tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76142421416412636182024-03-05T00:33:27.651-05:00Wait! What?A mish-mash of thoughts that are ...
what's going on again?Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-27837794625834394012014-08-31T14:55:00.001-04:002015-08-30T08:22:54.818-04:00Xmas in a JarSo, I've been on a canning kick lately. My parents and my uncle have heavy producing fig trees. I have no idea what type of figs they are. They were cuttings from a tree that was brought over from Italy years ago. Anyway, I've found figs are perfect for both sweet and savory jams. I've made a horseradish roasted garlic, peppered balsamic and, what I like to call, Xmas in a jar. Xmas in a Jar is what we are here for. The flavors remind me of the Christmas tea mix Mama made when I was a kid. The smell of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves that fills the kitchen always brings me to a happy place. So with no further ado, I give you Xmas in a Jar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IeTRdvjf9jMW5-M5sn0L0Se6v_i7Ekc6qYnP5IEVCZLi6i_SGQwNA9jbLJujFtOTnabrq3t7uVJRVtSzWWeYtpJfep5NKxhL9k6YrAvlmok2yaQW2gHLO-NSdi4FnBUsXO4MA2CHj48/s1600/Fig3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IeTRdvjf9jMW5-M5sn0L0Se6v_i7Ekc6qYnP5IEVCZLi6i_SGQwNA9jbLJujFtOTnabrq3t7uVJRVtSzWWeYtpJfep5NKxhL9k6YrAvlmok2yaQW2gHLO-NSdi4FnBUsXO4MA2CHj48/s1600/Fig3.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Ingredients:<br />
4lbs figs, washed<br />
3 cups sugar<br />
1/2 cup bottled lemon juice<br />
1 cup apple cider vinegar<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTnbpFRbdC-sZu9Uj3dAry07T9VtmJBC9a8Ih15hbDcSlFyH_i24ZSLzkLQJ9WYIMZuQFgxYNS8QxUCYeLi2rH5tJkAPCMvP4BVbFNUfQQVrGiD3PgDsumANpO0s5RjK_VVqqYfu-S98/s1600/Fig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTnbpFRbdC-sZu9Uj3dAry07T9VtmJBC9a8Ih15hbDcSlFyH_i24ZSLzkLQJ9WYIMZuQFgxYNS8QxUCYeLi2rH5tJkAPCMvP4BVbFNUfQQVrGiD3PgDsumANpO0s5RjK_VVqqYfu-S98/s1600/Fig.jpg" width="150" /></a>2 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />
2 teaspoons ground ginger<br />
1 teaspoon ground cloves<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg<br />
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<ol>
<li>Cut stems from figs and chopped roughly and put in a large non-reactive stockpot.</li>
<li>Add the rest of the ingredients, stir and bring to a boil over medium high heat.</li>
<li>Reduce heat and simmer for at least an hour or until jam stage is acheived, stirring occasionally.</li>
<li>Using an immersion blender, puree to desired consistency. (I like mine very smooth)</li>
<li>Pour into prepared 1/2 pint or 1/4 pint jars, leaving at least a 1/4 inch headroom and wiping rims.</li>
<li>Put on lids and rings and prrocess in boiling water canner for 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Remove carefully, allow to sit at least 12 hours undisturbed. After 12 hours check seal.</li>
</ol>
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Makes 7-8 half pint jars.</div>
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Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-35770903715919482712014-03-06T18:06:00.000-05:002014-03-06T18:06:33.189-05:00Right In The Nuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC7gEyE5_nd-wWhXJN8Q5_ajLtXeDBMxdS779RnvIDrqNUyPIQdXyrRdkCHXMQLWIDbbdhdw9fcpDn8Ktkl_-Gix3vrkOHHDhWI1q-ZPWNebcXKhfF6SQs5mMHT3mNc_f7-25YP1rJqA/s1600/PharohSpencer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC7gEyE5_nd-wWhXJN8Q5_ajLtXeDBMxdS779RnvIDrqNUyPIQdXyrRdkCHXMQLWIDbbdhdw9fcpDn8Ktkl_-Gix3vrkOHHDhWI1q-ZPWNebcXKhfF6SQs5mMHT3mNc_f7-25YP1rJqA/s1600/PharohSpencer.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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Spencer goes to a school for the gifted and talented. I was asked to review his work with him. I wonder why. =/Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-60105435026911032882011-08-31T23:28:00.001-04:002011-08-31T23:29:53.407-04:00Wretches and JabberersMy local chapter of The Autism Society did a screening of <a href="http://www.wretchesandjabberers.org/" target="blank">Wretches and Jabbers</a> last night. It was fantastic. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; line-height: normal;">It's both heart-wrenching</span><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; line-height: normal;"> and encouraging at the same time. I think Larry and Tracy send an important message about judging a book by it's cover. What's inside is always so much more interesting.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; line-height: normal;">Another example supporting my theory that most people with autism have above average intelligence.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma;">Watch it! I command you!</span>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-84270783598561649002011-07-21T10:00:00.004-04:002011-08-30T09:29:15.895-04:00Surfers Healing Fundraiser 2011<a href="http://www.active.com/images/upimages/XanderandIzzyres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" bx="true" height="320" src="http://www.active.com/images/upimages/XanderandIzzyres.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
