Autism Love Altered Clipboard

Morning friends, Since April is Autism Awrwaness Month, I decided to 

create another Autism themed project using the Clear Scraps 6"

Puzzle Stencil and the NEW stamp set from A Creative Journey With Melissa

Awareness Ribbon Set #6 – Angels with Autism.

For this project I spray painted the back over the Clear Scraps 6" Puzzle Mascil

 and stamped the images and cut them out. I am in love with it. 

Happy Wednesday friends!! <3 p="">

Remember to share and talk about Autism, it's such an important cause. 

Pink

Special Kids 5K Race- Autism Mini Album

Hey there friends, happy Monday. 

Recently I had the opportunity to experience a wonderful show

of support from a friend who ran a 5K for my son with Autism. 

My son was even able to run the last 100 yards or so with him. 

It was such a beautiful experience that I decided to take the photos and turn them 

into a min album for my son who I want to be able to really

remember that day with visuals of course. 

I used the April Kit from Creating Made Easy to create the album and I am in love.

I lost several friends when my son was diagnosed because instead of making

 excuses for how my son acted and people treated him, I no longer accepted those

 behaviors and it really made me realize I didn't have to accept shitty behavior from

people for myself either. 

If I was going to advocate for my Autistic son then I needed to show him, I do

not allow that treatment for myself either. I don't want him to think it's ok 

for people to treat him like garbage and he just has to take it. 

So for JD to do this, it meant so very much! The support I have found from

amazing people far outweighs the loss!

WE ARE VERY BLESSED!

Thank you JD!

Light It Up Blue For Autism!

Welcome to the Light It Up Blue For Autism Blog Hop.

As you all know my life is dramatically effected by Autism and to be honest,

I would't have it any other way!

This year I joined the Light It Up Blue For Autism Blog Hop using 

the Creating Made Easy April Kit, and stamps by 

A Creative Journey With Melissa. LOVE this Autism Stamp Set. 

I was kind of stumped on what to make because I wanted it to be blue, 

so I decided to use irRESISTible spray on the back by Imagine Crafts,

then after it dried I sprayed it with gold because there was a lot of gold

in this kit, then I spritzed all the flowers as well. 

I actually love how it turned out but more importantly my son does...

Now if you ant to WIN head over to....

http://lk2thestarz.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-light-it-up-blue-for-autism.html 

If you would like a chance to win a prize from one of these fabulous companies leave a comment on this blog, and any of the other blogs participating in today's hop! Winners will be chosen at random and will be announced on Monday April 6.

I also wanted to share a beautiful thing from Clear Scraps being released today!

Susan and Jim the owners at Clear Scraps know how much Autism has

effected their designers and have made this very special MASCIL/stencil

and the amazing part? 1.00 from every sale will be donated to the autism-society.org

http://www.clearscraps.com/product_p/cssmpuzzle6.htm

be sure to grab yours today!

And here is a link to the fabulous KIT!

Creating Made Easy April Kit!

So Basically Mom...You Love Me..

Good morning Happy monday friends!

I have a few things to share today from TV & Tutorials to Tattoos.

So remember those flowers I created for that box that was on HSN?

Well this weekend there was a tutorial featured on Samantha Walker's blog

that I created for making them.  

And just in case you missed it- here is the video of my box on HSN!

http://www.hsn.com/products/teresa-collins-xyron-adhesive-kit/7350615

The funny part? I slipped cards in the box in case they needed them

but no one knew LOL so it was cute when she opened the box- 

Next time I will send a warning label! hahaha- 

 Oh and here is the link for the tutorial! :)

http://samanthaleewalker.blogspot.com/2014/01/making-vintage-layered-flowers-using-4.html

So excited to be back with SW and the gang! :) 

 And a VERY special even this weekend, for a few months now I 

have wanted an Autism tattoo- and a month ago I sent an idea to my 

artist Renee Johns in Nashville at Avenging Art Tattoo Shop. 

This tattoo is what she and I came up with and this last Friday night

I sat for 4 hours and had it done!

It says simply "I will fight your fight" and it's an incredibly touching tribute to

my amazing boy with Autism and his struggles. 

He asked me what "I will fight your fight means" I told him

to think of it like a boxing match, when he has trouble with school,

or bullies, or anything, I will always be there to help him and

fight for him. He said "So basically mom you love me"...well ya kid- 

I guess that about sums it up doesn't it?

