Being a teenager hasn’t been the easiest road for Parker. He struggles, especially with his brilliant mind. He wants desperately to share all of his thoughts with the world and sometimes people just don’t want to listen. I get it, he has a lot to share…sometimes too much but he is so adorable and really, really smart.

Take, for instance, the photo of Parker in the above layout. He is holding a model of the Sphinx that he created from memory. Who does that? Who can pull a picture from thin air and build a model? Parker can. I’ve seen him do it time and time again. He builds space suits out of cardboard and plastic, he builds robots using wire and foam padding…and that’s just the beginning. Parker’s memory is amazing. He can recall entire songs and scenes from movies at the drop of a hat.  Don’t even get me started on his vast knowledge about space and the human body.

Parker wants so much for the world to accept him for who he is. I remember what is was like to be a teenager, desiring to be accepted by my friends, my family…the world. Parker struggles even more because of his autism. I have to remind Parker on a regular basis that he is a wonderful boy, so sweet, talented and amazing. I tell him that he is funny…sometimes really funny when he times his jokes right.

It is so wonderful to see the young man that Parker has become. He has learned so much and come so far in the fourteen years, 4 months and 13 days since he graced this world with his presence. Parker has endured many trials and overcome them, he has brought me so much joy and blessed my life in so many ways.

I truly believe that Parker was sent to me, for me. I love him more than he could ever understand. I remember holding him in my arms for the first time, looking at his tiny fingers and toes…I believed he was perfect. He is still perfect, just as he is.

xoxo, Christie

My boy is FOURTEEN!

I’m still trying to process this.

The reason his smile is so huge?

He just opened the new Dr. Who (Mat Smith’s) Sonic Screwdriver.

If you have never watched Dr. Who…well…

You’re really missing out! It’s a fabulous show!

I’m showing some Shimmerz Love on this layout, I used:

Vibez: Jeni B Blue; Coloringz: No Yoking, Lime in da Coconut, and Anchor’s Away.

I even broke out some old Making Memories embellishments that I found while re-organizing (for the um-teenth time) my scraproom.

Have a FANTASTIC Easter Weekend!

xoxo, Christie

I’ve been homeschooling Parker these past couple of weeks.  It’s been interesting for sure.

A lot easier than I thought it would be but a lot more time consuming too.

These photos of Parker were taken while we were in California, he saved up some money to purchase the cap guns he had seen on our previous visit.

An elephant never forgets.

Parker never forgets.

Never forgetting is a common trait for Autistic children, Parker is no acception. He has an amazing ability to remember every word, sound, date and object that he is interested in. It sure comes in handy with school work, he’s absolutely brilliant! And I’m not just saying that because I’m his mom (wink).

I wanted to share my excitement about a recent publication in Christmas 365:

I created this Christmas banner over a year ago for the Jan  2010 CHA.

It was fun to pick the magazine up off the rack and open right up to the two page spread.

The magazine included directions too, pretty neat.

The banner itself was REALLY long. Here’s a couple of photos that I took awhile back:

I had sewn circles together using my sewing machine and then sewn the circles to the ribbon & banner.

Pretty simple, really.

The snow has finally started melting here in Idaho…cross your fingers that it lasts!

Have a fabulous day!

xoxo, Christie

Memorial Day.

Not just another day.

A heartfelt Thank to our Armed Forces

past and present

who have faught, died (or lived!)

to keep the US a safe Country

a free Country.

I am humbled by your sacrifice

you are truly appreciated.

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Spring cleaning.

Today I’m feeling it.

I’ve already deep cleaned the microwave and the outside of my cupboards…

Next, the refrigerator and the oven.

Wish me luck (haha).

I created the above layout using the new Bo Bunny “Jazmyne” Line.

I was inspired by The Color Room’s Palette #8:

It’s not an exact match…but pretty darn close.

In the photo:  My Parker & Izabelle with their sweet little cousin Kayla

I miss that girl and her darling baby sister, Addie.

_______________________________________

Be grateful today.

Enjoy time with family and loved ones.

I couldn’t wait another minute…

I had to thank you.

Thank you for your amazingly supportive comments and personal emails.

You have uplifted me and helped me to have the strength to find the answers.

I apologize for being a “downer” on my last blog post but I am so grateful for the hand-up you have gave me when I reached out.

It’s almost as though Parker knew that I needed a break today.  He’s been so sweet and more like himself.

And then there’s you.  Thank you for your love and support.  I feel so blessed for your friendship.

Big Hugs,

Christie

There was a day last year when my father told me that I was the happiest person he knew.

Always smiling and positive.

For some reason I find myself arriving at my happy place but I just can’t stay there.

Lately it’s been so hard for me to stay positive….

And now, I find my feelings spilling over onto my blog.

Maybe this is just me

reaching out?

I’m not sure.

I pulled Parker out of school last Friday.  He will be staying home for the last few weeks.

Being Autistic and becoming a teenager has started to take it’s tole on me as a mother.

I’m exhausted.  Mentally.

He’s been so angry.  Defiant even.

And I’m at my whits end.

Where did my sweet boy go?

He’s in there somewhere, he’s a good boy.

I know he is.

I love him so much, more than words.

He’s just struggling.

And lately I feel helpless…

Like a bad Mom.

I never knew raising a teenager could be so hard.

I’ll figure all this out…I know I will.