Wordless Wednesday--Second Verse, Same as the First

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Day after day, night after night....

 

I don't need sunshine; I'd be perfectly happy with clouds. 

Just stop with the rain already!!!

Happy Easter to All....and a Little Randomness, as Always

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Nothing makes the days go by faster than time off.  The kids have been on Spring Break this week and it has flown by SO quickly that all I can do is just shake my head.

We've had a good week in spite of all the storms.  We've been to the zoo as a family, we've been to the movies,  we've sat around and watched television, we've played outside....we've thoroughly enjoyed our freedom.

And as you've probably noticed, I've been away from the computer.  It's really hard for me to blog with the busyness of boys all about.   The Nerf basketball hoop has seen lots of action, and the DVD player keeps showing The Mario Brothers' movie....over and over and over.  I have several posts in my head and not a lot of time to sit and concentrate on getting the words down.  Feel free to pray for my procrastination problem that definitely makes things even more complicated!

I have to go cook up some chicken strips now before the boys start gnawing on the furniture, but while I'm gone, I want each and every one of you to have a BLESSED Easter. 

He is risen.

When times get tough....remember....

You may not know what your future holds, but you CAN know who holds your future.



God Bless~

Wordless Wednesday--Double Digits!

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Double digits and the faces of ten....

Cake, as requested:  triangle chocolate layer cake w/vanilla icing and a round top.  (I think he was testing my skillz.)

Time surely flies.....

Winner, Winner, Easter Dinner!!

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Yep, late again! 

Story of my life....

But, better late than never!  Plus, I had a great excuse....this week is SpRiNg BrEaK and today was a family day.  We went for a relaxing day at the zoo with the kids.  (Hahaha, Tracy P.  You were SO right!)

The waiting is over, now.  Especially for comment number 11, chosen by Random.org .  Number 11 is the winner of my Fashion to Figure giveaway!  (Cue the confetti.....)


Comment number 11 comes from a brand new blogger and a new reader....  Kammy at In Dyer Need of Laughter.  (Check her out---she's got a great blog started!)

Kammy gets to choose one item from the Fashion to Figure website priced at up to $30.00. 

Have fun shopping, Kammy!  And leave me a private tweet or a message on FB (or you can click the email button here on my blog) and let me have your contact info and item choice.  :o)

Another Girlie Giveaway... This One is Sponsored by Fashion to Figure!

http: Sp

http://www.fashiontofigure.com/home.asp

Beautiful tops.  Stylish denim.  Bling bling.  Even intimates.  Fashion to Figure has something special....just for YOU.  Yes, you!

This time I thought I'd have a giveaway aimed at Autism Moms (or aunts, sisters, cousins, friends.... )

You get the idea, right?  If you think about it, we are all touched by Autism.  I am the mom of two boys who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.  One was diagnosed at age 2 1/2 with high functioning Autism.  The other boy was diagnosed at age 8 with Asperger's Syndrome. 

April is Autism Awareness Month. 

Autism is a neurobiological condition that affects typical development.

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects 1 in 110 children.

In the US, one in 70 boys is diagnosed with Autism. 

The cause of Autism is not entirely known.

If you have questions or concerns about your child's development, 

please talk to your pediatrician.  Early intervention is crucial. 
To learn more, go to Autism Speaks.


The only 'catch' to this giveaway is you can't be the size of a supermodel.  This is a "Plus Size" giveaway.

When the reps behind FASHION TO FIGURE contacted me and asked about a review or giveaway on my blog, I thought seriously about keeping the goods to myself and doing a review.  After all, being a plus size Autism mom, grudgingly, I might add, I'm not one to treat myself to new clothes very often.

That is more of a chore.

But, I saw where several bloggers are hosting giveaways in the name of Autism this week and I wanted to join in!  Autism mom (aunts, sisters, cousins, friends...) are special people and deserve to have a little stress-relieving fun.  Don't you agree??

So, my friends at Fashion to Figure is allowing me to give one of my readers any one item from their website up to $30.00!  How exciting!  You can choose jeans, skirts, tops, or even jewelry!  Anything for $30.00 or less. 

Keep in mind that I have never ordered from Fashion to Figure and can't make any claims regarding quality, fit, or even customer service.  However, their representative has been wonderful to work with and I am impressed by the selection and variety of items they are offering their customers.   I hope my winner will come back and let us all know how it goes!

Now for the giveaway details.....

