photographs and memories...

please...take a few minutes of your time....

....and look at the photos on this site: http://adventuresinautism.blogspot.com/

(my son, Porter is one of those affected)....

and watch this video...I cried:

Green Our Vaccines Rally

From the TACA website, an important opportunity to send a strong message to our national health agencies:

Green Our Vaccines Rally
With Jenny McCarthy & Jim Carrey

RALLY INTRODUCTION &
GENERAL INFORMATION

Please join Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey for the most historical event of 2008, the Green Our Vaccines Rally. Jenny and Jim are working hard to eliminate all toxins from our children's vaccines and have our national health agencies reassess the mandatory vaccine schedule, as our children are receiving TOO MANY, TOO SOON. While Jenny and Jim support the vaccine program, like many, they feel vaccines are too toxic. This country has the ability to provide a safer vaccine supply and schedule to our children and they ask you to join them to demand this for our country's greatest asset, our children.

Who:		Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey, sponsored by Talk About Curing Autism (TACA), Generation Rescue, HEAL Foundation - Healing Every Autistic Life and Moms Against Mercury
What:		A March and Rally to give everyone who loves a child with Autism a day for their voices to be heard.
When:		June 4, 2008 9:00 a.m. – Gather in DC (see March info below) 10:00 a.m. – March (PROMPT START TIME) 12:30 p.m. – RALLY CONCLUSION
Where:		Washington, DC
Why:		Demand Congress take action to Green Our Vaccine Supply while reassessing our current vaccine schedule. Ask Congress to reenact legislation that would eliminate mercury and other toxins from our children's vaccines, study the instance of Autism and other neurological disorders in vaccinated versus unvaccinated children, and to extend the statute of limitations to allow all children affected by vaccine induced Autism to file in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP).
How:		You must register online to attend the Rally.

Is this date & location confirmed: YES. Permits and policy participation for this important event have been secured. This venue is safe for parents and children to attend. Register online.

March:

• We will start lining up for the March at 9 a.m. at the corner of 4th Street SW, and C Street SW, just past the Holiday Inn Parking (Colonial Parking Deck).

• There will be a large number of people, so it is very important for all marchers to be on time so we can assemble and go over instructions. We will be in motion at 10 a.m.

• For those who cannot march, you can meet us at the rally site in front of the of the Capitol Building, West Capitol Grounds. There will be a team of rally staff, that will be easily identifiable, to guide you and inform you of all marching rules and regulations.

• It is vital that you register for the March and Rally.

Stay Tuned with the LATEST RALLY INFO:

• Join the JennyDcAutismRally Yahoo! Group for the latest in updates and news as it relates to the rally. Arrange carpool, ask other state representatives questions, etc!

• How to Join? Send an email to: JennyDcAutism-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Questions: Please email us at GreenOurVaccines@aol.com

Special thanks and appreciation to the team of volunteers & family participation to make this event happen beyond words. Thank you.

Let's show our gratitude to this courageous couple, Jenny & Jim, who are working so hard to support our cause in honor of our children, by attending the Green Our Vaccines Rally.

This is the day our voices will be heard.

So let's join together and be LOUDER THAN WORDS

This is 'cool'!.........

I was searching the internet, trying to find cooling vests for Porter (until I can learn to sew) and everything I found was too heavy, too thick and too large until....I came across this vest:

Even though these ones were originally made (by one woman) for babies with scoleosis and only for their backs, I loved the design and called Heather in Colorado immediately. Heather is sending Porter one vest with a second set of cool packs and asked me to try it out and see how it works for him and to call her back and work with her on revamping the design for children with HED.

These vests have pockets for cold packs, which enables these children to go outdoors during the summer, and can keep their backs cool for approximately 3 hrs.  Once the cold pack has thawed out, it is replaced with another frozen pack.  All our parents agree that these cooling vests are essential in providing relief to their child being treated for infantile scoliosis.

Infantile Scoliosis Outreach Program
C/O Cerebral Palsy of Colorado...You guys rock!!!!!

another 'scare' with Porter...

