and the winner of the final giveaway is..........

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talk to me thursdays.. featuring my 2nd guest Danielle

This "Talk to me Thursday" hits home with me...Danielle and I have "known" each other for 4 year + years now... do we know each other in person?!?!? NO...but does she probably know more about my inside struggles and fights with being a mom of a son who you know needs help, the struggle it takes on who you are as a mother/wife, the way people look at you in public, the strain it can put on your other children and marriage.. she knows how it feels to feel so helpless that you cannot fix it. YES... we met on a mom's board when our sons were both newborns... we followed each others his & lows, milestones, birthdays... then.. around the same time we both noticed struggles.. kind of silent in our noticing.. bc while watching and learning about other children there was just something.. NOT RIGHT. Danielle's son was diagnosed autistic before, Dylan. Therefore, I looked toward her as my mentor, my guide, my light at the end of the tunnel. She always was the TRUE advocate for her son.. and I knew that is what I had to do also to get them the proper care they needed so they could fight this horrible thing called "AUTISTIM" and since she showed me how to persevere and never give up.. both of our sons are doing AMAZING!!!


Here's is Danielle's story... its a fabulous one.. and a GREAT way to round up APRIL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

"My son Xander is a wonderful, silly, beautiful, loving four year old. He also
happens to have autism. Xander was born in October. By Christmas that year it was apparent he was different at quirky if you will. We went home for Christmas and my whole family commented on how "serious" he was; he would sit in his car seat and people watch, he wouldn't look into your face and coo or smile. He was very "intense"for an infant. He also had to be held close at all times, including when he slept, which got a little tiring, but as a new mom I learned to cope and love the snuggles. My family, my mom in particular, thought I was being ridiculous and "spoiling" him, so I learned very quickly not to talk to anyone about our issues.
Xander developed normally, and met all of his milestones, until he was a year old. He continued to be quirky and intense, with an amazing attention span. One time when he was not yet a year he crawled his funky one-legged crawl into his room and started to play with Legos. When I tried to go into his room to play with him or make sure he was okay, he pushed me out and closed the door. He sat in there for 45 minutes, absorbed in his play. I knew this wasn't "normal" but chalked it up to his personality.

The first time I mentioned to anyone that I had concerns was at Xander's one year well child checkup. I talked to his pediatrician about the fact that he didn't have any words, including mama. He babbled but didn't use any useful communication. His pediatrician had us get his hearing checked, and due to ear infections he had some hearing loss from the fluid in his ear, and his doctor figured that was the problem, and all we had to do was wait it out. After a few months of no improvement I was still concerned so I took matters into my own hands and called Early Intervention, who set up an evaluation for me. He was 15 months old when we started speech therapy as he was not communicating in any way, could not follow directions, and seemed to have almost no receptive communication.

When he was 20 months old we had a new addition to the family, his little brother
Gabriel. Xander loved his brother from the beginning, hugging and kissing him
constantly. A month before his second birthday he said his first word,
"ball". I was so excited (and sleep deprived) that I cried (full disclosure; I had a four month old, almost everything made me cry). He continued to make progress with his speech therapy, learning to use words to get what he needed, but he never used them to communicate. He would just say a word, or use a sign, he would never look for a communication partner to help him, he would just stand in a room alone signing "help" over and over until hear his little fist slapping his other hand and came to help him. He didn't play with me or with other kids, he didn't show me stuff he liked. As I saw Gabriel begin to develop I could see what Xander didn't do, and I felt more and more sad for him.When Xander was 30 months old his speech therapist suggested we see a neurologist and have him evaluated for autism. This was the first time anyone said that word to me, though of course afterwards many people said "I kind of thought he might have it, but didn't want to say anything." I cried off and on for days, then sat and waited for 5 months to get the neurology appointment. By the time we saw the doctor I had done enough
research that I wasn't surprised when I was told he had autism. The good news was that he now qualified for extra services through the school district, just by having that word attached to his name.



