S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom's Slogan!

S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms DON'T Just Roar....
WE ROAR , FLAP, AND JUMP!

Join Me @ The Autism Support Network

Join Me at The Autism Support Network!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Gathering/Join the "S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Walk TEAM" at "The Walk Now for Autism Speaks" event Nov.12th

Hello S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms, Friends, and Families!  I hope this will give EVERYONE  plenty of notice so that you can click on my S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Interactive Button below &  JOIN the "S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom  TEAM" in "The Walk Now for Autism Speaks" event coming November 12, 2011.
It will be held in Altamonte Springs,Fl. at Cranes Roost Park uptown area. You won't be able to miss me; just look for the S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom in the Pink Shirt & Autism Ribbon Baseball cap:) Please don't forget to register by clicking the icon below
(You have to be registered for this event); bring a friend ,co-worker, family member, or your loved one with autism; I  AM :)...........and if you have a S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom shirt please wear it; if not, email me : eyesofautism@centurylink.net or  join me on Facebook.
S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom@Facebook.com  and  I will bring you a shirt when I meet you at the walk. When you go online to join you will be asked to make a donation toward the cause; please note that knowing how hard times are these days there is NO REGISTRATION FEE however, a minimum of $10.00 is appreciated if you can. In the donation box you can edit it for $0.00 ,$10.00, or more if you'd like. Also please be sure to check off the waiver box and if you are bringing your child, teen, or adult with autism ; please make sure he/she is a registered walker too. When I registered Dustin I did a $0.00 donation because when I registered myself I donated for us both. This way I only needed to make one payment rather than two. I thought I would just mention that. Oh, and when I made my donation I was also asked if I wanted the donation to be " In Honor of, In Support of, or In Memory of " my loved one with Autism. I just loved that idea! Again just wanted to let that be known. If you can't join the walk, but want to donate you can still do this by simply clicking on my S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Button below and Thank You :)
Remember Autism is on the rise ( 1 in every 38 as of 2011') Please....You Are Such An Important Piece to the Autism Puzzle. Take Care & I Hope to see you there!

Angela (Creator of S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom)
STRONG MOTHERS ALTERING AUTISM'S REALITY TOGETHER
"Mothers Coming Together to Think Outside the Box of Autism Behaviors"






( S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom  Interactive Button)

"Special Olympics 2011' Bowling Video & Pictures!" : brought to you by,S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom

What a Wonderful Time we had! I couldn't believe that Dustin hung in there for TWO full games. Way to go Boo Bear!
This year we bowled with the older group (15-21yr) . What a difference! I found everyone to be so friendly and encouraging; no matter the team. I was among some really good people that day who were there clearly for the same reasons I was. To be able to give Dustin as  many experiences that I could, to meet other people who are walking in our shoes, to feel a part of something positive, and to be able to share every experience I can with Dustin even if I think it may not go well.......I HAVE TO TRY. If it doesn't go well one year.....I'll try again next year. For the most part those outings do  get better. Sometimes it takes time, but that's O.K. I know it will be worth it down the road .
So, Dustin and I checked in and proceeded to the counter to get our shoes. I was asked what size I needed. I paused and said  a 7 .50. Well I guess it had been awhile since my last reality check :) I ended up getting My Boo Bear an 8.50 and could have done a 9 I'm sure (LOL) Then I thought to myself..." Yes, Angela, he is 15 years old now.Really a 7.50?...HELLO?" Sometimes I know it sounds crazy, but I forget; I mean he is my little boy. I guess on a good note, the 7.50 did fit me, so I didn't need to return the first set of shoes :) We went to pick out our bowling balls , where shortly after I asked him if he wanted to use the bowling ball ramp or not. He clearly and very loudly said,"No Ramp!" I asked him if he was sure and he confirmed it with a FIRM "Yes". So after  his first two frames hitting nothing but the gutters....he turned to me and said "Bowling Ramp Mommy".  So when his turn came up and he hit the pins...well lets just say pictures can say so much more than words......but I did better :) I HAVE VIDEO of that moment too ......LOL...I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. My Boo Bear is just too cute sometimes.












Sorry for the sideview video.I've tried to fix it, but just couldn't save it to show it correctly.



                                                                                                    
                                                                                                             

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

"Before Bed Time Autism Mini-Moment Video" :So here it is the evening of Dustin's "15th" Birthday.

              It's been an exhausting but Oh So Wonderful couple of weeks. Gotta love it when Autism offers you more of "THE UPS" then "THE DOWNS & Crashes" . So here I am getting ready to give Dustin his "heads up" 15 minute warning for his "Free Time" (computer) to wrap up. Usually with a 'heads up" transitioning from something I know is hard for him to leave, well this makes it easier to know it's bed time now. When I came upon Dustin I found him well.........I found myself reflecting  on this moment . Suddenly  and unexpectedly a  feeling came over me. OMG! Today was our son's "15th" Birthday and I know  our other children  have grown and moved on trying to start their own lives. I know everyone says Dustin has become a very BIG Boy and is still growing.....But it's times like these I have "MY REALIZATION" that He may be a BIG boy; but when you see him like this, like I do every day.....Maybe one can understand when I refer to Dustin as "My Baby". When you watch Boo Bear in this innocent way watching Barney while playing with his Looney Tunes friends; it's hard to see him as a teen. Besides in my HEART He's ALWAYS My Baby :) And we're so very Proud of all that he has accomplished!                                  