Surfers Healing is non-profit organization that offers a free day of surfing to those with autism. It is funded solely by donations and is run by AMAZING volunteers. The families are treated with dignity and love. Our 8yr old son, Xander, has participated in the camp 4x and this will be his 5th. We have been so grateful to this day of non-judgement, where Xander can be himself and people actually celebrate his awesome quirks.<br />
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Please donate if you're able by clicking on the link below:<br />
<a href="http://www.active.com/donate/surfsup2011/xander213" target="blank">http://www.active.com/donate/surfsup2011/xander213</a><br />
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If you are unable to donate, consider volunteering for Surfers Healing or some other autism organization in your area. You'll love hanging out with these fabulous people.<br />
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For more info on Surfers Healing: <a href="http://www.surfershealing.org/" target="blank">www.surfershealing.org</a><br />
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For more info on<br />
Surfers Healing Virginia Beach: <a href="http://www.surfershealingvb.org/" target="blank">http://www.surfershealingvb.org/</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b>UPDATE: The fundraiser is over. I raised $1100 this year. Thank you so much to everyone who donated or gave their time.</b></span><br />
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</div>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-530214790826497462011-07-19T09:25:00.001-04:002011-07-19T09:28:08.966-04:00Yes, I still existHey, howzit? I know I haven't blogged in a while. I just don't have anything interesting to say lately. So there it is, my extremely brief entry for the summer. Enjoy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Xau32wCDYUeVKZW4zP_cFRdt7kvXRlT_rWuylYKXOZq8QRMxOo-JLw2p-6kTuA_wpM7qEEmea2BJUgEsd-DVqq20fK8A7ORz7dF9QXpKb_vV_nOLkDVTn-sb5jONhD515PKjzdxpCgQ/s1600/Butterphant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Xau32wCDYUeVKZW4zP_cFRdt7kvXRlT_rWuylYKXOZq8QRMxOo-JLw2p-6kTuA_wpM7qEEmea2BJUgEsd-DVqq20fK8A7ORz7dF9QXpKb_vV_nOLkDVTn-sb5jONhD515PKjzdxpCgQ/s320/Butterphant.JPG" width="230" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a picure from a recent trip to the zoo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-64085012594699852302011-03-04T07:32:00.000-05:002011-03-04T07:32:26.181-05:00The Evil TailThe Bob has an arch nemesis. His name is the Tail. The Tail is a foul, evil thing that never leaves the Bob alone. He taunts the Bob, wagging constantly in his face.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FjdfiVM6R50?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-32424536599741864422011-02-12T15:01:00.000-05:002011-02-12T15:01:07.680-05:00Meet BobMeet Bob. We got him as a rescue today. He's 9wks old. He's adorably ugly. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rQo4znCJ3p8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-79552436741854328962011-02-08T10:18:00.002-05:002011-02-08T10:30:24.484-05:00Not BrokenI watched a documentary the other day that got me to thinking. I know, dangerous, eh? The documentary was about three young men at different places on the spectrum. One was non-verbal, one was moderate and the other had Asperger's. The non-verbal boy and the boy with Asperger's seemed very comfortable with their autism. The young man with moderate autism was frustrated and kept on talking about his brain being broken.<br />
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I asked myself, "Why such a difference in attitude?" The answer became obvious. It was the views on autism by those around the individual on the spectrum. I heard not one negative word about autism from any of the people around the two who seemed happy. The boy with Asperger's said he viewed his autism as an asset. The non-verbal boy was surrounded by neuro-typical teens and adults who treated him with respect. The unhappy boy's parents said his brain was plagued with autism. They constantly spoke about it as a disease. They did all of this in front of him. It was very apparent that the parents who spoke negatively loved their boy. I honestly don't think they realized how their comments affected him. They often talked around him to others. When others talk about you as being broken or plagued, you're eventually going to believe it.<br />