At this point Xander didn't use his words to communicate, but they were his self stimulatory actions, he repeated everything anyone said (echolalia) and he scripted, meaning he would sit and quote a Thomas the Train movie for hours. Like many three year old boys he was obsessed with Thomas, but it was a little more intense. He had to always be carrying 3-5 trains. He had to always be wearing a shirt with Thomas on it. I had to find some way of relating his pants to Thomas ie., they were blue like him. He also had sensory processing issues and to this day overreacts to stimuli, which leads to a lot of anxiety for him.When he turned three Xander started preschool through our district in the afternoons, and in the mornings he went to a special smaller class that had four kids on the spectrum and two teachers. They worked intensively on issues that pertained to them all. By Christmas he was putting two words together on his own and using them to communicate. By the end of the school year he was stringing together sentences. They did some amazing things with him.

This past year we moved him from his autism class into a social skills class the district offers to higher functioning kids. When the school year started we saw almost immediate regression, because he was still in the other class and he was regressing back down to their level, once we put him into the class with the higher functioning kids he rebounded almost immediately. He still gets speech therapy through the school but we stopped private speech therapy in lieu of a private social skills class. I also watch what he eats very carefully, as he regresses when he gets artificial dyes and preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup. It's a delicate balancing act, keeping him at the high functioning level he's attained, but it's worth it. He has a lot of behavioral issues and it just breaks my heart to see him acting out like he does, because I know it's because he's hurting and anxious and scared. His little brother Gabriel is one of the best things to happen to him, he is so understanding and helpful to him, he adores and looks up to him and would do anything for him. I feel like it puts a lot of pressure on Gabriel, and that he's always going to have to watch after and look out for his big brother, but he is so patient and loving with him.



Having children is hard on any marriage, especially when one has special needs, but it can also bring you closer together. Learning new ways to parent and exploring your child's needs together causes some strife, but in the end if you can make it through all the challenging behavior and find something that works for your kid, it's almost like a crisis, it brings you closer together. Parenting a child with autism is not like parenting a child without, I call it "creative parenting". Every day I have to come up with a new way to deal with meltdowns, to get Xander to want to do what I want him to (because if he doesn't want to do it, it won't be done!), everything from peeing on the potty (we're still working on potty training) to eating dinner (I have to feed him), to not hurting himself or one of us in one of his outbursts (often achieved by physically restraining him in my arms until hes calm enough to let go). But being a parent is tough for everyone, and each child has their own struggles. One of the worst parts is the judgment other people pass on us, and I have to admit it often keeps us at home instead of going out. I'm always a little scared to go out alone with both boys, afraid of a meltdown, afraid that this might be the time Gabriel gets upset and I can't control both of them at once, and always a little afraid of those stares from strangers as I sit crying with my beautiful baby boy in my lap, restraining him as he thrashes around screaming, waiting for this outburst to pass.

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i feel like someone stole my mojo...

and that persons name would be "RAIN"..
the rain has kept me from working for the past 3 weeks now.. and it just saddens me to so much... I get so pumped and excited to do the sessions and 2hours before BOOM... the clouds come rolling in..

well I was hoping.. really hoping this weekend would be different..
so we attempted..
drove an hour to the location
opened the door.. to the most precious blue-eyed girl was so excited to get my grubby little paws on her...

we get outside.. get everything setup..
2minutes into it..
the SKIES opened up..

so once again.. RAIN you stole my mojo.. lets hope you decide to give it back to me pretty soon.. bc I am getting kind of bored over here!

BUT
look at this little trooper.. can you see why I was so excited to work with her. I can't wait to see you again Miss Delainey!

<

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and the winner of the fourth giveaway is..........

Picked from a random computer program.. Nik is the 11th comment.. therefore the WINNER.. Nik please contact me if I do not get ahold of you first!

and congrats! Remember people... there are ton more giveaway you could still win.. SO go and fill them out!

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and the winner of the third giveaway is..........

Picked from a random computer program.. Tanya is the 11th comment.. therefore the WINNER.. Tanya please contact me if I do not get ahold of you first!

and congrats! Remember people... there are ton more giveaway you could still win.. SO go and fill them out!

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and the winner of the second giveaway is..........

