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Anything is possible

If you have been reading my blog these past few months you already know Taylor was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)--Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified in November of last year. Was is devastating? Absolutely. Did it practically cripple our little family? Yes. Did it break our hearts into a million pieces? Absolutely. Did it change us forever? YES.

It changed us for the better.

With the help of many unselfish and caring individuals and tons of hard work on Taylor's and our part Taylor has made tremendous gains. I do mean tremendous. In fact I took her back to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh last month and I blatently asked them to remove her diagnosis so it won't follow her around for the rest of her life. We are left with a language delay but we can deal with that. That's nothin' compared to where we started. She will begin private TYPICAL preschool this fall. Keep your fingers crossed.

So, it's my time to give back. I have been thinking all along that I would do something to give back to the autism cause once Taylor got to a point where every bit of my time wasn't consumed with therapies, etc. Recently we began therapeutic horseback riding through an organization called PP TUG--People and Pets Together Under God. It is completely non-profit and ran by a lady I work with at the eye surgery center. All helpers are volunteers. There are 3 volunteers per horse so it takes quite a few people for the 3 classes. The woman who owns the horses/farm volunteers all her time (she washes 6 horses the day of therapy and volunteers during riding). There is a lot of work and money involved in the paperwork, equipment, supplies,etc. The cost of the insurance alone for only 8 weeks of riding is close to $1000. My coworker ran this organization with her husband before he died and since his death has continued on. She is just amazing. The kids receive small trophies at the end of the session and from what I hear they are very proud of these little trophies because for some it's the only trophy they will ever receive. Some of the riders are physically handicapped. Some are mentally disabled and some are both. If a rider is unable to pay one of the volunteers usually picks up their tab. These are some REALLY amazing people. It feels amazing to be surrounded by them each week.

The waiting list is over 5 years long because it is nonprofit. We got in because another rider is out for surgery and my coworker needed someone who would go in with the possibility that they couldn't ride next year. Once a child starts they can stay until the age of 18.

So for the first time in my life I am blatently asking for your monetary donation. I am asking all our friends and family for monetary donations that will go toward equipment, etc. It can be as little as $5 or even less. It is tax deductible and if needed I can forward the tax exempt ID#. I am also checking into fundraising. I have a few other personal ideas too. My goal is to raise enough money to pay for their program next year. Is that a huge goal? Sure, but this past year has taught me that anything is possible.

If you are able to make a contribution it sure would be appreciated. I'll hand deliver it myself with your name attached. If you are financially unable then your kind thoughts for these kids are greatly appreciated. Just take a few seconds and think of them. Just be aware of them and their parents. They work so hard every day. They are truly living miracles.

Michelle Infantino
417 Independence Drive
Washington, PA 15301

Dora Dora Dora the Explorer!

Now some of you out there may think this is just a couple characters at a toy store but to us it's much more than that. My little girl is conquering all kinds of fears, reaching milestones, and is just generally enjoying life these days. Not only did she LIKE Dora and Elmo (sorry Elmo, Dora was no. 1) but she took part in the ribbon cutting. She is much more comfortable in general. She was done after about 15 minutes but that's okay. Those characters are really big and lots of kids scream when meeting them. She danced with Dora, hugged Dora, high-fived Elmo, etc. It was so GREAT!!!

Life is so different now. Every little thing means so much. We try very hard to make every outing successful. Sometimes it isn't the easiest but life isn't easy and kids in general are just that---kids. Good days and bad days. We may have to work harder but we reap great rewards from her successes. She's just the best and doing amazing things!

And they said we'd have lifetime problems. Whatever. Give me a break. My kid rocks.

First Crush

I had a lot to say here so I kept the actual layout extremely simple. I slammed down some letter stickers and started writing. Was a great feeling to just write freely and tell the story. I also had a bad photo to work with--the problem is the yellow wall that they were leaning against. It cast a yellow shadow on the both of them. It was also from someone else's camera so I couldn't edit it before processing and honestly I just don't have time for that. I love this layout. It's not fancy smanchy but it's brings a big smile to my face.

Have a great holiday!

Blossom

Quick thank you card f0r a friend. The flower image is either Amuse Art Stamps or Impress. Can't remember which. The center image is colored with Copic markers and embellished with Stickles glitter glue. I also used Stickles around the edge of the punched flower. Swirl stamp is Impress and the sentiment is either AMuse or Impress. Can you tell those are the companies I've been using lately? lol.

The punched image is actually a Spirelli punch. I talked myself (and a friend) out of this punch at the crop a couple weeks ago and then I just HAD to have it so I went to the store and bought the darn thing. I think it's overpriced but it's just so darn nice and I can think of many uses. TFL and all you mothers out there have a great day Sunday!

