Autism....

Autism is a scary word, and one of the last words a parent wants to use as a descriptor for their child! In the news out of Canada this week, came an anonymous letter sent to a family about their autistic son. I originally thought, and prayed, that it was a joke. But, as the media coverage grew on it, my heart hurt for Max's family, especially his mom. It's that pit-in-your-stomach hurt that you know, in some way, what and how she's feeling. 

We've been living with autism for almost 10 years now. My son was diagnosed at 3 with "autistic tendencies". He spoke, but he couldn't carry on a conversation with you or tell you that his tummy hurt or he didn't feel good. When he wanted something, chocolate milk for instance, he would say "ya want some chocolate milk?" instead of say "I want some chocolate milk." But, He also had some MAD reading skills!! He started reading at 16 months and never stopped. He wasn't a hand flapper and didn't line things up constantly, but he liked his routine! 

Right before he was diagnosed, he started biting. Of course he ONLY did it at church! Double whammy....a mom of an autistic boy AND a biter!!! WOW!!!! You would think that church would've been a safe place to go through this. Some people were great, but others....not so much. I was a first time mom and went home crying every Sunday after hearing "you should bite him back" or "spank him more" or "teach him sign language so he can tell the kids no that are trying to take his toy away" or "people aren't bringing their kids because of him" and lastly "you're a bad mom because you keep bringing him here". Never mind the fact that I didn't go to a service for almost a year so I could sit in his class with him. I was doing all I could do, but it obviously wasn't enough.  People are scared of what they don't know, and sometimes don't treat people like they should. It's sad to say that we had so many problems at church...even to him being picked on...but not everyone is like that. There are some precious people at my church, who love my son and are great with him!!!! I just wish there had been more!  (**** My church now has a special needs class and I'm so thankful for all they do in there!!!****)  

Autism scares people. I can see it in their eyes...especially when I explain I have an high functioning autistic son. I get a lot of "I'm so sorry" or "but he looks so normal!!" Of course he does, he doesn't have 3 heads, his brain just works a bit differently. Autism is hard. It's not fun. But it's how God made B-Man. He entrusted Hubby and I to raise him. I feel honored that God gave him to us. Do I wish things were different? Not anymore. I know that B is the sweetest young man I know and I'm so thankful for him...autism just adds to his character! :) 

So to Max's mom Karla & his family, I say, just keep loving your precious boy and keep educating people. People are scared of what they don't know. So, educate them. 

Psalm 51

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your loving kindness: according into the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Was me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that though mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted to thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. I Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it, thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion; build thou walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. 

Brrrrrr....

This week has been soooo cold!! It is August right? The temp got down to 50 overnight!!! What!!???!!! And, I'm wearing a sweater!!! Hot weather...come back!!!! 

Summer Has Requested a Fly By.....

This summer has requested a fly by. And even though I told summer that the pattern was full, it has flown by anyway...this time, spilling memories rather than coffee!!!  (Hopefully you've seen Top Gun, otherwise that joke fell as flat as some jokes that come from a pulpit sometimes!!) 

This summer we moved into a new house, and honestly, I don't think we've spent more than 2 weeks in a row in this house as a family! 

Between two summer camp trips for B-man & myself...

Heading to NC to spend our Nation's birthday with sweet friends....

A family reunion in Georgia....

With a stop in Nashville for Jack White's Third Man Studios...

And of course Antique Archaeology (American Pickers)....

The Amecola Falls...

And of course, family to the Family Reunion...

But, we've had a great summer!!! We've given our suitcases a workout for sure!!!  Over 3,500 miles, 9 states, numerous Chick fil a  stops, many hours napping in the car & a few car dance parties!  Lazy summer....I think not....

By far though, the best thing of the summer was this....

GOD IS GOOD!!!! 

Another Blog....

Here I go...another blog... Lately, I've had so many things on my heart, and not things that I'd like to express on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. So, I decided I needed an outlet, hence, this blog. If you know me, you know 3 major things about me. 

 1. I LOVE MY LORD!!!! I am first and foremost a child of the King. God has worked me over in the last 10 years or so, and truly picked me up from the miry pit, placed my feet upon a rock and established my path. I'm a work in progress and just when I think I know more about Him, He shows me that I don't know anything!

 2. I LOVE MY FAMILY!!! God has blessed me with an amazing, God fearing & honoring man to share this life with. He has also entrusted me (us) with 2 little minions. God has given me more than I deserve and I'm so very thankful for these 3 people!! 

 3. I LOVE BASEBALL!! Yes, I'm a girl, and I love baseball!! Not just the Detroit Tigers, but the game itself. Anytime between April (ok, really February/March) and October, you'll find me watching a game. And yes, I do know what I'm talking about as well. ;) I'm sure at some point, and probably all in one week, you'll see me talking about all 3 of these passions of mine. I hope that I add some humor along the way as well, because, let's face it, God is funny, my family is hilarious and baseball is full of bloopers!!