Picked from a random computer program.. Catherine is the 4th comment.. therefore the WINNER.. Catherine please contact me if I do not get ahold of you first!

and congrats! Remember people... there are ton more giveaway you could still win.. SO go and fill them out!

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don't know what to do with your kids today?

well here in the chicagoland area it is GLOOMY to say the least.. and well the weather is being quiet unpredictable.

so here is a great option
TOYS R US is having a Thomas the Train day..
activities, character greetings, and story time.


if you little ones love thomas they will surely love this

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OMG..

as im sitting here.. its one of those moments that make you feel so complete as a mom!
my office is right next to playroom.. but seperated enough that they do not realize when i am listening to them play. now if i go and peek at them they will stop.

so here is the scenario..
they are playing house..
sierra and marley are playing baby and dylan is playing daddy..
i hear dylan say
"ok babies are you done with your food"
babies reply "yay!!!"
babies start to cry
dylan starts walking up the stairs
babies get louder
dylan says "BABIES I GOING TO WORK"
babies cry and say don't go
dylan comes back down and starts singing
"lullaby, nighty night lullaby, i love you babies"


OMG.... music to my ears... he is so sweet.. and really is going to make the best daddy ever!!!

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and the winner of the first giveaway is..........

Picked from a random computer program.. Kristin is the 63rd comment.. therefore the WINNER.. Kristin please contact me if I do not get ahold of you first!

and congrats! Remember people... there are ton more giveaway you could still win.. SO go and fill them out!

*NOTE KRISTIN PLEASE CONTACT ME.. YOU DID NOT LEAVE CONTACT 411 nor BLOG 411 if I do not hear from you by Midnight Sunday I will have to redraw!*

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continuing to give...

for me.. to continue to give to others is to continue to breath..

I will do as much as I can for others until I can no longer.. its just what keeps me going.. especially when it envolves the lives of innocent children.

This is why I would love to open all of your eyes to this amazing new organization
"PICTURES OF HOPE"



The Pictures of Hope Foundation (POH) is a charitable organization, comprised of professional photographers from all over the United States , that provides an opportunity for professional photographers to give back in their community. Members of Pictures of Hope, offer complimentary, documentary-style, photography services to families with a child in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The minute I saw this orgnaiztion I knew it would be perfect for me. If any of you know anyone who may need these services please feel go to the website.

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GIVEAWAY #5 - from MOI

so im doing my part...
im doing a giveaway.. why
well bc we all know how much i love all of my mom's!
you guys are so good to me... i dont know where i would be without all of the knowledge, support, strength i gain from my real-life moms, my mommy clients, my computer moms, and my blogger moms..

seriously we all deserve to be celebrated more often than one day a year.

My giveaway is something near and dear to me..
last year i finally was able to go to the "TULIP FESTIVAL" in Holland, MI...
it has been a dream.. if i could be surrounded by tulips all day every day I would.. I find them so simple, so perfect so beautiful.

so my gift is:

3 5x7 images double matted and framed in 8x10 frames. All images I have taken at the tulip festival in Holland, MI last mother's day... I would love to go there again this year.. but unfortunately I cannot.. but hopefully you can experience the beauty through these images.

WANT TO WIN THESE PICTURES?!? YOU CAN DO A FEW THINGS..
1.) leave me a comment about your favorite thing on my blog
2.) you can either twitter or FB about the giveaway and post a link
3.) you can donate to a cause near and dear to this momma for the "STEP UP TO AUTISM WALK" in honor of my lil man Dylan.. we are walking in "TEAM BIG D" click here to donate!


**add a comment for each additional entry telling me what you did**
Comments close Monday April 27th, 2009 at 11:59PM

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GIVEAWAY #4 - from CARDS BY DEB

with mother's day approaching right around the corner.. what mommy wouldn't LOVE and ADORE a custom handmade card... its that extra special touch..

Debbie from CARDS BY DEB is such an amazing artist, I wish I could even come close to the patience and detail that she does!

Here are some words from Deb
"Why do I think your readers would like to win my product? Who doesn't have a need for a greeting card? And how often can you walk into a Hallmark store and find a card that not only has your favorite colors, but also the perfect quote, and to top it off, the name of the person you are giving it to printed on front?"