Miss Precious

Thanks for checking in. I know it's been quite a while and I've been meaning to update everyone with Taylor's progress for some time.

She is doing super and making soooo much progress. She is talking more and participates in all her activities with other kids as long as they aren't right up in her face. She's gonna be just fine and she's so smart. We caught everything at such a young age. She definitely has her own personality and preferences. She will always prefer smaller social situations and kids that are calmer but that's why private school with small classes will suit her just fine. Unexpected situations aren't her favorite either but we can deal. After all she's only 2 years old so we have time to iron some things out. We were fortunate to have the correct treatment at the correct time. There were days I felt as if I were fighting an uphill battle doing the ABA myself but it's so worth it. She's a super duper dynamite kid full of spunk and personality.

Everyone loves her. There is a little boy at the Little Gym that has always been Taylor's special little friend. She even lets him hug her. He came up to her last week (mind you---he's 3 yrs old) and looks at her with the sweetest grin and says in this exasperated voice, "Taylor.... I love you." It was so darn CUTE. When I tell her we are headed to the Gym she always replies, "Thomas?" We were at music class the other day and she asked me "where's Thomas?" I suppose she thinks her friend should go to music with her too. lol. She seemed bummed when I told her Thomas doesn't come to music. lol. It's started already! I have a child with a speech delay and some of her first words are about a boy!

On to the layout above--I went to a 16 hour crop last weekend. I SOOO needed it and I was much more productive than Mark who spent the day at the casino! lol. I managed to eek out 11 layouts. There's no way I'll scan all of them so I decided to share a favorite. Maybe I'll post more later. Materials used: rhinestones in flower centers were a RAK from my generous friend Donna (check out her etsy shop-she has high quality goods), Prima flower cut in half, Heidi Swapp bling, brackets are Fancy Pants I think, rubon is Creative Imaginations, and paper is old Basic Grey. I love this paper and wish they hadn't discontinued this particular line. I've used it over and over on all types of layouts. I think it's Sweet Pea Jack.

Did see P.S. I Love You with Hillary Swank. Loved it! It's a girlie boo-hoo movie but it's definitely worth the watch.

I'll be posting a little more now. I'm hoping life will slow down a bit.

Bday card

Quick birthday card for a friend. Used my Copic markers again. The scan bleached the color a little. Present and sentiment is Purple Onion Designs and confetti on background is Eat Cake Graphics. Also used some Stickles glitter glue. TFL.

More marker fun

Don't ya just love that blue egg? The marker is correctly named Robin's Egg Blue. I think it's my favorite to date. Little bunny is Eat Cake Graphics, sentiment is Purple Onion Designs, egg is Stamps by Judith, and notecard is Amuse. Also used some Stickles glitter glue on the eggs and around the scallop.

Also have a couple cards in the current issue of RubberStampMadness. I'll post them later. They also used me on their website which is kinda cool. Mine is the third card from top shown here.

Stay tuned........

Quick little Easter card

Had to use my new Copic markers again. Love these! I will continue to collect a few here and there. They are alcohol based. They flow so nicely and leave no stray streak marks. Thanks to Michele for turning me on to these amazing markers. Stamp and notecard are Amuse Art Stamps. Bought the stamp because it's so cute just like my little gal Taylor. TFL. I'll be back soon with tons of layouts. I've been busy and I have tons of things to scan and share.

Much to say----not much energy

For those of you who still continue to check this blog I will be back soon. I am vowing to post something within the next week. Lots of Taylor news, scrapbook layouts, and more to share. Lots of stuff goin' on. Good stuff.

For now I must go to bed. When Friday rolls around I'm just TIRED.

Enjoy the weekend!

Children's Stories theme

Here's a couple cards that didn't make it into RSM a while back. The theme for the issue was children's stories. It was a bit difficult coming up with submissions.

I am making it a point to submit a card per issue. I just feel I need something to try to preserve my sanity.

Grandchildren

Made this for my MIL for Xmas. Just getting around to posting. I think changing all the photos to black and white made a huge difference. Heidi Swapp bling and flower, Lil Davis chipboard and some paper scraps from my stash. I think the paper is My Mind's Eye. TFL.

GPP Crusade No. 16--Journal Your Blog

The title says it all---basically journal your blog on paper. Simple yet something I haven't done.

In under the wire again. As soon as I read the theme for this month's Green Pepper Press Street Team crusade I knew the exact post I wanted to put down on paper. I don't keep a journal so I thought a scrapbook layout would be the next best thing. This is a simple layout but it is exactly what I want Taylor to realize years from now. She is so smart-so ahead academically yet challenged in other areas. We are working through so many issues and we are both learning lessons along the way.