We arrived home after being out all afternoon, CHKD visit for Porter, a stop at the mall and then dinner out....but as we arrived home, the house was on the warmish side. James looked at the thermostat and it read 78 degrees...too warm for Porter, so as James got Porter hooked up to his TPN and gave him his meds, he opened some windows to cool the house down faster, since apparently our air conditioning unit is acting up once again (freezing over). About 10 minutes after James put Porter to bed, I heard him coughing uncontrollably...he was crying, coughing and gagging, but we could not find a reason....except he was clammy and hot and exhausted...so I stripped him down and we applied ice packs to his chest and back and tried to get him to gulp down some ice water (no such luck) he gasped for air over and over and clung to me as I rocked him, pounding on his back to help unclog his lungs and then patted him gently until he calmed down and started to cool off.

After 30 minutes Porter was fast asleep and James had gotten the temp in the house down to 71 degrees, although we still need to maintain a little cooler level, about 69 degrees for safety and Porter's sake. To some people, 69 degrees may seem down right chilly, but when you have a son who has proven time and time again that he can not tolerate heat....we do what we have to do!

I am finally calmer myself. We are calling the AC dude in the morning! This is a medical issue, so they always come out right away...but this has happened several times and it's not even wicked hot out yet. We may have to replace this unit. Now I REALLY need to learn to SEW, so I can make some Cool Vests for my son! I'm asking this gal at church to help me...she sews like the wind! This is the vest he will need to wear: Cool Vests

(you know I'll be checking on Porter every hour throughout the night too)....Porter having Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia.....it's a scarey thing.

where shall I start...

We have been going to church every Sunday now....and LOVE this Ward! Everyone is friendly and they are a perfect 'fit' for a Home Ward. Get this....Cameron found a friend he knew from school, which turned out to be the son of James' co-worker, and a few moments later he found out that his Public School Teacher was this boy's Mother, aka: James' Co-Worker's Wife, aka: the Sister who taught last week's RS lesson, that I enjoyed!!! (see, I have never seen his Teacher in person before, because neither she nor I have ever scheduled a meeting since he's such an awesome student and the one time I was in her room...she was absent). We all embraced and Cameron grinned the biggest grin that never left his face all day!

So then, we had the Missionaries over for lunch after church. We made BUrgers and Dogs, pasta salad, seasoned fries and Snicker Salad...they took leftovers home and grinned. They loved that Snicker Salad...so here's the recipe:

SNICKERS® BAR SALAD
1 lg. instant vanilla pudding 8 to 12 oz. Cool Whip® 1 1/2 cups milk 4 to 5 SNICKERS® bars 5 to 6 diced apples 3 to 4 sliced bananas Use 1 1/2 cups milk to pudding and mix until creamy. Add Cool Whip. Add SNICKERS® (cut in pieces). Add fruit to mixture. Serves 8-12.

Oh, and we and actually planned Cameron's baptism....Sat., May 17th 4pm.

Hmmm...now today I had a lab appointment at 8:20am, so I was up and outta here early to fight traffic. Took myself to breakfast at Baker's Crust, did a little shopping in Target, then headed over to TAPS (Teacher and Parent Store) to locate picture cards, etc...for Autism, so I can help teach Porter more communication skills at home....the Manager (Kerry) was excited to see me, because...she also has 2 children with Autism! We gabbed and she showed me what to buy...$130 later I was out of there with the feeling of excitement. Excited that I am getting things done to help my son! Excited that I met yet ANOTHER parent of a child with Autism! Excited about tomorrow's Pre-IEP meeting!

I came home and spent the rest of the afternoon making a communication binder for Porter incorporating these photos, velcro, word strips...the works! Then, I contacted Wendy Fitch at ABA. (Applied Behavioal Analysis) for a Therapuetic Program for Porter come September....it's going to cost me MULA! They only accept Tri Car, unless our BC/BS of TEXAS works with them....another phone call, left a message with 3 phone numbers for our Insurance Advocate to call me in the am, BEFORE the Pre-IEP (12:30).....WHEW!!!! Are we tired yet?

Oh....and I also ordered myself some Vera Bradley Goodness....all these babies were discounted, because they'll retire this fabric soon. I will have them in my hot little hands sometime next week, when they arrive UPS!!!

ALL in Petal Pink

Out To Lunch $15.00 was $25.00 (using it as a scipture tote- fits everything...wahoo!)
On The Go $37.80 was $63.00 (My purse)
Mini Zip Wallet $15.00 was $25.00 (smaller wallet, less cc's)
Hard Eyeglass Case $10.20 was $17.00 (Need the hard case...too many scratches lenses)
Small Bow Cosmetic $13.20 was $22.00 (lipgloss, tissues, etc...)