                                        "CLICK ON"
The Picture Below to watch what Dustin likes to do before Bed Time                                   


   

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

" He's 15 Today (Pictures) : Welcome to Dustin's "15th" Birthday Party. Thank You for Coming and We Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Dustin & Mommy Made the Cake. What do you Think?

Bugs & Dustin Blow Out the Candles!

A Tornado! Made by Discovery Kids

Glow and Go! Great portable & Night time toy. Bugs still Helping:)

Got it! Buzz in Game teaching Math,Spelling, etc.

Remote Control Desert Racer!

This is what Dustin did to the balloons he blew up.

Takng Bugs Bunny for a Ride.

I guess it's Bug's Bunnys Birthday too :)

"Ready for Bedtime Business Mom. I'm Tired."

"Ready for his "15th" Birthday Party Videos" : Mini-Moments brought to you by S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom


Here is Dustin Getting ready for his "15th" Birthday Party! "CLICK ON" the Two Pictures below to see some Bring a Smile to Your Face  Videos!

(Dustin Decorates the table Video)

(Dustin Blows a Balloon Video)

"Visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom Pictures" : brought to you by, S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom

Thank You ASGO.org for making it possible for Dustin to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom. What great timing too; Dustin's 15th Birthday is two days after this event. He thinks we are going because of his birthday though. It's been a couple of years since we went to "A.K." but this year Dustin seemed much more excited about it. Could have something to do with the VHS tape he's been watching "The Animal Kingdom Tour Video" he found at Goodwill. (LOL) What ever the reason I didn't care. There are animals there and regardless of his fears, here he would have to confront them, within reason of course:) We rode as many rides as we could, saw Pooh, Eyore (not sure I spelled that right), & Tigger, and even rode a roller coaster that went into this HUGE Mountain. I did post a picture of it below for you to see. What a ride that was!  My Long Time and Very Dear Friend  accompanied Boo Bear and I this year. I'm so glad she decided to come with us. What  great memories we made together today. Thanks Phyllis for hanging in there I know it was terribly hot . You're So AWESOME & such a Wonderful Friend. We Love You and hope you make more events in the future......maybe next time it will be cooler :)




The Bugs 3D Show...A bit loud.

A place to cool off from the hot day.

"Great Picture Dustin"

"A Rhino! I found  YOU!"

"I take a picture of Elephant"

Eyore,  Boo Bear m & Bugs Bunny

Pooh Bear, Boo Bear, & Bugs Bunny

Phyllis, Tigger, Dustin, Bugs Bunny, & Mommy

Do You See the Roller Coaster Track going INTO the Mountain? OMG!

An AMAZING & Memorable Day at Animal Kingdom 2011'

"First Time Swimming in a River Autism Video & Pictures" : brought to you by, S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom

What a fantastic weekend this has been! If being at the Farm  hasn't done wonders for the soul, we found out about THE RIVER and it's right down the road from our Farm. Dustin's first time going to a river. HE LOVED IT!!! But of course Seeing is believing:) He was so patient and wonderful listening to what I asked. This was a very good experience and SOOOO worth trying.

                                                    (Click On Picture to Watch Video)


Looking for Rocks to throw in the water.

Watching the other kids jump in the river.




 

"Counting Money & Autism Videos" : S.M.A.A.R.T. Mom's July Online Mommy Time-Out Video: The Coin-U-Lator & A Bonus Video of Dustin at the Farm:)


Hello S.M.A.A.R.T. Moms! Thanks for joining me again for another Online Mommy Time-Out Video.
Today I will be talking to you about the "Coin-U-Lator". No I didn't mean calculator. Curious? Well then won't you please
"Click On" the INTERACTIVE (button) picture of the Coin-U-Lator below. This will bring you to  S.M.A.A.R.T. Mom's July Online Mommy Time-Out Video. I hope this helps you like it has me:)
(PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL NOT BE AN AUGUST MOMMY TIME-OUT;PLEASE WATCH FOR  SEPTEMBERS VIDEO)

(Click On The Coin-U-Lator to Watch Video)
                                         



I found Dustin's Coin-U-Lator at :
http://www.difflearn.com/product/Coin-U-Lator/numbers_math_and_money
FYI: The price has apparently gone up to about $30.00 as of 2014' . But still a very good investment Moms.


What a Wonderful Way to start the morning and only a few days away from a very special birthday! Dustins definitely getting comfortable with our cows on the farm. This is sure to bring a Smile to your face. Gotta Love The Farm :) It's Moments like these that remind me of how much progress our Boo has made over the past NOW 15yrs. WOW! You never stop AMAZING us Boo Bear .Thank You Honey Bunny:)