The post which inspired this layout is here. I decided to focus on the most important point of that particular post. I do not know where life will go from here for her/us and I don't feel like writing down in black and white the obstacles she had/has to overcome. I fully intend those obstacles to be a part of our past. NO----they will be part of our past. I know people out there are thinking I'm crazy for saying so but we will and are beating this. I am damn determined.

Daddy and Taylor

Two posts in one night. Blow me down.

I love this picture of Taylor and Mark. He really tries with her. Being her Daddy is not the easiest at times. I'm sure she feels like being our kid isn't the easiest either. lol.

Gold leaf stickers and decorative tape are Martha Stewart. My friend Kris sent me the tape as a secret sister gift and I am totally loving it. Stamps are Purple Onion Designs.

Thanks for looking. We are all still alive in this house but 20+ hours/week of therapy doesn't leave much time for anything or anyone else. That's just life. Ya just have to make the best of it I guess.

Valentine

One of my submissions that didn't get picked up this time. Lady is Character Constructions. Catherine Moore also has a new line of stamps out that is just amazing. It's called Queen of Tarts. Great collection.

The light is coming on

Oh, my baby, we will prove them all wrong. It can be done. It will be done. We will take one another to places never thought possible.This little light of mine I'm going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine I'm going to let it shine
Hallelujah
This little light of mine I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

My miracle child

Just look at that happy face.

Miracles do happen here and will continue to happen.

I am full of emotion today. I am tired of people coming into my house and telling me things I don't want to hear or need to hear. We have worked so hard. In August of this year Taylor had lost almost all her words. Pretty much silence. In 4 months she is requesting her favorite foods with words, saying hi/bye/night night appropriately, doing puzzles, building with blocks, swinging, sliding, climbing on the balance beam, laughing, tolerating playdoh for a minute or so, responding much better to (quiet) strangers entering her safe house, playing Mr. Potato Head, crafting with foam stickers, etc. Not to mention she knows most of her ABCs, numbers 1-10, colors, approximately 30 animals and has every book in this house memorized. I can give her 2 or 3 puzzles at once, dump out all the pieces and she will sort through and do them all. She is also acquiring labels naturally- without being formally taught each one through discrete trial. In formal terms this is called generalization and she is very capable of doing this. We didn't have to teach generalization which means she is slowly moving to learning the way "typical" kids learn. Socialization with other children is still one of our toughest obstacles but she is still very young. She can't stand loud kids. Well, I'm not very good at that either so we have something in common.

So these therapists come into my home and tell me Taylor's delays will always be with her. WHAT?!!! She is so on-target if not ahead academically. Yes, we have social things and communication to work on but come on people. They talk of group homes, etc. They have NO idea where we started and what road we have taken. I try to explain and they look at me like I'm talking a foreign language. They don't believe me. I'm in the process of making them a movie of what Taylor was doing 4 months ago. I feel compelled to prove it to them. I tell them the puzzle completion started with me doing one piece (my hand over hers) and then rewarding her with an M&M after each piece. Yes, it was hard at first. Yes, she screamed, hit me, and threw herself around like a wild animal. BUT, guess what?! Her puzzles are now one of her very favorite things. And it was really never about the puzzles. It was all about getting her to focus long enough to complete something - focus long enough to learn. Some days I think we have a little ADHD mixed in all this but that's okay too. The typical therapists have no idea how ABA works but seem to not want to learn. The key is ABA needs to be done properly in order to work. There were days we did formal sitdown sessions on and off ALL DAY LONG. That's what the professionals mean when they say intense 1:1 therapy. They don't mean do a couple things and then let her stim for 15 minutes. We do no stimming around here. It is ALL redirected. ALL OF IT. Yes, I'm tired but my kid needs saved. Who the hell else is going to do it?

Basically it's going to work like this. With direction from our ABA therapist Taylor WILL be saved. ABA is what gave her a strong foundation to learn. If any person involved in her life doesn't want to jump on board well then back off----my little girl and I will run you over.

Peace.

RubberStampMadness Jan/Feb 2008

My "King Ribbit" card made it into the latest issue of RubberStampMadness. Had a lot of fun with this one. It's pretty much straight forward stamping with a spotlight drawn in with chalk.

Frog is Eat Cake Graphics. Chair is Character Constructions. Grass, flowers, and alphas are Purple Onion Designs.

Thanks for looking!

Merry Xmas!

Just a quick post to wish all of you a Merry Xmas.

This card was made for my secret sister. We had each other's names and she totally spoiled me! You know who you are. :)

Character Constructions Xmas cards

Thought I'd revive this blog for a moment by posting a couple Christmas cards. Only had time for a couple. Doll parts are Character Constructions and sentiment is Purple Onion Designs.

Hope you are having a peaceful holiday season.