Subtotal:
$91.20
Shipping: $7.50
Tax: $4.56
Total: $103.26 (I saved $51.00 before tax/shipping charges!!!!!)

----------

I told James they could just be an early Birthday gift....my bday isn't until July 12th though....Oh Snap! hehehehe! (I'm worth it!)

New Fridge and Freezer are now coming tomorrow, since James cleared space and installed the electrical for them both...wahoo again!

Utility sink and washer and dryer need to get installed in garage this weekend, if James gets everything plumbed in time. He decide to install the leftover kitchen counter as a laundry table for me too, so we can fit the laundry sorter on wheels underneath it. We'll lay down the interlocking foam mats in that area too, so I have something cushy to stand on when doing laundry now. Fans are also in the garage, now just need more lighting installed.

So...see what I meant by the title of this blog post? (Where shall I start?). We are busy, but loving life!

Hope all of you are well. Be good to yourselves and one another, will ya'?

Updates as they come.

Peace Out!

overactive in the park....

...ok

This gorgeous early evening, we gave the kids just 30 minutes to play at Chesapeake City Park, because we knew that's about all Porter's non-sweating body could handle before he got heat exhaustion. Not like it was too hot outside...I mean, the temps had dropped to 77 degrees by the time we got to this wonderfully shady park, and really no big humidity, even had a nice gentle breeze here and there, so we figured Porter could possibly fare ok...well, unless he became overactive....

...uh, if you look up the word; 'overactive' in the dictionary...Porter's picture should be right there!

Afterwards, we had pizza with my folks and visited them for a bit...but the park was....well,

'What the Doctor had ordered'...

And..yes, he did wind upneeding a cool pack for his chest, a cold drink and the high blast of air conditioning to cool down...a little scary, but we are managing him well now).

And…so now I’m actually considering SEWING...yes, I said sewing. Sewing these 'cool vests'....simple terry lined vests that zip up front, but have two velcro pockets in front and two in back to slide ice packs into...so, my little boy can wear it anytime he goes outside and we won't worry too much about him overheating and dehydrating so quickly.

I think I'll even call them…'Porter Pockets'.

Screen, Reduce, Support & Respect....

---

Thanks everyone for the discussions. I know not everyone will agree with eachother on how Autism is caused and such...but, being a Mother of a child who was recently diagnosed with Autism, I just wanted to raise awareness and get people involved.

Right now our life is a whirlwind of activity and emotions, but seriously...my son is amazing. He is a sweet soul and makes us laugh and smile daily. I don't know what I'd do without him and he sure has taught us many lessons throughout his 3 1/2 years here on Earth. Yes, he has good days, bad days and most days....just crazy-active little boy days, some turn into Autism melt down days, but all-in-all...it is was it is and we accept and love Porter for who he is.

Right now, I'd just love to get Porter the education, therapy and correct foods he should be on to help him learn and grow and keep him well.
But, I also want the vaccines to be check in this manner:

1-Screen each and every baby/child BEFORE giving vaccines to see how their Immune System is.
(Porter's immune system was 'broken'....but, instead of him being screened-where they would have found that out-they not only gave him his vaccines, they doubled them when the results showed up as if he didn't have any. Double Whammo for my little guy. He got sick that night and hasn't been the same since).

2-Reduce the number/scheduling...slow it down and give the vaccines according to weight and immune system.

3-Support and Respect those afflicted with the Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families by listening and working together to help, find answers and love and value each and every person.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to become AWARE. Many hugs and blessings to you and your loved ones!

Autism Support....

(Copied this from MormonChic.com):

Please view this video and send to everyone you know...every little bit will help....thanks! The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.49 to Autism Speaks for *each time* the video is viewed. The funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal:

http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214

btw, here's the lyrics to the song:

WORLD
Five For Fighting

Got a package full of Wishes
A Time machine, a Magic Wand
A Globe made out of Gold

No Instructions or Commandments
Laws of Gravity or
Indecisions to uphold

Printed on the box I see
A.C.M.E.'s Build-a-World-to-be
Take a chance - Grab a piece
Help me to believe it

What kind of world do you want?
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece
Be careful what you wish for
History starts now...