The Winner of this giveaway gets the following options:
I would like to offer two free cards with free shipping. The first card can be anything that I have for sale at the time at my Etsy shop. The second card can be a custom creation. Whatever the winner would like, I will create it for them. They choose the event, the colors, a quote to put inside, etc.

Want to win these awesome cards:
ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS LEAVE A COMMENT TELLING ME WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE ON THIS BLOG... ideas, decorating, deals, photography, stories.. you tell me!

comments will be closing on Sundy April 26, 2009 at 11:59 PM

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GIVEAWAY #3 - from LORI'S PLACE GOURMET DELIGHTS

ONE WORD.... YUMMMMMMMMMM
look at how perfect these look too good to eat.. NAH.. hello they are cookies..we MUST EAT THEM!!!

Lori from "LORI'S PLACE GOURMET DELIGHTS" has offered this wonderful prize!
Please visit her etsy store and be WOWED by her amazing talent.. who ever wins these... I WANT JUST ONE.. PLEASE :)

Welcome to Lori's Place, where "Grandma's Goodness" comes through. Family recipes with a twist!
"One Bite" and you'll be "HOOKED"!
I use the "BEST" ingredients, "NO PRESERVATIVES"
& Caribbean Extracts for more intense, and delightful flavors.

OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS OF ALMOST 6 YEARS....SAY THEY'RE THE BEST!
GIVE US A TRY...I PROMISE YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!

Please be sure to read our Policies on storing your extra baked goods, and refunds!



Show MOM just how much you love her with your HEART!


Made with our "Signature Shortbread" dough!
These cookies are Hand Cut and Decorated!
Ready for Mom to enjoy!
4" & 3" in size..a perfect size cookie with her Tea!

Each cookie comes individually packaged......
Tied with matching ribbon.......
And nestled in a nice box ready for Mm to receive!



WANT TO WIN THESE.. THE MORE YOU DO THE MORE CHANCES YOU CAN WIN!!!
1.) leave a comment about your favorite kind of cookie and why
2.) put a link on your blog about this giveaway
3.) put a link on your facebook status about this giveaway

**add a comment for each additional entry telling me what you did**
Comments close Sat April 25th, 2009 at 11:59PM

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tip #5 for earth week... going green in different ways

think about every meal you eat... do you use a napkin, or a few sheets of paper towels? I can vouch that my family on the right day can probally go through an entire roll of paper towels..

NOT VERY GREEN or money concious at that... I also watched Oprah today.. if you did not get a chance to see it this morning.. i strongly suggest that you watch it tonight.. very moving.. not like she gave us any new tips than most of us know.. but she opened my eyes to all of the saddness going on around the world..

did you know there is a GARBAGE SWIRL in the middle of the OCEAN... TWICE the size of TEXAS... it made my heart break in 2.. especially since the ocean is something that touches me near and dear as I was going to school for Marine Biology back in the day...

so...on to the tip

MAKE YOUR OWN CLOTH NAPKINS


-i think this is a great option.. I think my kids will get a kick out of fun fabrics (I know you can get some great deals at walmart for a 1.00/yard) I myself currently have TONS of stock fabrics Im going to make some for meals.. and I am going to stock up on wash cloths for more significant spills and pet messes (target always has a stack of 6 on clearnace every 6 weeks)

so here is a tutorial if you aren't to aware of how to sew a napkin..

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tip #4 for earth week... going green in different ways

Green cleaning products are fabulous way to start in the right direction of going green. If you do nothing else other than switch your cleaning products you can make a huge difference, esp when using a concentrate!

The Beauty of Concentrates!

One of the easiest, most environmentally friendly and economical things you can do is to buy concentrates.

Think about it. You may not have considered how much you are paying for water in a bottle of cleaner. Water in cleaners is the MOST EXPENSIVE WATER you can buy! Not only are you paying a high price for this basic first ingredient, you are also paying to

* ship the water,
* package the water and
* store the water.



a fun link for kids going green

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