Autism Awareness with Autism United

When our Twin Boys were barely two years old, a lot of my neighbors had children who were talking by two.  They had been in all day daycare settings and had begun... well, a lot of things early.  Once we were at the pool and I befriended a young Mom and was hoping to get a potty training idea or two. (Her daughter was a year ahead of my boys.)   When I asked, she said, "the Daycare taught her."  Bummer, there went my 'resource.'  We didn't have the Community we have now on all of our social networks.

So when our boys were not fully talking by two, these same Moms said our boys needed to be tested for hearing issues, Autism and more.  As a young naive Mom, my head was spinning.  I had not a care in the world until these folks began to tell me that since our boys were not essentially ready for Kindergarten at two, we had a problem.  Hearing issues, and what is Autism.

Thankfully for Moms like me, there are resources like Autism United that are a valuable resource for families.

Another blessing, thankfully we did test the Twins and the first "word" one of the boys said was, "I can hear you!" :)  Tears of joy and relief came over me.  They could hear and all was well.

However, Autism isn't always so easy.  Many we know are touched by Autism, like my sweet friend and amazing blogger, Nan at A Mom Blog.   I love that today there are resources for Autism Awareness like this site:


"When it comes to autistic children and adults, many people are led to believe that it is the most complicated ailment to deal with. Here at Autism United, your Autism Awareness community, we are dedicated to bringing you quality information and support so you never feel alone again. Those that deal with autism everyday know all about the importance of  Autism Awareness and how the support behind many autistic resources is astounding."     -AutismUnited

Autism United  is committed to being a valuable resource for families effected by Autism.  There site is full of definitions, explanations, and more.  Here is an example of the definition they share and some of the early symptoms of the disorder:

"Autism is a disorder that is usually first diagnosed in the early years of life. There are several main signs and symptoms of Autism that involve communication, social interactions and repetitive behaviors.

Studies have shown several different signs and symptoms with autistic children that tend to be the first signs of autism. These signs and symptoms include some of the following:

• Problems speaking with others
• Difficulty making eye contact during conversation
• Lining up of items before focusing on other tasks
• Repetitive use of sentences to calm themselves down
• Extensive body movement to express moods
• In some instances, inability to talk"

Getting the information you need is vital.  Check out the Autism United Facebook Page for a Community where you can connect and share resources and successes. 

The Autism United site offers a Autism Store with various Coupons and Codes like this one fromL TOMS, TOMS Shoes, TOMS offers a Coupon Code in support of Autism.

Remember:  Knowledge is power, and it can help you cope with your child’s symptoms.

Has Autism effected your life in some way?

Warmly,  Carolina Mama


*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post regarding Autism Awareness.  Story above and opinions are all my own.

Friday Mom Fashion - Nautical, Stripes and Brights

Spring is dancing around the corner. And I am taking a peek -especially in the Mom Fashion Department.

And I am so excited to see the Nautical looks, Stripes are so this year. Were they ever not!

Just to give you the same glimpse, I am sharing my Mom Fashion Board on Pinterest. See, I told you to join the fun, here she is along with my favorites like Lands' End, Hanes, Banana Republic, and more. Enjoy! Are you waiting for Spring?

See my complete Mom Fashion Board here.

What are your favorite Mom Fashion Items this Spring 2012? :)

Groundhog Day Ceremony Raleigh, NC 2012

Today was a perfect Spring day for the traditional Groundhog Ceremony here in Raleigh, North Carolina. With blue skies and sunshine, the crowds gathered at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences for the annual arousing of Sir Walter Wally, the resident Groundhog from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Here we all sang "The Groundhog Song" to wake him up. Oh, what fun it all was.  You'll see Wally's findings were consistent with Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania, more Winter.  Wally said, "The good news is, 'this is Winter!'"  A day of Sunshine and 60s!  We all agreed this is the kind of Winter we can take for another six weeks!

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/02/1825521/sir-walter-wally-sees-his-shadow.html#storylink=cpy

                              

Our Homeschool loved the Festivities of this Field Trip. We were so thrilled to be there. 

I quickly snapped these and look how excited the children are to pet Wally. :) 

My sweetie was very careful and happy to get to pet him. 

Here are at the words to "The Groundhog Day" Song. We all loved it. 

The boys got to meet Mr. John Connor of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. 

He lead the festivities. And was kind enough to pause with the Tigers! 

Waiting for the Ceremony to begin! I nice young Mom with her baby in a stroller

next to us snapped this. :) 

See my happy boy with his moment with Wally! 

After petting the Groundhog, the boys lit up when the educator let them know

all sorts of snake facts. See the gleam in their eyes. I love it! 

At the Festivities! Love my boys and their joie de vive! Their eagerness to 

learn and know. After the Ceremony, the boys thanked me and said, 

"This the best field trip ever - can we make this a Tradition!?" You bet! 