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I understand that dealing with the symptoms of autism can be very difficult, especially for the caretakers. There are many that view it as a disease and use words like "afflicted", "broken", and "suffers from". Negative words are often sharper than any blade. Research shows more and more that individuals with autism are aware of everything that goes on around them and that includes conversations. Just because someone can't verbalize their feelings doesn't mean they don't have them. Rail against autism, hate it if you want. Make yourself miserable with constant negativity. That's your prerogative. Just keep it away from your kids. You don't have the right to suck them into your blackhole of misery.<br />
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Andy and I are very conscious of what we say around Xander. I don't ever want him to have that feeling of self-loathing. It would absolutely break our hearts. I want him to know that he's not broken.Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-17067542253188326022011-01-18T10:03:00.001-05:002011-01-18T10:04:20.781-05:00Wii Sword DanceThis is from NYE 2009. I giggle everytime I watch this, especially since my nephew is 6'6" and Spencer is about 3'9". <br />
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Ladies and gentlemen, I present "The Wii Sword Dance".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-PPtCMbuOs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-48909565059427949142010-12-27T18:05:00.000-05:002010-12-27T18:05:11.307-05:00The Elephant in the Room<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A few posts ago I posted some pictures of my first attempt at knitting a stuffed animal. I got the pattern for it from a book. Well, over the weekend, I decided to try my hand at designing my own stuffie. Ladies and gentlemen, I present the elephant:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutVIqhMrRZhITPmbRkp7HbAJoNKLFIGkj_bN2ytUMbhQoCtpans0Ya2g9UN7JPuLrVRElXKiAgHCnD24IgwmzFSNtbTTwGBXEW6EElIWbt442S3QT1HF1Xp0flBbIMiaMXUAIL_q_ez8/s1600/elephant4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutVIqhMrRZhITPmbRkp7HbAJoNKLFIGkj_bN2ytUMbhQoCtpans0Ya2g9UN7JPuLrVRElXKiAgHCnD24IgwmzFSNtbTTwGBXEW6EElIWbt442S3QT1HF1Xp0flBbIMiaMXUAIL_q_ez8/s320/elephant4.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghu6ziPk-bIMiiEGcr6SCpmNWAe7b80VASYYnMrUNGreEROLONHKQ6WMbDAQcRC3qGhv2XnscL28vVTaJyaM8u8UFqQGJb-daCsauH61QvBYScaY1CWyP0CzSOlpSqwR7M1u496dtUqeM/s1600/elephant1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghu6ziPk-bIMiiEGcr6SCpmNWAe7b80VASYYnMrUNGreEROLONHKQ6WMbDAQcRC3qGhv2XnscL28vVTaJyaM8u8UFqQGJb-daCsauH61QvBYScaY1CWyP0CzSOlpSqwR7M1u496dtUqeM/s320/elephant1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYDlRKJcfeWI5mRm_-18lXAiIdGL8YxNGXwB4cpBePfuU0PTgc-3kM7WKHfyVE6AY7ipsuAwHvMCrDG9xCCLympJ0JNDamMRXTcZZtupHeNf5t_lergsPePOwSjPGcSdmetdWVtzvV3s/s1600/elephant5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYDlRKJcfeWI5mRm_-18lXAiIdGL8YxNGXwB4cpBePfuU0PTgc-3kM7WKHfyVE6AY7ipsuAwHvMCrDG9xCCLympJ0JNDamMRXTcZZtupHeNf5t_lergsPePOwSjPGcSdmetdWVtzvV3s/s320/elephant5.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B9Sby5WndNKlBqrTIcGL1IZx6S41yx_sxElzKNjCs0nfklXcTK7q70bLr6FYjntas-toIAWIwg8bQ1Hf-0EomHLjt334UfP2OtICZ4QPkZ2mU3t0HKL8ox5fSS92kKbLhjxgzZMgJO8/s1600/elephant2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B9Sby5WndNKlBqrTIcGL1IZx6S41yx_sxElzKNjCs0nfklXcTK7q70bLr6FYjntas-toIAWIwg8bQ1Hf-0EomHLjt334UfP2OtICZ4QPkZ2mU3t0HKL8ox5fSS92kKbLhjxgzZMgJO8/s320/elephant2.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpi1yLom1jh4hUhB-pSFmcQfeEJZIOrQmCqiU3KMqL3_P2Hr7T9ixnxHuq2fvdx4zWBC7Jiot4Enopex7PpL3UlO1evGucW2ublElYXBdAqHIIT_oP-IXr-ZyZ8Rbzl7rvR3tz3XaGXJQ/s1600/elephant3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpi1yLom1jh4hUhB-pSFmcQfeEJZIOrQmCqiU3KMqL3_P2Hr7T9ixnxHuq2fvdx4zWBC7Jiot4Enopex7PpL3UlO1evGucW2ublElYXBdAqHIIT_oP-IXr-ZyZ8Rbzl7rvR3tz3XaGXJQ/s320/elephant3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: right;"></div>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-51417564100681862662010-12-17T10:30:00.001-05:002010-12-17T11:09:19.628-05:00Guest blogging at Irish Autism ActionThis week I'm, yet again, the guest blogger for Irish Autism Action's Global Autism Community. It's basically some of my views on autism and the treatments we've done. Jen, thanks again. <br />
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Check out Irish Autism Action's page here: <a href="http://irishautismaction.blogspot.com/2010/12/global-autism-community_17.html" target="_blank">http://irishautismaction.blogspot.com/2010/12/global-autism-community_17.html</a><br />
