If you came from Chriss's blog then you are in the right place! If you just came upon this hop, please start back at the beginning by going to Cori's blog.
Thank you all so much for joining us today and helping to spread awareness about Autism. My son, Joey, is 2 1/2, and was just recently diagnosed, BUT I have known since before he was 2 that he was on the spectrum. He has a twin sister, and they were both developing right on track, side by side, until around 18 months..... Joey stopped talking, was always in a "trance-like" state, he starting head banging severely, spinning, all the classic red flags were going up. It took me a while to get him evaluated, and then he was evaluated by 4 different specialists, all saying the same thing: Autism. We spend our days in therapy & EI groups. It is hard. It is a challenge, for him and I alike. I am a single to Mom to 5, (the twins being the youngest, and then a 3 1/2 yr old, a 5 yr old & a 9 yr old) My days are long and all look the same..... It is almost impossible to do anything "normal" as a family right now. A trip to the park is hard, as Joey doesn't like groups of people, or may not like the feel of the slide and will have a meltdown. But would I change it?? Not in a million years! My son is different, he is quirky, he is unique, and he has Autism.
For my project, I made a layout trying to show you a glimpse of a "normal" day...... Joey HAS TO HAVE boxes to stack, any kind, and no one is allowed to touch them or move them. He HAS to have his blankie & rocking chair. He can nap anywhere & on top of anything but hates sleeping in a bed. He lines things up & knows instantly if someone moved something. He likes to color code the magnets, on the baseboard heater, he does not like them on the fridge. He flaps and jumps when he is happy. He screams, bites and head bangs when he is mad. He does not like people touching him or in his space. He has 2 brothers & 2 sisters and does not play with them at all. He prefers to be alone and will set up shop in a corner and block himself in. He has never given me a hug or kiss. And I am OK with all of this!
I used files from Scraptastical Kreations and my MTC to make my LO. The larger puzzle pieces with hearts on page 1 are from our FREEBIE this week: I <heart> someone with Autism! Grab it here: http://www.scraptasticalkreations.com/item_223/I-heart-Someone-with-Autism-Title.htm
My goal is raise awareness and make sure our kids get the help and services they need to better their lives. Do I want to CURE my son? No, I do not. He wouldn't be Joey without his Autism. I just want people to understand him, respect him and accept him, how he is...... the same as everyone wishes for all their children.
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| I apologize for the crookedness, I was on a spinny chair! LOL |
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| In that center pic, he is trying to smile! lol Some of his quirky little traits! |
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| The rainbow and pot are from Scraptastical Kreations |
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| I made the ribbon using MTC and then colored the puzzle pieces using Glaze pens. The puzzle pieces are also from MTC. |
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| His daily routines |
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| This puzzle piece & heart are from Scraptastical Kreations |
Now, if you are still here after all that I wrote, lol I know it was a lot!, then you deserve a chance at some blog candy!! Become a follower of my blog & leave a comment. Then head over to my fan page at CBC Scrapbooking, hit the LIKE button and leave a post saying you are from the hop! Easy peasy! I will choose a lucky hopper to receive some yummy scrappy goodies!! Winner will be announced later this week on my fan page!
Y'all have a scrap happy day!!
~Colleen
Your next stop in the World Autism Awareness Day blog hop is Pam.
- Cori- http://createdbycori.blogspot.com
- Liz - http://decadeofscrap.blogspot.com
- Doris - http://mybugandmecreate.blogspot.com
- Zenita - http://www.scrappinwithz.blogspot.com
- Chriss- www.chrissandlou.blogspot.com
- Colleen - http://www.cbcscrapbooking.blogspot.com
- Pam - http://mzlavr2.blogspot.com/
- Kristy - http://scraptasticalkreations.blogspot.com
I love this! You did a great job sharing your story! I love your layout!
ReplyDelete<3 Pam
MY heart goes out for you.. I so understand and even though Jayden is now 7 - we went through a lot of that and with time, therapy and patience he has started to come out of his shell and allow us (me more as mom) to hug and touch him.. I love your LO!! Is your children patient?? my one granddaughter loves to push his buttons and she is 10 - ugh! ((hugs)) Doris parkernana5@cox.net
ReplyDeletehttp://mybugandmecreate.blogspot.com
Each day is a new beginning for you and joey... I admire all that you are doing for him. I know each day is a struggle, but each day is progress as well.
ReplyDeleteKimberly
Good luck, my heart goes out to you. being a single mom is not fun, but being a single mom with a child who needs more attention can be challenging one the whole family. i am sure you have those days where you just need a break but you still get up and care for your babies. I am so happy to see that you would not change a thing. I love to see people who dont see a disease they see a real person who need love and attention just as much if not more then anyone else. Good luck with you family And may you find the happiness you and your children deserve.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE how this turned out, Chickie!!!! You are amazing and what you do for Joey on a daily basis is phenomenal. Each day will bring sorrows and joys - each day he will love you and hate you all in the same moment, but because you understand all of this Joey will come out on top in the end. I love you, Girly!!!! You are the best!
ReplyDeleteWow love your story and your project is awesome!! Such a cutie!! :) Our son was diagnosed at 27 months and is now almost 9. Our started with the head banging too. Take it one day at a time and stay strong mom!! :) Not everyone is blessed with these children like we are. :) Great Hop!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely layout and what a beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing it today!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Chriss
sorry, came here from Homestyle Mama's post on fb...i LOVE your layout though! especially the cauldron full of puzzle pieces. beautiful job!!! thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteyour Lo came out so beautiful! Love it!! What a strong and amazing woman you are, Joey is a lucky little boy to have such a loving, terrific mom! Already a follower! ;)
ReplyDeleteNancy
alwaysastorycreationsbynancy.blogspot.com/
I praise you for being a wonderful, Kind hearted woman. You are one in a million and Joey is blessed with an angel. I love your layout. You've captured amazing moments. Thank you for sharing your story. I am walking away today inspired by you, not for your craftiness today but for your look on life.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you do it hon, being a single mom is hard enough, but five and all the time you devote to your amazing son. I'm glad you are able to use crafting as an outlet. You're amazing!
ReplyDeleteOutstanding layout. Thanks for sharing Joey's story. I'm already a follower and a facebook fan. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteVicki
vwilson577 at yahoo.com
Beautiful job! Thanks so much for joining us in this hop!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Joey with us he is a special little boy very cute I might add. He also has the most perfect Mom! You truely are amazing I don't know that I could do what you do!!.I love you pages those pictures are wonderfu; and rhe cuts are perfect!
ReplyDeleteBig Blog Hugs, Janet
Beautiful layout!! As you were describing your day I was just smiling and shaking my head!! Been there done that!! There were days I didn't know if we would get through but we did!! Your son is so lucky to have you in his life!! Just know that you aren't here alone!! Thank you so much for sharing Joey's story and being in this hop with us!!
ReplyDeleteZ
God Bless your little guy, ty for sharing your amazing story and for the great projects. Your baby boy is so lucky to have you in his life as you are to be in his. It has been a pleasure always to be in a hop with you. Much love to you and the little guy!!!
ReplyDeleteLiz
beautydecade@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing your story. Your little boy is fortunate to have you as a mother. I couldn't imagine dealing with this as a single parent, despite the times my aspie son and husband push each other's buttons and escalate until I want to bang their heads together!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing story and I love your layout. You aren't any different than any other Mom who wants their children loved for exactly who they are. Wonderful hop to raise awareness for Autism, tfs
ReplyDeleteThis is so very sweet! Love it! Callyann
ReplyDelete