I've already iCalendared myself for 2013~ 

See ya there! 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Weight Watchers Homemade Kale Chips

The healthy living and wellness is matching on into 2012. So I wanted to share with you these phenomenal Kale Chips.

Yes, you know, the ones all the rave reviews are about - those Delicious Kale Chips.

We are loving these and here goes the so-eat-I-want to make them right now.

Weight Watchers Homemade Kale Chips. - 0 PointPlus

Preheat oven at 360 degrees

1 bag of fresh Kale (Trader Joe's)
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
- Olive oil Spray
Sea Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper

Rinse kale and spread on baking sheet; spray with ICBINB spray; Sprinkle with salt and pepper; bake for 10-15 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool. And just try to stop your self from indulging in these delicacies! Enjoy!

*Weight Watchers PointPlus 0

Custom Closets by Rubbermaid Grand Opening Raleigh, North Carolina

Custom Closets by Rubbermaid launched its 1st US Showroom Grand Opening Saturday, January 28th, 2012 in Morrisville, North Carolina.

                    

Your Space. Your Style. Your Home.

Very many customers, community leaders and friends came out to Welcome them to the Raleigh/Durham Research Triangle Park, business area.

On hand at the Grand Opening were Rubbermaid Headquarters Marketing, PR and Rubbermaid Team experts and the Custom Closets local Design Expert Lynn Joyner. The community was eager to see the fine quality and workmanship of the showroom that could soon be their own custom closets at home. Their team is fabulous and fun.

See, the crowds came, Custom Closets received a warm Southern Welcome because

many showed up an hour early they were so eager to start this party.

It was an honor for me to be in the roll as Hostess for the event for Custom Closets. I think I fit right in because I was an instant fanatic over their exceptional products. I loved spending the afternoon showing off these amazing closets to families, couples and individuals looking to invest in their homes.

Their team is phenomenal. It felt like such a family and great working environment. So I was delighted to have my family join me. We all chose a favorite Custom Closet. I adore companies that include family and make the connection.

I was so honored to have special blogging friends and community friends come

to the event! My friends Jen of Jael Designs and Oseye made the drive over and

helped boost up our social media power!

And we had some laughs and got to visit over some mighty fine closets ...

and refreshments served by Designer Lynn herself. Here is the Cake Cutting.

Custom Closets kept the FUN going. They had the most awesome Giveaways!

GRAND PRIZE was a $2,500 Custom Closet! One lady scored!

Then there were Door Prizes like their awesome

Bento Boxes and they gave away Bento Box Sets and their

latest Rubbermaid Glass Serving Ware Sets.

Now that's a great group! Presents for their people!

Everyone fell in love with them! And there is more... everyone brought donations for

Dress for Success Triangle! Now, not only is everyone getting organized for the year,

they were all helping Moms get started with Dress for Success skills and clothing for

their Interviews. It was fun to help collect all the donations for this great cause!

Now, Custom Closets by Rubbermaid Raleigh / Durham is open and you can

set your appointment for a Free In-Home Consultation today and get started.

CALL 919-480-8007 FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION *Serving all of Raleigh/Durham

Warmly, Carolina Mama


*This post is sponsored by Custom Closets by Rubbermaid in partnership with Carolina Mama.

Duke University Chapel - "Music of Canada" Organ Recital by David Arcus

Hope you have had an amazing weekend!  Can you tell our week and weekend has been full on?!  We have had a blessed week.  And a full one.  We ended it here at Duke University Chapel for an Organ Recital "Music of Canada" by David Arcus.  What a blessed time!

I love their motto for the Chapel:  "Keeping the heart of the University listening to the heart of God!" :)

The Tigers were the only children there.  We were so proud of their 

behavior. They were such big boys and the LOVED the music.  They 

both are playing the Piano well and enjoy composing songs now! 

So they were thrilled to meet the Organist afterwards and get his signature! 

Here we let them climb trees right before we went into the Chapel. 

Priorities right! :) 

Isn't the Chapel gorgeous?!  The Organist got a Standing Ovation. 

We got to hear him on both Chapel Organs. It was a really magnificent. 

Here's the Happy Family on the way into the Concert! 

Here I am with my Soul Mate!   The Tigers asked my sweetie what 

Soul Mate means... his reply, "Husband and Wife!" :) "Mommy!" :)

Of course, my reply, "Daddy!" :)

It was a wonderful family time.  We all love getting away to enjoy 

beautiful music in such an outstanding Chapel right here in North Carolina! 

How was your weekend?  Hope it was a time to recharge and refresh. 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

Wordless Wednesday - Game On

Game On 2012 - We've got this! (Feels great!)

Just Do It!