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Make sure you also visit Jen's blog, The King and Eye here: <a href="http://www.thekingandeye.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thekingandeye.com/</a>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-91030442856127024682010-12-16T17:33:00.002-05:002010-12-16T17:38:57.973-05:00What I want for Christmas - Special Needs Blog Hop<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIgOX0rooMZYrIJ779bkaY6cauIAeinvixh3cTEyocB5OgHKTxQUr21Cv03_nc_GqNaZ5bqwaYrdKJoTH-PK0JsNKXf2kaIaPo9sp2-xs8SZHfpG_2oRVIhU4qzsWsD6lnlOKKDOHjXU/s1600/DSCN2218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIgOX0rooMZYrIJ779bkaY6cauIAeinvixh3cTEyocB5OgHKTxQUr21Cv03_nc_GqNaZ5bqwaYrdKJoTH-PK0JsNKXf2kaIaPo9sp2-xs8SZHfpG_2oRVIhU4qzsWsD6lnlOKKDOHjXU/s320/DSCN2218.JPG" width="240" /></a>What do I want for Christmas? This is going to be short and sweet: I want to sleep-in, I want a nap in the middle of the day and a nice glass or two (or maybe three) of red wine while putting my feet up and admiring my tree. That's right, it's all about what I want for once.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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To join the Special Needs Blog Hop, click on the image below and follow the directions.</div></div><br />
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</script>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-87628833557056532662010-12-14T23:34:00.000-05:002010-12-14T23:34:04.602-05:00Knit, knit, knit I took up knitting a few years ago for stress relief. I've really come to love doing it. I recently made my very first stuffed animal for a Philly Flyers fan along with a scarf and hat. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmxKA5iBu7YjGtv_TUH96qYWMv4fuP-i-eSDU5YS8yG1xpTlbJZhTrH-VblXT0BFgzvw_m6Ly19PMHNW41IF-Kz4crCncvkVcRaQT9J2LUjSuSeWhAarNwUdKLkg1iSIXgzSr-CIVdA8/s1600/DSCN2205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmxKA5iBu7YjGtv_TUH96qYWMv4fuP-i-eSDU5YS8yG1xpTlbJZhTrH-VblXT0BFgzvw_m6Ly19PMHNW41IF-Kz4crCncvkVcRaQT9J2LUjSuSeWhAarNwUdKLkg1iSIXgzSr-CIVdA8/s320/DSCN2205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwjEkDlBif0wpRiEgEz4YAQsX9THve85EA9Mk4qN6DczqLJ1OfnKjsGqj125KMTXHAWfCT_JhFL6rzJu84e5RSQn5ts5p5kbiBp1WB-vWrCftHFK_PDXtOq8InJYkOruogCa-sJA6hYk/s1600/DSCN2204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwjEkDlBif0wpRiEgEz4YAQsX9THve85EA9Mk4qN6DczqLJ1OfnKjsGqj125KMTXHAWfCT_JhFL6rzJu84e5RSQn5ts5p5kbiBp1WB-vWrCftHFK_PDXtOq8InJYkOruogCa-sJA6hYk/s320/DSCN2204.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFSEBoQhiuoBzoUvp5jmLOFbJD_0NsEdKbBXV3mHXvqxX77Qg4eRR-oJeGFZj8gUjT9sEQwpoNJCBUoMKLmls-lL0GW3A_Nuh2cjxnqHN5JDi9PVLC0oPWl23uOtC1J5fznBr3gs6rQ0/s1600/DSCN2202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFSEBoQhiuoBzoUvp5jmLOFbJD_0NsEdKbBXV3mHXvqxX77Qg4eRR-oJeGFZj8gUjT9sEQwpoNJCBUoMKLmls-lL0GW3A_Nuh2cjxnqHN5JDi9PVLC0oPWl23uOtC1J5fznBr3gs6rQ0/s320/DSCN2202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrv_5QBGVs0JDf217pvym7hyB-DNjnFnO9fPBgm8i52BYv1qkB9LF4JWssEf72-kcBwvp6A9chcTFTOVdnm8S6DhyphenhyphenY-GKSFFrch4v7kR2YAVzTAXaHmJDoHlQ0mChgF9fn1xYF0hWlS0/s1600/DSCN2200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrv_5QBGVs0JDf217pvym7hyB-DNjnFnO9fPBgm8i52BYv1qkB9LF4JWssEf72-kcBwvp6A9chcTFTOVdnm8S6DhyphenhyphenY-GKSFFrch4v7kR2YAVzTAXaHmJDoHlQ0mChgF9fn1xYF0hWlS0/s320/DSCN2200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-36776958811061364092010-12-10T10:30:00.001-05:002010-12-10T11:35:28.488-05:00Irish Autism Action: Global Autism Community.This week I'm the guest blogger for Irish Autism Action's Global Autism Community. Evidently, the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptHwUsSf5tI">video</a> of Xander's progress over the last year has made an impression. Jen, thank you so much for featuring my sweet boy.<br />
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Check out Irish Autism Action's page here: <a href="http://irishautismaction.blogspot.com/2010/12/global-autism-community.html" target="_blank">http://irishautismaction.blogspot.com/2010/12/global-autism-community.html</a><br />
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Make sure you also visit Jen's blog, The King and Eye here: <a href="http://www.thekingandeye.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thekingandeye.com/</a>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-52106600928097081362010-12-03T07:57:00.001-05:002010-12-03T09:18:39.739-05:00The Zombie TrapThe SN Blog Hop for yesterday was about the recent accomplishments of your child w/special needs. I decided that my NT kid needed to have his recent accomplishment touted as well. <br />