Should there be people or peoples
Money, Funny pedestals for Fools who never pay
Raise your Army – Choose your Steeple
Don't be shy, the satellites can look the other way

Lose the Earthquakes – Keep the Faults
Fill the oceans without the salt
Let every Man own his own Hand

What kind of world do you want
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece
Be careful what you wish for
History starts now...

Sunlight's on the Bridge
Sunlight's on the Way
Tomorrow's Calling

There's more to this than Love

What Kind of world do you want
What Kind of world do you want

What Kind of world do you want
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece

History Starts Now

Be careful what you wish for
Start Now

Autism Awareness...

www.worldautismawarenessday.org 

On December 18, 2007 the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 declaring

April 2

as

World Autism Awareness Day

(WAAD) in perpetuity.

This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world’s attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

Autism Speaks believes that World Autism Awareness Day will shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities will help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and will impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD will celebrate the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and will be a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.

By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of children worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to make this possible.

For more information on World Autism Awareness Day, visit www.worldautismawarenessday.org.

=======================================================

Autism Awareness Events 2008

The month of April is known as Autism Awareness Month. Here is a listing of the events that are taking place in communities around the world to promote and honor those on the autism spectrum.

Start filling up your calendars now to take in activities that are close to your home and let neighbors, friends, relatives, therapists, teachers and other professionals in your city and elsewhere know about these so they too can take part and spread the word.

Check out the articles on autism awareness items so that you are wearing the shirts, holding the right bags and identifying your vehicle as one that is spreading awareness.

First-Ever Internet Autism PSA Aims to Unite Online Users

Autism awareness day at Barnes & Noble April 5, 2008 -Columbus Park Crossing, GA. The event will be 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will story time and craft time for children and a visit by Clifford the Big Red Dog.

World Autism Day April 2, 2008

CNN Day of Autism Coverage - April 2, 2008, "Myths of Autism". Register at iReport to submit your story.


Autism Awareness Day at the Philadelphia Zoo - April 27, 2008. 11:00am to 4:00pm Entertainment throughout the day at the PHILA ZOO in the Peacock Pavillion          215-362-0998      

Awareness Day at the Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, CT - March 30, 2008

Second Annual Autism Ball - Autism Society of Oregon, April 18th, 7 p.m. Portland Hilton Grand Ballroom

30 Days of Autism - Judevine.org

South Carolina Rolling for Autism Awareness - SCAS is hosting a bowling autism awareness event on Saturday, April 5th, 2008 11:00 a.m. at JC's Lexington Bowl located at 5380 Augusta Road in Lexington, SC

Los Angeles Clippers Awareness Night - Sunday, April 6th, 2008 3:00 PM

Autism Victoria Events

Autism Society of CT events - Autism Awareness at the Westfield Shopping Malls. The first three Saturdays in April (5th, 12th, and 19th) as we partner for a third year with the Westfield Malls in bringing information and understanding to the Meriden, Milford, and Trumbull shopping public. Engaging displays about autism and ASCONN’s role in supporting the Connecticut autism community, with balloons, and face painting! Volunteers can contact us by phone:          888.453.4975      

Also - Autism Awareness Day at the Connecticut Legislature, Wednesday, April 2, 2008.

Autism Society of Maine events - Dental Hygiene Program 9:00 am on April 12, 2008 at 72B Main St., Winthrop, ME. There are other events during this month, but this one is quite unique and worth special mention.

Provided at no cost to children who have MaineCare, ages 20 and under, who have not seen a dentist in the last 6 months. Services provided are: Oral assessment/inspections, oral hygiene instruction, cleanings, fluoride varnishes, temporary fillings, preventive care, sealants of molars and referrals to dentist for urgent care. Teeth prints will be offered. Call ASM for an appointment which take approximately 20 minutes and start at 9:00am.

Susan Vincent,          1-800-273-5200       , www.asmonline.org, info@asmonline.org


Walk Now for Autism 2008 Schedule

Bounce for Autism - ASA Campaign for 2008. New Nationwide Event to Raise Awareness, Support Families Affected by Autism

U of L Autism Awareness Rally - Wednesday, April 30 1:00 p.m. STAR Autism Treatment Program/Lori Wilson,          502.852.8814       or          502.802.1543       . Join the University of Louisville STAR Autism Treatment Program and rally for those in this community with autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Society of Alabama Events

Samuel's Kittens - Unlocking Autism project through 14 year-old Samuel Traineer to train cats to be service animals to kids on the spectrum. Donate $1.00 or more with paypal.

