's never too early to education children about the dangers of bullying. This book is aimed at young elementary children.

My little one really enjoyed this book. The characters and beautiful artwork grabbed both of us, sucking us in until the very end. I plan to take my copy of Pingo to my little one's school librarian. It will be a great way to introduce the younger children to bullying.

You can purchase this book (and many other great books) published by Shadow Mountain Publishers. Click here to visit their website's product pages.

*Shadow Mountain supplied a copy of this book in exchange for this honest review. Thoughts and ideas expressed above are my own. (L.S.-Oct 2012)