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<strong>I give you Spencer's Zombie Trap</strong>: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgles9nSfSt0SzCrBGUJHhYWbPhjEvsEctu_dvyDRRmQFyNumw8YFjLQHvNreIdbzIc5RSfG91wgSW0s92_eYcUvnfOGC4pOMP60y8uibleI0lpDvVMsHmf24aA5fN9RiD2lQ__f6pj5L8/s1600/Spencer%2527s+zombie+trap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgles9nSfSt0SzCrBGUJHhYWbPhjEvsEctu_dvyDRRmQFyNumw8YFjLQHvNreIdbzIc5RSfG91wgSW0s92_eYcUvnfOGC4pOMP60y8uibleI0lpDvVMsHmf24aA5fN9RiD2lQ__f6pj5L8/s320/Spencer%2527s+zombie+trap.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
That's right, while you suckers are getting your brains eaten, I will be safe during the zombie apocalypse due to the above ingenious design by a four year old. According to Spencer, <span data-jsid="text">brains are used to lure them up a ladder, they fall into a pit (camouflaged by a fake building) and then it's like shooting fish in a barrel. Our plan is foolproof though we still haven't decided whose brains will be the bait.</span>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-91651276984569504232010-12-02T10:54:00.003-05:002010-12-02T15:48:29.891-05:00Xander's AccomplishmentsWhat has Xander accomplished? So much. I could write pages and pages about the first time he said a spontaneous, appropriate complete sentence, learned to read, said, "I love you" first. Xander accomplishes so much everyday just by learning to adapt and deal with a world that has a different view from him. He teaches me patience, he gives joy. Below is a link to a video of how much Xander accomplished over the last year and a half. He works so hard.<br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptHwUsSf5tI"><iframe frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ptHwUsSf5tI?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></a><br />
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To join the Special Needs Blog Hop, click on the image below and follow the directions.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/2010/12/new-accomplishment-for-your-child.html" target="_blank"><img alt="AutismLearningFelt" src="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/MC_BlueRose-vi.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=59803" type="text/javascript" ></script>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-41108738922920644692010-11-18T20:50:00.004-05:002010-11-18T21:10:33.470-05:00That ManTwo blogs in one day. I'm feeling a bit ambitious today. I spend all my time talking about two of the three most important men in my life so here's a little snippet about Andy, the love of my life, my husband. I'm not someone who gushes; however, he's one of the most fantabulawesome people I know.<br />
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Andy and I met in 1992 and have been together ever since. He is, without a doubt, one of the most patient people I know. Anyone who could tolerate me for almost 19 years is a saint. (Yeah, yeah, I hear ya' Mom, but he does it 'cause he wants to, not 'cause he has to.) He's funny, cynical, handsome, INTELLIGENT, and is an awesome artist and writer. He, much like myself, is a connoisseur of potty humor and sci-fi. His fathering abilities are second to none. He doesn't half-ass it in any way. Oh, and bonus, he has a nice butt. I think his only flaw is his love for me (and his crap eyesight).<br />
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Here is some of his work from his website, <a href="http://wickedsmash.com/index.html" target="_blank">WickedSmash.com</a>. Please keep in mind these images are copyrighted and owned by Andy, blah, blah blah. You can click on the images to go to that particular comic.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>WitchHound</strong></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://wickedsmash.com/WitchHound%201.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" ox="true" src="http://wickedsmash.com/images/page%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Grace Brothers</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://wickedsmash.com/GraceBrothersMeettheGraceBrothers.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="264" ox="true" src="http://wickedsmash.com/images/Grace%20Brothers%2031a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Super-Hip, Gnarly, Rad Catz</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://wickedsmash.com/RadCatz%201.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="459" ox="true" src="http://wickedsmash.com/images/CATS%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-53246916148162560362010-11-18T18:39:00.001-05:002010-11-18T18:43:19.769-05:00Stuffing Yourself Silly DayI don't have a particular memory about Thanksgiving which is strange because it's my favorite family holiday. I love the idea of spending the day with just family and none of the pressure or chaos of X-mas. Since I can't think of anything in particular, I will take this opportunity to show how frakkin' adorable Xander looked after eating his fill Thanksgiving '07.