It’s Friiiiday Friiiiday | Winners and Random Thoughts

For some reason, I have that ridiculous YouTube song “Friiiiiiday, Friiiiiday, Gotta get down on Friiiiiiday” stuck in my head. But I shamefully admit that it is catchy. And it does pop into my head every stinkin time I realize that it’s Friday. There it goes again…. if you don’t know what I am talking about and want to watch the video, here it is 🙂 I will warn you that it’s as ridiculous as it is catchy.
Just sayin’…

 

http://youtu.be/tbZqE1RdC4Y

 

I digress — back on track now. First, I have to say a humble thank you to those of you who read this blog, who refer your friends and family to me, who sign up to work with this crazy girl, and who have become one of my greatest sources of support. I love what I do because of the people that I get to meet and work with, and today I am feeling extra appreciative. So thank you 🙂 {I know…enough with the mushy gooey warm and tingly stuff already!}

 

I have one more adorable session to share with you guys this week {and it will roll out tomorrow} but I wanted to go ahead and announce the winner of the Autism Awareness give-away. I think that this family is amazing, certainly deserving, and I cannot wait to work with them. So {drumroll} without further hesitation… or more lyrics from that horrible Friiiiday song…the winner is… Terra Howard and her son, Reid! Not only did Terra email me her story, but a friend of hers — Misty — emailed me about this family too. There is no greater testament to the character of a person than the words that others speak of you and Misty spoke wonders of Terra and Reid. An excerpt: “[Terra] is amazing. Some of the things that she’s done for her boys amaze me BEYOND BELIEF. Seriously, I have chills thinking about it.” What a great friend, huh? I think that Terra’s story shows how Autism and Asperger Syndrome can slowly yet suddenly change a family, and just how tough, close, and amazing those families can become through it. Here is part of Terra’s story:

 

“My son is 12 & has Asperger’s…Our story, HIS story is probably like so many others. I knew my son was different. Because at the age of 1 he knew the alphabet, front to back & could count to 100. But he was always sick, couldn’t walk, cried all the time & was just “off”. By the age of 3 he knew the states, capitols & how to play chess. But he wouldn’t talk to anyone his age, couldn’t ride a bike or swim or eat normal foods. After several years of Dr. after Dr. & wrong diagnosis I took him to a Neuro at Texas Childrens & within 30 minutes Reid was diagnosed with Autism/ Asperger. We hit the ground running!! He was 7 yrs old. Reid endured weeks & months of therapy to learn to write, walk straight, tie his shoes, be able to wear socks & pants without being in pain. Of course there is no cure but today he can wear socks, talk to people & is in mainstream classes at school. Amen!! He actually learned to ride a bike last year & can I just tell you my husband, myself & most of our neighbors were outside crying & watching this giant kid ride a tiny bike cheering like it was the Olympics!! People probably thought we were crazy. Reid has taught me more than I could ever teach him. He is my hero & truly one of my favorite people.”

 

I read those last few sentences and had tears in my eyes. Pretty awesome mom, huh? And one pretty awesome kid. I can only imagine how phenomenal this family is and I cannot wait to meet them. Congrats to you, Howard family! I am so looking forward to our session 🙂

 

You know me well enough to know that I hate blogging without at least one pic, so since it’s the weekend — and we are staying HOME this weekend {wooohoooo!} — I thought I would post a fun picture of our two furballs from our roadtrip to Austin. Can you tell someone is ready to get out of the car?? Happy weekend everyone! It’s Friiiiday Friiiiiday….