New Autism Numbers 1 in 68

This news is heartbreaking and enlightening BECAUSE there is still nothing being done and the general public needs to know this. Autism is the fastest growing disability there is, across the board there is a lack of services for these children they are getting diagnosed faster than individuals can get a degree to work with them.

Autism changed our life FOREVER nothing is ever gonna be as it should be.  Looking at my beautiful baby boy when he was born NEVER did I think for 1 minute there was anything wrong with him.....and that spilled over as he aged I was the REASON Noah was not diagnosed early on and it is guilt that I live with EVERYDAY.   With the increase of 29% in two years that in itself is frightening!! I hate it when people ask me what do I think causes autism, if you are an autism parent you have been asked.  This is strictly my opinion only. I think autism comes from the vaccines AND the environment AND our faulty genes we pass to our kids due to the environment.  This is NOT the world that God created for us WE (human race) have destroyed that planet and now we are paying the price.

I posted this to Facebook earlier:
I am in a pessimistic frame of mind right now after the release of the new autism numbers from the CDC I have given it some thought, so here is what I think.  Anyone that knows me knows I was the biggest advocate for Light it up Blue campaign there is but after 4 years NOTHING has changed!!!  SO whether we Light it up Blue or whatever color our community is arguing about does it matter I mean really.  My porch light is blue year around do I think it made a difference I DOUBT IT!!  With 1 in 68 kids being diagnosed with autism the only ones who seem to care are those directly affected by it.  So those of you that are not affected GUESS WHAT you will be with autism prevalence increasing 29% in two years eventually everyone in this country will be touched by autism in some way.  Maybe then that will foster acceptance and understanding along with support for those individuals and their families!!

Graceland Goes BLUE for Autism Awareness

Graceland was great, we (myself, committee members &family from 2011 walk) had a private tour of Graceland - we got a sneak peek at the new Lisa Marie exhibit. Our tour guide was marvelous, we took our time to look at everything she readily answered any questions that we had.
OMG I forgot the memory card for my camera & phone only had 20 %. BUMMER so I only have a few pictures of Graceland.
Here is a Couple of pictures of the "jungle room". Elvis trivia!!!! Did you know that he had a pet monkey, his name was Scatter. There was a monkey in every room, little ceramic monkey's, wooden monkey's!!
 

LOVE the green shag carpet, this was definitely a '70's house





This is a picture of the grounds, Elvis had horses and loved to ride. Did you know that Elvis sometimes road his horse to the front gates of Graceland to sign autographs for fans!!

This picture shows Elvis's Tupelo Mississippi home where he was born.

Here is a group photo they took before the tour. My two sweethearts (Dad & Noah) did not go on the tour. COULD YOU IMAGINE Noah in Elvis's house NO WAY!! They came for the " flip the switch" ceremony.


This photo is me, Kerry Magro & Christine Hart both from Autism Speaks, they were SO nice, Kerry is an adult with autism I really enjoyed their company and SO glad they came. Christine is a web designer for Autism Speaks, she made the LIUB site and app.  THANKS Christine!!

The lighting ceremony was too cool here is a picture of me, dad & Noah, he flipped the switch, I was SO glad he didn't do the on/off thing he likes LOL. My daughter Savannah said her face hurt from smiling so much for all the pictures.

the BIG switch!!

 In our company we had Miss Teen Dyersburg (Tennessee) miss Madison Butler, her sister Brittly was on the committee. Madison's platform is AUTISM!! Thanks Madison for helping raise awareness for autism.
 
Noah was Noah and I wouldn't have it any other way, I think the camera man could have done without him LOL. after all the picture taking, their was a huge fuzzy microphone, he could not resist.......he goes up to the microphone and screams "peanut butter jelly time" everybody lost it and started laughing. Too bad it didn't make the video on Elvis.com. I was GREAT I think the people in front of Graceland heard him. Overall it went well here are some various pictures of the evening below!!!  Graceland is committed to Lighting it up Blue every year for Autism Awareness!!

More pics of us & the group!!

This is one of Elvis's Jumpsuits, the room that the jumpsuits were in was 20 degrees cooler than any other room.  

this wall was in the "jumpsuit" room COVERED in gold records!!!

Thanks Elvis Presley's Graceland for the wonderful experience and for LIGHTING IT UP BLUE!!!












                                   
                         

Official "Graceland Lighting it up Blue" Announcement

Autism Speaks Blog Post Graceland

Graceland Goes Blue!!!  Autism Speaks is sending two individuals from New York on April 4, 2012 to cover the story!!  How exciting!!

This is a picture from the announcement, I will take pictures the evening of April 2nd and post!!!

Making the Light up Puzzle Piece

I used a foam board from the Dollar Tree and cut out the puzzle piece. I used spray adhesive Elmaer's spray on glue and put blue and silver glitter on it. I bought 100 "fairy" lights on eBay (blue). Then poked holes in puzzle piece about 1 1/2 inches apart and put the lights in. I taped the excess wiring down on back.  Good Luck!!

My Puzzle Piece for Light It Up Blue!!!!!