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS3AQXtVN-QAT0kg_xTYBRmAjPSM-8-OSr887n2cSXCMYU88tBUNrhhyphenhyphen8nO2Be5feR64FMvxWK4MBbgGOxgNTBlaK2FmaMnWqhheNbxDHQek1-UjPLgJbAh4aeYJJY23R94pcLTo47C4/s1600/DSCN1540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS3AQXtVN-QAT0kg_xTYBRmAjPSM-8-OSr887n2cSXCMYU88tBUNrhhyphenhyphen8nO2Be5feR64FMvxWK4MBbgGOxgNTBlaK2FmaMnWqhheNbxDHQek1-UjPLgJbAh4aeYJJY23R94pcLTo47C4/s320/DSCN1540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">For info on joining the Special Needs Hop, click the image below.</div><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-memory.html" target="_blank"><img alt="AutismLearningFelt" src="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/MC_BlueRose-vi.jpg" /></a></center>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-76553540355644520452010-11-11T18:12:00.000-05:002010-11-11T18:12:24.165-05:00Share the FunnySo, today's assignment for the Special Needs Hop is to share a funny memory of your kid. We were watching TV when out of the blue Xander says, "I want a mobile dick. Can I have a mobile dick when I grow up?" Andy and I were perplexed. Being male, it goes with him wherever he goes. That's about as mobile as you can get. We decided to delve a little deeper. <br />
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"Xander, what did you you say you want?"<br />
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"Mobile dick on a AT&T Blackberry Torch when I'm a grown-up."<br />
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Hmmm. Being unaware of that particular app, we decided to rewind the DVR to see if it could offer any clues. We came across a Blackberry Torch commercial about searching for Moby Dick. <br />
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"Xander, do you want MOBY Dick on a Blackberry?"<br />
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"Yes."<br />
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We're still giggling about it. <br />
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For info on joining the Special Needs Hop, click the image below.<br />
<center><a href="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/2010/11/share-a-funny-memory-of-your-child.html" target="_blank"><img alt="AutismLearningFelt" src="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/MC_BlueRose-vi.jpg" /></a></center>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-56391751485920951352010-11-05T10:49:00.006-04:002010-12-03T09:39:10.475-05:00What do I love about Spencer?Yesterday I answered the question, "What do you love about your child?" for the Special Needs blog hop. I decided that Spencer deserves to have a post about him as well.<br />
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<div></div>What do I love best about Spencer? Again there's so much, his enthusiasm, his sweetness; however, I have to say his sense of humor and ability to be funny without meaning to are my favorite things. I figure I need to revisit an earlier blog post from May for a good scenario.<br />
<ul><li>Spencer: "Frisbees are bad guys you need to hit with a bat or they'll eat your eyeballs and you become a frisbee." </li>
<li>Me: "You mean zombies?"</li>
<li>Spencer: "Oh, you're right, zombies." </li>
</ul><div></div>First of all, I'm thinking he might be a goner in a zombie apocalypse and second he still gets Frisbees and zombies confused.<br />
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Spencer also creates his own words. He's a modern day Shakespeare. His newest word is "binachios" (hard "c" sound) defined as crazy. <br />
Examples:<br />
<ul><li>That coaster was totally binachios.</li>
<li>He was acting all binachios.</li>
<li>What? That's binachios.</li>
</ul><div> Spencer is constantly on. He loves to entertain. Now, some of you might think it's because he doesn't get attention because of Xander's special needs. You'd be wrong. Spencer actually gets MORE attention because he demands it more and he gets more alone time with me than Xander. <br />
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<strong>11/6/10 CORRECTION:</strong> Per Spencer, the word is not "binachios", it's "binanchios". I made the mistake of leaving out the second 'n'. Spencer has properly chastised me for such a horrific omission.<br />
