Unexpected Gift

Because sometimes the unexpected gifts are the things you never planned on but love the most.

#ThisisAutism

The misconceptions this week have been horrifying.  

Autism does not equal evil. 

No More Apologies

I had to bring Boy Wonder with me when I took the girls to school this morning. As we were walking out of Diva's class, another mom was walking her little girl inside. She had a Dunkin' Donuts bag in her hand. Boy Wonder loves him some munchkins. It was one of his first words. Mr. Eagle Eye can spot a bag or box of munchkins quicker than I don't know what.  Boy Wonder spied the Dunkin' Donuts bag in her hand and tried to take it out of her hand and then I said," I'm sorry. He has autism." and it sounded to me like I was apologizing for his autism. 

I can't and won't apologize for his autism.  I correct his bad behavior just as I do his sisters' bad behavior but he is who he is. His autism is so deeply embedded in him that there is no separation. There is no line to see who he'd be without his autism. I can not apologize for who Boy Wonder is and then expect people to accept him for who he is. 

Because Boy Wonder is a smart, funny, joyful, happy loving brown eyed snuggly boy who happens to have autism. No apologies necessary. 

Be The Woman......

You would like your daughter(s) to be:

financially independent

and better yet,

emotionally independent.

Caring.

Compassionate.

Loving.

Self accepting of their flaws AND

their beauty.

Try new things.

Fail or succeed but

always get back up.

Shine brightly.

Be proud of your differences

and

accepting of others' differences.

Look for the humor in life.

Don't hold a grudge.

Forgive.

Apologize when you are wrong. 

Know when to fight 

And when to walk away. 

Speak up for those who can not do so for themselves.

Let go of the past.

Enjoy the present.

Look forward to the future.

Know that things change 

slowly

and/or

instantly.

Set the example for the woman you would like your daughters to be and your sons to marry.

Restore The Shore

We are here. Alive and grateful that we only lost power for 36 hours. We have heat, electricity and running water.

Our friends and loved ones on the Jersey Shore were not so lucky. They lost everything. My BFF, D and her husband are spearheading a donation drive. They are renting at their own expense a very large U-Haul truck. Please help us fill it.

The people need, diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, bleach, rubber gloves, toilet paper, paper towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products,  soap, rubber boots, warm adult and children's clothing, coats, hats, blankets, etc. Anything you can think of they need.

 If you would like to donate, please email me at boywondersmom1004@yahoo.com. We are in the Northern New Jersey area. If you can help in anyway, it will be greatly appreciated by this Jersey Girl. 

We are down but we are never out. Why? Cause we're from Jersey.

The Other Two Reasons I Run (Run for My Girls)

Mommy, you're going running again??? Can't you stay home?

~Diva

Mama, watch me watch me. I run fast just like you. Give me a medal.

~Sweet Baby Girl

I don't only run to raise awareness and fund raise for Boy Wonder, although I'd run barefoot across the surface of the sun for that kid if it would help him.  I run for my girls who will grow up as siblings to a brother with serious special needs. I run for the girls because their happiness is just as important as their brother's although at times to them it may not feel like it. 

I can not change the fact that Boy Wonder has autism. What I am trying to prevent is my girls from hearing is "your child has autism." I would like  my girls to never know this heartache. I'd like for them to never know worry and fear, sleepless nights over your child's future who can't take care of themselves. 

So I don't only run for my son, Boy Wonder but for his sisters who love him fiercely and who often deserves more then they get in the way of time and attention but all I do is for them too. Especially the running.

Seven

Seven years....

of big silly grins

delicious belly laughs

of those big brown eyes

puckered up kisses

carrying you on my left hip

of ups and downs

of small and big miracles

of pure unadulterated love

Happy 7th Birthday Boy Wonder!!