Grace Crop for Autism - just wonderful

I just have to say that I was overwhelmed to see how many people came out to scrapbook with us and help us raise money for this cause that is so dear to my heart. If my son Zachary could only understand what was going on he would hug each and every one of these ladies.

We had 130 croppers come to our event and it was so much fun. Our committee really did a spectacular job putting this together. Barbara really knows how to get the job done.

We had so many fun things going on. Great classes and absolutely great raffles. Did I mention the food? So much food!!

So many people were so generous with donations. We received donations from top scrapbook manufacturers and greats to the hobby like Ali Edwards and Lisa Bearnson. I still can't get over how giving people were. We received gifts from friends and family and local vendors it was just unbelievable how kind people were.

It really gave me hope that we may be able to make a better life for our children - one crop at a time.

My 40th Birthday

Today is my 40th birthday. My god time does go by so fast. I have to say though, I am exactly where I want to be in life. A great husband, two beautiful kids, a home of our own and a job that pays the mortgage and then some. It has really been a fun ride getting here.

My wonderful husband threw my a big surprise party last weekend. Of course he couldn't pull this off himself so he drafted the help of my sister Lauren and my good friend Lisa. I am so blessed to have great family and friends around me. My brother and Frank are lucky they flew in from Florida to join the celebration.

My friends from college were there and I was so happy to see them. I love these girls and I miss them so much. Even though we don't talk often anymore we still enjoy each others company and it seems we are always able to start where ever we left off.

The kids had fun. Sydnie danced all night. She even taught me how to do the "charlie brown" during the cha cha slide. I am so proud. Zachary and my niece Caitlin couldn't play with the big boys. They both fell asleep half way through the party. Zachary was a little overwhelmed by all the people.

All in all it was a good party and being 40 is not so bad. I don't really feel 40 and I guess that's what matters. In fact, the salesperson at Ann Taylor said that "40" is the new "20". So I guess I still have a lot of living to do.

Till next time.........

Trip to The Museum

Today we decided to go to the American Museum of Natural History at the last minute.
The city was crowded today so we had to beg and plead the parking garage to fit just one more car in the lot.
We were excited to take the kids to the Butterfly Exhibit and the Planetarium. We thought Zachary would love this since he is very visual and loves stars and bugs.
Sydnie couldn't wait to see the butterflies. They really enjoyed seeing all the animals and of course the dinosaur bones. Zachary really loved the big elephants in the African Animal exhibit.
What did surprise us was once we were in the planetarium Zachary became figity. When the show started he said "Look at all the stars". The name of the show was Cosmic Collisions so the next thing that happened was a big asteroid crashed into the earth. I was shocked that Zachary was scared. The child fears nothing but the asteriod crash really spooked him.

What also shocked us was the Zachary was afraid of the butterflies. My child who loves to chase bees and try and squish them was squimish about a butterfly landing on him.

Zachary you are full of surprises.

My First Post

Today I decided to create a blog. I already own a website that I use for my small scrapbooking business but I wanted a place to go where I can just type my thoughts, express ideas, show pictures and just be me.

Today the snow came down like ice and I was locked away in my house. My daughter was at school and my boy Zachary was home with me because he was sick the past couple of days.
My son Zachary is 5 years old and he was diagnosed with autism at 20 months of age. He is an adorable boy and though he doesn't talk much each word he says brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.
Today's post is about Zachary. After spending a full day with just him and me I realized what a special child my son is. Nevermind the fact that he is absolutely adorable, he is always happy and doesn't really realize how tough the world can be. Maybe this is a blessing for him.
My daughter's words put everything in perspective. When I asked her if she wished Zachary was not autistic her response is, "Mommy, I am happy that Zachary is autistic. I think if he wasn't we would not get along so well and I wouldn't love him as much as I do. He is the cutest, sweetest brother I know." This is my 8 year old talking. How many 8 year old girls love their younger brother that much.