Sea of Dreams 2008 at Sea World Orlando - Autism Society of Greater Orlando (ASGO) - April 11 & 12, 2008. This event will begin on Friday, April 11th with a kick off party at a local hotel. The fun will continue with a trip to Sea World.

National Autistic Society Events

Parents of Autistic Children, Northern Virginia(POAC-NOVA) - Autism Everyday: Helping Families Cope & Grow, Presented by Fauquier Hospital Community Outreach. Two Sessions on Tuesday April 29, 2008 3:00 p.m.

Autism Recognition & Suggested Responses for Professional First Responders
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Safety Considerations for Parents of Individuals with Autism & Other Cognitive Disabilities

Community Resource Booths
Helpful information available from local, state, and national organizations starting at 6:00 p.m. F FREE event at Fauquier Hospital, Sycamore Rooms, 500 Hospital Drive, Warrenton, VA - Registration -          540.316.3588      

Autism Awareness Month- Brownsville, TX. Start Date: April 1, 2008 - End Date: April 30, 2008, Time: 7pm-8pm, Adult Price - FREE

Location: Bright Start Children's Rehabilitation Center 140 Uptown Ave Brownsville. Parents and families of children with pervasive developmental disorder or other forms of autism are especially invited.

Kennedy Krieger Institute Events

Autism Asperger Publishing Company (AAPC) - Calendar of events

The Million Dollar Puzzle for Autism Research - The Million Dollar Puzzle is an initiative to fund research through the Autism Research Institute, and keep Dr. Rimland's visionary work alive.

Downtown Spectrum Parents - NY, March and April events

Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT) Night of Caring - FEAT Dinner Auction 08, Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Sacramento Convention Center

Canadian Conferences and Events

Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) - Autism Musical, NJ tickets are $15 for nonmembers with locations in NJ listed. You can also listen to music at the website.

The Help Group Autism Awareness Day - in California on April 13, 2008

Autism The Musical

TACA Annual Family Picnic - June 2008. Jenny Mc Carthy is the guest plus a spokesperson.

All Out For Autism 2008 - San Diego ASA Chapter. The event is a casino night to include a silent auction, live auction, and raffle. April 26, 2008 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Scottish Rite Center, 1895 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108

Ideas on how schools can promote awareness with events and contests forum thread where you can post links as well to success stories.


Defeat Autism Now (DAN) Conference schedule

Autism Cruises

Tee up for Autism Golf Classic - The tournament is on June 28th, 2008 at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, home of the LG Skins, in Indian Wells, CA.

Second Annual Autism Information Fair - New York

Autism Safety Products - My Previous Kid

Tips for keeping children on the spectrum safe

Autism Awareness Toolbar

Year End Teacher and Therapist Gifts

Educational Autism Tips for Families 71 page resourceful ebook for families entering the school system with a recent autism diagnosis. Find out what issues take place over the course of a school day and meet these challenges head on.

==================================================================

Autism....

Well, we just got back from Dr. Aiello's office (the Developmental Pediatrician) and Porter is now officially diagnosed with having Autism.

Dr. Aiello said he was a classic case, no doubts in his mind and he has referred several therapies, etc...for Porter. Now, Porter will have more Speech and OT thgerapy...we'll have Autism Support Groups, Applied Behavioral Analysis for Porter, Medicaid Waiver-to help pay for therapies, etc..not covered by insurance, and even Disabled Parking Plates for our car (most needed for hot days in summertime, when Porter can't be in the heat since he doesn't sweat).

This was really a blessing and Dr. Aiello was fabulous! He said Porter fit each and every criteria for Autism and wrote his diagnosis as such. He agreed with us that Porter should now be able to get MORE education, OT and PT and this will help.

I have tons of phone calls to make now...appointments, interactions with support groups, etc...lots of books, websites, etc...to read to further educate ourselves.

It was a good morning.

(and to top it off...the weather if GORGEOUS going into the mid 70's)!!!