Artist in the House

During the month of April, Alice Jules (the most amazing coffee house) displayed Jackson's art work for Autism Awareness month.

I had made arrangements to have his work featured, along with facts about autism. Well, when the owners saw Jackson's work they wanted to feature it during our city's art walk as well!

At the end of April I went in to pick up the artwork, they asked if they could feature it a bit longer. (Boy, do they ever know how to keep their customers happy!!) So, here are a few more pictures of Jackson's work, on display at Alice Jules Coffee House, Monroe, North Carolina!

A Day in the Life of Jackson

Oh, if I could just get inside that head of his!

Today was just "one of those days." I don't complain, but sometimes life can be challenging ...an understatement I know! Everyone has those kinds of days. Ones where we cry out for more grace, please. (Sometimes, I am not sure how much can be blamed on autism and how much is having a mom who is a bit obsessive/compulsive. Friends, this is where you can confirm or deny...ha!)

Here it is, just a glimpse...

We have a chocolate lab named Cookie. She eats dog food which I keep in this nifty container on the patio. It is Jackson's job to feed and water her each day.

Last week, I noticed we were low on the dog food so I hoofed it to Target to restock. Of course, being the thrifty person I am, I bought the 44 pound bag that said "Limited Offer" in red print on the side of the bag. I was so thankful for the deal that I got. I kept the food in the back of the van until we would need it.

Today was the day that Jack felt we needed it. He started pouring it into the nifty container at a quick pace. Annastasia told him to slow down...too late. So, now my "deal" has overflowed it's container, spilling over onto the patio. Jackson diligently swept it up. He then brings the half full (or half empty?) bag into the house.

Oh, the smell of fresh dog food...

He goes to the cupboard and pulls out the gallon sized Ziploc storage bags. What in the world?

Seriously. You need to laugh or you will cry. I do not have any idea of what is next. I do know that I need to let him do what he has his mind set on doing or we will all have a horrible night!

He sits in the hallway...

And begins to empty the remainder of the dog food (approx. 22 lbs.) into Ziploc bags...to keep it fresh of course!

I'm surprised he didn't get out the Tupperware, or maybe the seal a meal (which we do not have!)

The one thing that I can think of here is that we do harvest pecans from out backyard. Once we shell them, we place them in QUART size bags and place them in the freezer. Oh my! I hope I do not wake up to find the dog food neatly labeled and stored in the freezer. I have to draw the line somewhere!!!

Honestly...my life is NEVER boring...exhausting, but never boring!!

Happy Birthday to My Sweet Guy

I have spent a good portion of an hour of this evening driving the main thorough fair in our fine city...Highway 74. I have driven East to West and back again...under the direction of my, as of today, 17 year old! He has come to a place of pointing to tell us which direction to turn, in order to get where he wants us to go.

Todd's mom, Ashley and I were in the car with Jackson, looking for the place where he wanted to have his birthday dinner. Pizza? No. Chilli's? No. McAllister's Deli? No. Ashley's giggling, Nana is giving suggestions and I am losing my mind (invision low blood sugar, Friday night traffic on the main road to the beach, Jackson trying to communicate, two other women giving their input into "translation"...YIKES!!!). Finally, El Vallarta? YES!!!!! He practically jumped out of the car.

So, tonight we feasted on Mexican Food. We were just so thankful that Bubs was happy...estatic really.

To my "not so little" guy...Happy 17th Birthday! What JOY you bring to those around you. The smile that lights up the world, the laugh that you laugh to let us know you are in BIG trouble, the way you sit so near, just being close...your life blesses ours and we can't imagine life without you.

Happy Birthday Mr. Big Shot! We love you. We are so glad there is YOU!!!