Shave and a haircut...two bits!

Okay, so no shave yet, and no bits, either. Nonetheless, there was a haircut. Just look at my studious son reading while getting his haircut (and I didn't even have to bribe him)!!

This is before...

And this is after...

Now that's a handsome kid!!

What's this about?

I don't want to turn this blog into a debate, political, or social reform message board (which is why I turned the comments off on this post), but this YouTube video really got to me. I saw it on another blogger's site. It has really caused me to think. The video is a little radical. The Obama thing at the end is a little much--I'm not endorsing him, but this was a little much even for me. BUT, what is it that Oprah is really peddling here with this book? Let me be sure to post a disclaimer here. I have not read this book or participated in any of Oprah's skype classes on it, so please do your own research. I just thought this was something to think about and find out more about. Check it out for yourself. It will take a little of you time, but I think it's worth looking at!

Life

So, it's been Spring Break around here and Jacob and I decided to play a little board game while Eli caught a nap. I know we all wish so much more for our kids than we have! Well, if this game is indicative of what his future holds, then this kiddo is set!

I was beaten at the game of Life. I guess experience doesn't count!

Just a Swingin'

Elijah found a fun place to catch some zzz's last week! I thought it was too cute and just had to take a picture.

Autism Awareness Month

April is National Autism Awareness Month! I have been working with individuals on the autism spectrum (in one way or another) since I was 12 years old. Autism awareness is a cause near and dear to my heart.

Here are some facts about autism:

**1 in 166 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder everyday

**Autism is the second most common developmental disability, following mental retardation

**It is four times more common in boys than girls

**Autism impairs a person's ability to understand, interact, and communicate with others

Here are some characteristics of individuals with autism:

**Have trouble relating to others or have no interest in doing so

**Avoid eye contact

**Prefer to be alone

**Appear to be unaware of when other people talk to them but responds to other sounds

**Have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or emotions

**Laugh, cry, or show distress for no apparent reason

**Prefer not to be held or cuddled (or only when they want to)

For more information, see the Autism Society of America website or Autism Society of NC website, or the Autism Speaks website.

For a look into what life with autism can be like, view this video (approx. 7 minutes) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDMMwG7RrFQ

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. This is God's promise for ALL his children!!

Please Pray!

Many of you who read my blog might remember me mentioning this family before. This is Tricia and Nate Lawrenson. Tricia has Cystic Fibrosis. She delivered a beautiful little girl (15+ weeks prematurely) 12 weeks ago. Yesterday (which was Nate's birthday...wow), Tricia received word that she would be getting new lungs. The double lung transplant was performed overnight and she is now in ICU at Duke. You can get all the details at Nate's blog here and his dad's blog here.

Please join me in prayer for this family as they continue this journey!

From the very beginning you have been a steady and loving presence in my life, helping me become the person I am today. I am so grateful that God blessed me with you as my Daddy!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!!