• Giveaway is open to everyone age 18 and over
• US residents, only

To enter, simply leave a comment telling me what item you would like to win. (I like those jewel pocket skinny jeans on sale now for $24.99!)
If you have an Autism connection, please add that to your entry comment.

That's it!

Oh, if you want to follow my blog for an extra entry, you can, and if you want to follow me on Twitter and tweet this giveaway (once daily), you can do that, too!  It's totally up to you.  Not required.  Just be sure to leave a separate comment for each. 

This giveaway begins....NOW and ends on Monday, April 18th just before midnight.  Winner will be chosen and announced on Tuesday, April 19th.

Okay....
Time to go shopping!!


*Disclosure:  I was approached by representatives of Fashion to Figure online store to offer this giveaway in return for publicizing their store on my blog in the form of a giveaway blog post.  I was not compensated in any way other than the giveaway item. 

Wordless Wednesday--A Walk to Remember....

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A zoo walk, that is!  (Yes, more photos from our preschool field trip last week.)

Focus on Autism--From Denial to Devastation to Discovery (Part 1)

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Autism Graphics

In light of Autism Awareness Month, I thought I'd write a series of blog posts on the subject.  There are many MANY families affected by Autism.  At the same time, there are people out there that have no personal experience or knowledge about this mysterious condition.  You may be one of those people.  If you have questions about Autism that you were always afraid to ask, please leave a comment and I'll answer your questions here.  :o)


 Part 1-Denial

de·ni·al [di ni' əl]

(plural de·ni·als)

n

refusal to acknowledge existence of something: a refusal to believe in something or admit that something exists


Whether they admit it or not, most Autism parents begin their journey in a place of denial.  Some are there because they have no knowledge of typical child development.  First-time parents are so thrilled and excited by baby's every move that it doesn't matter if those moves are happening on track.  Constantly reminded that comparison is the death of contentment, new parents try not to compare.    

Other parents may just be so overworked, sleep-deprived, and well....so busy...that they just don't see it.  Here again, reminded not to compare, older parents remember that babies are individual and no two develop exactly the same.  Oh, and don't forget that everyone says that boys and girls develop at different rates and in different ways.  It's true!  They really do. 

When babies reach the one-to-two year range, the differences in developmental stages can vary quite a bit.  One toddler may be talking up a storm and walking like a pro by that first birthday party, while another toddler may still be jabbering to beat the band and crawling like a commando.  Both may be totally normal.  Both may be affected by Autism.  This is what makes Autism so darn tricky!

But here's the thing.  When you live with Autism, you know it.  Deep down inside you know it.  However, acknowledging it makes it real.  And sometimes it is easier to keep it inside.  Even those parents who get gobsmacked by the news that their child has Autism will later report that there was a feeling, an inkling, early on that made them think something was off or not quite right.   They just never allowed themselves to believe it was Autism. 

Denial is a very strong and powerful defense in the world of Autism.  Sometimes it can help a family slowly come to grips and other times it can prevent a family from getting the help they need.  Some kids go undiagnosed until adulthood due to denial.  Some adults will never be officially diagnosed because of denial. 

Once a family is able to move past the denial and search for answers, the true devastation settles in like a cold, wet blanket.  Ever try to maneuver a heavy, wet blanket on wash day?  Then you know what devastation feels like to an Autism parent. 

April is Autism Awareness Month. 

Autism is a neurobiological condition that affects typical development.

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects 1 in 110 children.

In the US, one in 70 boys is diagnosed with Autism. 

The cause of Autism is not entirely known.

If you have questions or concerns about your child's development, 

please talk to your pediatrician.  Early intervention is crucial.

Just another Manic Monday....

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Monday.

 

Not the best way to start the school week.

 Sort of ominous,  isn't it??

Yeah.  I agree...

It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I-don't-have-to-run day
It's just another manic Monday

Finally! The Pretty in Pink Giveaway Winner IS........

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Comment #13 from:

ICStarzz said...

What a cute site and that giveaway is such a thoughtful idea! I am a new follower, and I hope you will take the time to come by my blog and enter my giveaway also! Have a great weekend! -Samantha www.kreativekaring.blogspot.com

9:03 PM

Congratulations, Samantha!   

And thanks to everyone for playing along~

Wordless Wednesday--The End. The Ends?

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My little one loves to take pictures!


I think it started with this shot during our zoo trip today.

 Are we seeing a theme here??

Seriously.

Are all 5 year old boys this obsessed??

Okay.  Really, now.  That last one is just too much.  You should hear the giggles....


And he's not half-bad with the camera.  Must take after his dad.