"Gathering @ The Zoo Boo Bash" :S.M.A.A.R.T. Mom's October "Mommy & Me Time-Out "

What a wonderful time we had at the Zoo Boo Bash. So sorry some of you couldn't join us.....maybe next year:) To the moms that did join me, I would like to just say "Thank You". It's always easier and more fun when you have a good friend with you or more in this case:) Great Costumes by the way! I do  have some pictures to share with everyone. Hope you enjoy them.
Please don't forget to join S.M.A.A.R.T. Mom's TEAM for the upcoming Autism Speaks Walk November 12th. It's still not too late to join us for the walk or to make a donation for the cause. Look forward to seeing you there! Talk to you then. Take Care.

"The Zoo Isn't Just Looking @ the Animals Anymore:Video & Pictures" :The weather will be cooler soon. It's now October but still very comfortable weather. So before it gets cold thought I'd give my Boo Bear a special treat this time when we went to the zoo.

What a WONDERFUL Day! Went to the Zoo this morning with our notebook and pen in hand:) Dustin loves to write down the animals he sees and check them off. I started this a while back when I realized my Boo Bear was afraid of animals. The Zoo has been very theraputic in regards to him feeling more comfortable around animals. I started buying an annual family pass so I could bring him there more often and without the major expense. In addition to the Zoo animals, the zoo has really grown for many other things to do now then when we started coming almost thirteen yrs ago. There is a small train ride, a merry-go-round,a stabalized bungee jumper, a splash zone area with changing rooms, and much more. Well today considering we are in Oct. now I thought it would be nice to let him play in the splash area ( 84* & sunny as can be). He had a fantastic time! I really hope to see some of my S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms Oct 30th for the Zoo Boo Bash. If you want to even join us again to the zoo before that, let me know. We try to go on Sat's. I know you & your son/daughter will have a great time! But if that doesn't convince you maybe this video I had to share with you may at least bring a Smile to your face:)



This is his check- list. Yes he added animals that ARE NOT THERE; but that still didn't stop him from adding those animals to his check- list. Maybe he knows something I don't (LOL)

         

 

"Autism & LOST TOY TAG Video" :S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom's September "Online Mommy Time-Out" Video

Hello S.M.A.A.R.T. Moms!

Today I want to talk to you about my son's favorite toy/friend, Bugs Bunny. Boo Bear takes him everywhere. If you have watched in my past events and pictures you'll notice that Bugs is in every picture and video:) Well , one morning when we were getting ready to go on one of our outings. Dustin came to me in a panic......He yelled out to me " Where's Bugs?!"  I couldn't believe he was missing. This has never happend before Boo holds on to him tight. But sure enough he was missing. So needless to say the rest of the day was just miserable for us all. Poor Boo Bear was crushed. We managed to get through the day by doing crafts and playing games to detour his thoughts of Bugs. Finally we got through the day without any major melt-downs and Boo went off to bed hoping Bugs would turn up.

Someone was obviously watching out for our Dustin, because Bugs did turn up.......So, it was right then and there I decided to make sure this never happens again, not if I can help it:) So I began thinking outside the box and came up with "LOST TOY TAGS."

I made up a variety of tags to fit other favorite toys he had. I designed them to be able to put ANY  child's name on the tag as well as a contact phone number so that the toy can be returned if found by someone. I specified the toy tag to belong to a child with autism; however, having other friends with children who aren't autistic and for my friends who love their pets.......I decided to make LOST TOY TAGS for them too. I have created my own, but maybe you might be able to come up with a similar idea. If not you can click on the Lost Toy Tag Link  below so you can see if the lost toy tag is something you may need in the future. Oh and I did post a photo of Bugs Bunny wearing his Lost Toy Tag Shirt, which by the way Dustin always puts it on his Bugs now before we go on our outings:) Also, if you would like to watch the September Mommy Time-Out Online Video; just "Click On" the Bugs Bunny Photo.
I really hope this helps you like it has for us. Until  Next Time, Take Care. Angela

P.S. There won't be an October Mommy Time-Out Online Video, but I would love for you to join us for Halloween at the Boo Bash. Contact me for further details if you would like to come. We always have a really nice time:)




 
(Click on Bugs to Watch Mommy Time-Out Video) 

                 




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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.

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                             

"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