The Business of being Simon.

Love the pic of Simon "pretending" at the desk-just like daddy-very cool!
-p

I understand that everyday can be a challenge but what a joy to have the happiest little boy on earth! What fun he must be...

and loved.
It makes my heart break for the little boys whose mommas and daddies aren't as patient, forgiving, nuturing and loving as you.
LUCKY SIMON!

Ali -- you and Chris are doing a wonderful job with Simon!!! So much love just emits from you all. -- michelleg

Love how you capture those little *moments* and celebrate them. I am going to try to do more of that today.
Enjoy the new ride!

What a perfectly beautiful heart. Thanks for sharing. (Mom of 3 little boys)

i love #2 - that would make any car ride more fun. :)

This post brought a smile to my face. How precious is all of this? You are so blessed!

awwwww, yet another example of how lucky simon is to have you and chris as mommy/daddy!!! one lucky little guy! i like how you captured him in this 'real' moment as your writing evokes much love, pride and patience! continued cheers to you and your guys!!!

You made me smile today! This list was a gentle reminder to me to look at the joy in everyday life-and to look for my inner child. And tell Simon I hate to get the bottom of my shoes wet too!

Ali,
sent you this email via your "contact me" awhile ago. never heard back from you so though i would copy/paste into your blog. hope you get it.
…bare with me…I have never posted to anyone’s blog; well, not true, anyone who I didn’t know. I have this thing about being perceived as a weirdo or something. I know, silly, but true. I have never met you, shame, but have followed your designs for quite awhile. Our sons are almost the same age and your layouts on Simon were usually about the same thing going on with my first, William. Love your style, admire your ability to just be human- so, so many times reading something you wrote or a blog entry -totally connected. Sounds weird, I know but it’s nice to hear that your work really means something. Anyway, I have hesitated for too long to just post! I would love to share some of my designs with you and just sit and talk about the whole art philosophy, etc. maybe someday. I have been in a corporate career for 15yrs, dying to get out and really give my true dreams a try- timing, I know one day it will happen. Hopefully, soon.
I also wanted to pass onto to you a total hook up for mp3’s. like you I have been grooving on itunes for the past year. Total apple lover- however itunes can be very unforgiving at times and I don’t like that you can’t rip the mp3s to a cd, not cool. Anyway, I want you to check out this website; www.allofmp3.com it is a Russian website- never mind that part, just note that unlike iTunes, they do NOT charge by the song rather the kilobyte, my friend~ , you can buy most of your songs for under .30 or a whole green day album for about $1.23. No, it’s not a typo~ yep, get up and tell me this is not so incredibly rocking! Can’t wait for you to check it out and pass the word on. My brother has traveled the world and has used this site for the past 2 years. Totally legit.
Word to the wise; I highly recommend downloading the explorer program they recommend. You can search for music, soundtracks, etc. while offline. It’s awesome. You do have to register but that’s quick and painless. I signed up and put $25.00 credit. After purchasing 7 new cd’s, madonna’s new one, coldplay, etc. I still have about 12 buckaroo’s left in the pot- way cool!
Anyway- check it out and let me know what you think!
Karen McConaughey
Houston, TX.

What a FUN blog entry you have today... and I love reading about the wet shoes... made me smile. :O) My nephew struggled with oddities too before they diagnosed him and one big issue was he ONLY wanted to wear his cowboy boots everyday (all day, even to bed at night) and this posed several problems, but just like you, my sister rolled with the flow and all was good. Sometimes I think we get to anal with our kids and miss out on the fun stuff... I think this story with Simon is adoreable!! HUGS

That is SOOO cool. As the mom of THREE special kiddos (all mine) I love it when the day is good! Gives us something to cling to when all is not right.
Your strength and love and amazing. But then again, so is Simon. I can see why he inspires you....
May God bless you today, Ali.....you're a blessing to all of us. Especially to Simon and Chris.
Suzanne in VA
22 days until Ali's "Perspective" class at ScrapBowl!! HOOAH!!

Don't you just love Dora & Diego!?!? As a daycare mom I feel absolutely no guilt about letting them watch when they are on!! I like a little Dora myself from time to time, she is just so darn cute! Yeah for Simon, sounds like he is growing by leaps and bounds!

What a great testimony to a wonderful boy. I admire your patience.

Ah, "the rules." I can totally relate.
My almost 4-year old has Sensory Integration Disorder and is considered "borderline Autistic". His rules floor me sometimes, as does his observations in life. Its amazing to have such a smart, funny, OCD person trapped in a little body.

ha! This made me smile this morning. He is so cute!
Ethan can be the same way about things. Anal. He has to pick out all the toe-jam the minute his socks come off. his shoes have to be tied so the laces are even. he likes the same routines everyday...he had porridge for months on end. then waffles for another few months. ahhh. life is fun with toddlers, huh? :)
R

I have a 3 yr old little girl, who also hates to get her shoes wet, especially the bottoms!! I just try to remember to keep a roll of paper towels in the car!! On another note, I have a nephew, 9 yrs old, who has aspergers, many challenges, but the rewards are that much better.

LOL at the "bottom of the shoes" thing. Yesterday, I had to run Kaden in the house as fast as I could so that his COAT wouldn't get wet. ROFL! Kids....gotta love em!

On #8... my neurotypical (NT) son is the exact same way. He will not walk across the lawn for any reason if it's damp. This causes problems as it's the way to the car and my arms are frequently full. If he gets his shoes wet, he MUST dry them off, or it's all he will talk about until they're dry.
Maybe it's just a 3-4 year old thing rather than an autism spectrum thing.
(I'm STILL not done with the homework for your classes on Saturday- I can't wait!)