He loved the idea and loves the tattoo- he saw it when 

I got home and said "SO COOL MOM".

I know my whole life seems to revolve around Autism right now

and I am probably boring some of you. 

But when your child is sick- you go to the mat and you stay there

until it's right...so I am very proud to share my tattoo with everyone today! :) 

Muah! Thanks for all your love and support! 

Be back tomorrow with another cool project!

All About Love...And Autism...

Good morning friends, 

I have two VERY special project to share today that is so near and dear to my heart.

It's not often I get to combine my crafting with my life and right now

my life is all about my kids and my son's Autism. 

As we learn about his diagnosis and life that surrounds it, it is just what 

we are living now. When I saw this stamp set that Michelle created with 

Avocado Arts it was more than special to me!! 

It really is "All About Love".

My first card is this Autism Love card I created and it's definitely

all about Autism and support- Love Comes In All Shapes And Sizes

is an amazing sentiment and perfect for this card. 

I used copper and "cyan" inks (my son's favorite color) to 

stamp the puzzle pieces. I used CutCardstock to create the card itself. 

http://avocadoarts.blogspot.com/2014/01/all-about-love-and-so-much-more-with.html

I put my heart and soul into this month's projects-

This set is so versatile- you could really use it all the way across

the board from cards and scrapbook pages to mixed media.

I also created this more CAS Card but you know I had to mix

it up a little and pop some paper out of that typewriter!

And inside I used a coordinating heart. 

I just love this set!

Such a great owner Michelle is and always thinking of causes outside of the box-

I really would appreciate if you take the time to go and comment letting her know

how amazing this set is- right here

http://avocadoarts.blogspot.com/2014/01/all-about-love-and-so-much-more-with.html

It means a lot to me that Autism is in the public eye! :) 

See Beauty And Autism Through My Eyes

Yes you have a wonderful child full of talent and grace, they will go far and be amazing. 

Probably class president, the most popular kid in school, breezing through with ease.
I see you looking at me like I am weird and I see you look at my child like he is a brat or spoiled. 

I hear those comments you make, even if you make them sound nice. That's fine. 

I am happy that you have such an amazing life and great kids, truly I am. 

Maybe you could look at me and my child with less judgmental eyes if just for today.

 You don't know what we deal with every day. 

You don't see my child being made fun of every day, 

struggle with being lonely and struggle with their lack of communication skills.
You see a child who screams or "melts down" but you don't see
the invisible pain and lack of ability to convey emotions and thoughts. 
You don't think what it must be like to not be able to speak or get the
words to the tongue whenever you want. That is a blessing many take for granted. 
And no, it's not because I am a bad parent and if I was more 

like you than it would be fixed. No I am not spoiling my child and allowing him to act out. 

It is because my amazing and beautiful child has Autism. 

My child who is just as amazing as your child, only different. 

My child who will change the world one day- 
my child will one day find their voice and find their way. 

It might not be the same way your child does everything, 

it might not be quite as easy or quite as fancy, 

we might not skate through with all the awards, 

but it will be BEAUTIFUL and a journey worthwhile. 

Sometimes the most beautiful butterfly is hidden in a 

cocoon that no one notices until it spreads it's wings. 
Sitting there silent in a darkened world waiting to fly. 

Love more, judge less, respect our journey-

 remember your looks and comments do hurt, even the strongest of us. 

As I sit committed to holding the hand of my incredible child and

I see the pain they carry and bear every single day.

I will cheer on your child and respect your amazing parenting skills,

 I will not feel "less than" or ashamed of my child or my life. 
I will admire your children and your blessed situation, as we are ALL blessed. 

I will stand proud and know in my heart that it takes ALL KINDS

to make the world go around. Not just the amazing so called "normal" people,

but the incredible emerging people who are different and think in other ways.

Today is my birthday and I thought that I would share my personal 
feelings on how I am perceived and judged. Not with hate or anger
but with more of a sad and heavy heart today. 

Have a beautiful day my friends. 

Autism- The Beginning Of Our Story

Hey there friends, 

You know on this blog I share my crafts, my life...the good the bad and the ugly. 

So today I wanted to share our Autism story as it lies so far.

I am not a writer- nothing eloquent here for sure, but I figured 

since I have shared my story of childhood abuse, rape, and journey

to self worth, my story of being abused in marriage- having my back

broken, my wheelchair life and beyond- sharing our newest life

journey of Autism is the obvious next step. 