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<strong>12/3/10 Update:</strong> Spencer has designed a <a href="http://happy13-waitwhat.blogspot.com/2010/12/zombie-trap.html">zombie trap</a>, so I think he'll be ok.</div>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-66348385469241554002010-11-04T10:49:00.001-04:002010-11-04T10:56:09.199-04:00What do I love about XanderThis weeks Special Needs Blog Hop question: What do I love best about Xander? Hmmm...I don't know that I have a favorite. His sweetness and smile are definitely up there. I guess one of my favorite things about him is his absolute honesty. What you see is what you get. When he laughs, he is happy; when he cries, he is sad or hurt; when he yells, he is angry. I never have to guess; it's always there in his face or actions. His lack of filter is also one of the things I dislike. It can be a double-edged sword. Here's an example of an average outing:<br />
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<div> </div>Scenario: We are at the mall. A woman with three children is trying to navigate the crowds while keeping her kids under control. A daunting task at the best of times. The oldest two are arguing and the baby is screaming at the top of his/her lungs. I completely sympathize. In steps Xander:<br />
<ul><li><b>Xander</b>: MOMMY, THAT BOY NEEDS A TIME-OUT.</li>
<li><b>Me</b>: It's ok, Xander.</li>
<li><b>Xander</b>: THAT BOY NEEDS A TIME-OUT FOR HITTING THAT GIRL.</li>
<li><b>Me</b>: Don't worry about it, Xander.</li>
<li><b>Xander</b>: THAT BABY IS LOUD AND ANGRY.</li>
<li><b>Me</b>: Xander, you need to use your inside voice.</li>
<li><b>Xander</b>: (yelling whisper)THAT BABY IS LOUD AND ANGRY.</li>
<li><b>Me</b>: Xander, what kind of car do you like?</li>
<li><b>Xander</b>: I'M GOING TO DRIVE A TOYOTA TUNDRA WHEN I GROW UP. CAN I DRIVE A TOYOTA TUNDRA WHEN I GROW UP?</li>
<li><b>Me</b>: Sure.</li>
</ul>He'll then perserverate on driving several different cars when he grows up. It's one of the only ways I can redirect him.<br />
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<div> </div>For info on joining the Special Needs Hop, click the image below.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/2010/11/what-do-you-love-most-about-your-child.html" target="_blank"><img alt="AutismLearningFelt" src="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/MC_BlueRose-vi.jpg"/></a></center>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-81701210903121124802010-10-28T08:14:00.001-04:002010-10-28T08:16:36.406-04:00Dealing w/Stress: Special Needs Blog HopHow do I deal with stress? Good question, probably better asked of my husband. I knit, cook, watch TV, surf the web, do whatever I can to escape just for a little while. Between family and friends, I'm extremely lucky to have a support system that offers me relief if I really need it. I basically throw the boys at Andy when he comes home from work. That man never catches a break.<br />
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My favorite time of the day is 8:30 PM. The boys are in bed and Andy and I can relax on the sofa with our feet up and a glass of wine or cup of herbal tea. The time of day I dread the most? 6:45 am. That's when the damned annoying alarm tells me to get up and start all over again.<br />
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I don't know that I really answered the question. Let's just say I relieve stress with friends, family and the occasional glass of wine.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/2010/10/how-do-you-deal-with-stress.html" target="blank"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/MC_BlueRose-vi-150x87.jpg" /></a></center> <br />
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For those of you in the Tidewater area, the 2nd Annual Tidewater Autism Summit is this Saturday from 11am to 4pm. It's absolutely free and open to the public. Here's a link to the flyer with all the information: <a href="http://files.meetup.com/817378/Summit%20Flyer%202010.pdf">http://files.meetup.com/817378/Summit%20Flyer%202010.pdf</a>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-40601148756854664472010-10-22T09:51:00.004-04:002010-10-22T10:03:54.454-04:00Xander Takes a Ride with Surfers Healing<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyNIvUHKB_i-RDWrv3-T8w42HcZswNpQYtip5w4iHu2hr_NSE5lEjZ1WReEH2BNKmrROg3Mlbo9CYnO1BxEoA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a anchor="1" href="http://surfershealing.org/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n320/marpollock13/Xander/XanderandIzzyres.jpg" width="160" /></a>Every year an amazing group travels around the country and world to provide people with autism and their families a fantastic day at the beach. The group is called <a href="http://surfershealing.org/">Surfers Healing</a>. It is made up of incredible volunteers who do everything from checking people in to taking people with autism surfing. The families and their children are treated with respect. It's a safe haven where there are no judgements, only love, joy and acceptance. For more information on <a href="http://surfershealing.org/">Surfers Healing</a>, click on the picture of Xander and Izzy from 2008.