This is my son Gage- he has Autism. 

He is the LOVE of my life (well one because I have 4 loves).

He is 9 years old right now and the sweetest kid with a heart of gold. 

When he was born at 10 pounds 1 oz I fell in love with this kid. 

He came out screaming and has ever since but he is the most amazing

kid I have ever met. He is so smart, and such a joy to be around. 

When he was 3 family told me something was wrong with him. 

I said "NO he is wonderful and everyone is different, we EMBRACE

being different he is wonderful". 

When he was 4 he would ask me to tell him how to spell words,

he would sit on the floor and FILL a page with words. 

One day it was food...I would list off Grapes, Bananas, Bread, Cheese...

whatever word he wanted, he would make a list of 100 words a day. 

I thought (still do) he was a genius!

He had terrible Asthma- we were in the hospital so often they knew us. 

Gage had a tender soul, he cried alot- he screamed alot because

he could not find or understand the right words. 

That's ok because everyone struggles in areas and he was amazing.

So I taught him different ways. We wrote, we sang, we played. 

He was a wonderful addition to our quirky family and life. 

Beautiful big eyes, heart so soft, and never a mean word. 

Finally it came time for him to go to school. It was  a sad

time for both of us- he was so special but I knew not everyone

would understand that and I was scared for him. I  knew

from day one I would have to fight the world for him. 

So I walked in with my mental sword and shield and the battle began that FIRST DAY.

When he was in kindergarten the teacher told me she didn't want

to deal with him- and I should keep him home because after all

who cares about kindergarten? Would it matter when he was in college? 

I said "NO, you are awful! Why don't you care?? My son is just as important

as anyone else in this school!" to which she replied "I have too many boys

in my class I cannot stand one more who is crying, it's too much work".

Of course that was not right so we found

another teacher for him after fighting with the principal of that school.

That teacher was amazing she was a sweet kind hearted teacher

who was clearly meant to teach forever. Ms Hollandsworth. 

Best teacher ever! Gage still talks about the impact she had on him. 

Oh to bottle that kind of love up and place it in all teachers hearts. 

As a family we learned that Gage needed structure and loved video games

and was a whiz at math and numbers. When he was 6/7 yrs old he could tell me

any day of any year- if I said "Gage what was November 6th 2007" he would know 

what day of the week it fell on. 

After a year that went away but I was so amazed by his mind. 

We moved from that school and into our own home. 

Modest/small and in the country- his first year we had a great teacher.

Never said anything about Gage being different, embraced him like her

own and was fantastic. The year went by with peace. 

Gage adjusted happily, then we hit second grade, once again great

teacher but she kept telling me "I think Gage has Autism, please have him tested"

No, no I didn't want to label him and put him in a box and keep 

him there trapped when in my mind he was just creative and 

different and if people didn't see that then fuck them!

What I didn't understand was -the simple black and white truth

people don't understand- they don't embrace difference. 

I have learned a hard lesson the last year- people hate difference, 

they make fun of that which they do not understand. People are

simply minded and cruel at times. Not only children but adults. 

So it wasn't Gage who sent me on this Autistic journey- it was the

cruelty and people around us who sent me on a mission to find out

which label I needed to protect Gage. 

Now this year we finally have a diagnosis and I don't think of it

as a label. So any of you mom's who are afraid to get your child diagnosed

don't see it as a label as I did. See it as a SHIELD to wrap and protect your child

with, something to use against those who are set out to squash creativity and difference. 

We are 2 weeks into having a physical diagnosis in hand. 

We are 2 years into fighting for the diagnosis and fighting adult bullies

that make fun of my child at the schools. 

Yes, I am new and I do't have the knowledge of the pros

BUT I will, I am educating myself, I am empowering myself

the same way I did when I was raped and abused. 

I will fight for my son like I fought for myself. Because

being amazing is not a crime but a GIFT- being Autistic is a GIFT

and I am so very blessed to have this gift in my life!!!!

For those who tell me I used my abuse to get attention and tell me I 

am using my son's Autism to get attention. That's fine- I am sad for you

because you are so lucky to have lead a wonderfully easy life. 

My life is different and amazing and I experience new things every day that

make me a better person full of knowledge and awareness. 

My mind is open and my heart is FILLED with incredible love- 

I hope you all find someone that has a special need in your life to love

it will change you forever!!!

Sometimes all you need in life is LOVE and UNDERSTANDING.