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This was Xander's 4th year and it was the first time he actually put his feet on the board. In the past, he would lift his feet up so his surfer would have to carry him the entire time. Another wonderful year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, <a href="http://surfershealing.org/">Surfers Healing</a>, for all you do!</span></strong></div></div>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-25040525700891872842010-10-21T20:27:00.001-04:002010-10-21T20:31:06.471-04:00Who am I? Special Needs Blog Hop 2<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">I've hooked up on a Special Needs Blog Hop and am really enjoying the different blogs I've discovered through it. I was, as always, a little unclear as to what I was supposed to do. I posted the button and answered the question of the week in the comment section for <a href="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/">Autism Learning Felt</a>. Oops. It seems I was to blog the answer. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">So here goes: Who am I?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n320/marpollock13/Xander%20and%20Spence/XanderSpencetonres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" nx="true" src="http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n320/marpollock13/Xander%20and%20Spence/XanderSpencetonres.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Good question. I'm not sure I have the answer myself. I am a wife, mother of two who enjoys potty humor much more than I should and am seriously in need of a nap . I'm fiercely loyal. I was recently diagnosed with ADD. This comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me. My husband is fantastic and somehow manages to tolerate Spencer and me with quite a sense of humor. Xander, my 7yr old, is basically Andy with autism. Spencer, my 4yr old, is me only male, more enthusiastic and much smarter. Click <strong><a href="http://happy13-waitwhat.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-love-my-boys.html">HERE</a></strong> for a better understanding of my boys.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What is my blog about?</div><div style="text-align: left;">Honestly, it's a mixed bag. I just blog when something strikes my fancy or pisses me off. A good portion of it deals with autism.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To join the Special Needs Blog Hop, click the picture below and follow the instructions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/2010/10/special-needs-blog-hop-2.html" target="_blank"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://www.autismlearningfelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/MC_BlueRose-vi-150x87.jpg" /></a></div>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614242141641263618.post-21182811374206216002010-10-20T16:14:00.000-04:002010-10-20T16:14:00.405-04:00I like Stephanopoulos<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Spencer and I were watching GMA this morning. George Stephanopoulos was interviewing Mayor Daley of Chicago and I made a comment about how charismatic Mayor Daley is. Spencer responded with, "I like Stephanopoulos." I was a little taken aback, first, because he could pronounce "Stephanopoulos" with such ease and second, because he knew who "Stephanopoulos" was. Here's the conversation that followed.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n320/marpollock13/Spencer/Spencetonres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n320/marpollock13/Spencer/Spencetonres.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Me: "Ok, why?"</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Spencer: "Because Stephanopoulos is cool."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Me: "What makes him cool?"</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Spencer: "He's wearing a fancy shirt."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Me: "Is that all?"</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Spencer: "And I like his eyes and he's wearing a purple tie."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Me: "Anything else?"</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Spencer: "Nope."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Me: "Fair enough."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, Mr. Stephanopoulos, it seems you have a fan in a 4yr old boy. Rock on, George.</div>Happy13http://www.blogger.com/profile/17827877151803067579noreply@blogger.com1