$5,192.
Tags:Do you see that number?
$5,192.
That is the official number raised over the last couple days by an amazing groupd of women at Scrapin Away Vacations for Autism Speaks (in honor of Simon's 5th birthday).
How absolutely awesome is that?
And, yep, I cried. Overwhelmed with the generosity of talent, time, and treasure shown by the 200+ women in attendance and by Rollie (in the photo above to my left). She and Denise (also in the photo above) worked so hard and tirelessly to raise these funds. Good, good, people.
Wow.
Right now I am sitting in the airport in Scranton, anxiously awaiting my flights home to Chris and Simon. Home to celebrate Simon's 5th birthday today - how time flies and how completely amazing is this thing called life.
Of course, that will be a whole other post coming later today.
Peace to each and every one of you. And to the ladies I got to meet this weekend, thank you.

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94 comments
Happy Birthday Simon :)
Hope he has a wonderful day Ali.
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Hippo Birdie two ewes! You need to have a link on your blog for people to donate to Autism Research - have you thought about that? It would mean those of us not in the states could help you along - as well as donate to Aussie ones etc.
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Joyeux anniversaire Simon!!!
I'm so happy these women made such a wonderful great thing for you!!!
I hope it will go on like this to help you until everything will be good for you!
Meilleurs voeux from la Normandie to you sweetie!!!
;o)
Gros bisous!!!
{ThE fReNcH tOuCh}
http://prolix.typepad.fr
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Dear Simon, we're wishing you a very happy, merry and joyfully birthday!!!
"sxccslhtuswyfuf" -> and this message is for you from Stach (my son, age 3) from the Netherlands, who watches you on your mom's blog every day!!!
Dear Ali (and Chris), what a happy day for you all, celebrating Simon's birthday today! Hope you have an amazing day today!
PJ
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Breathe.....
So not sure if you are feeling it but I am so full of lots of emotions still. Tired, but in a great way very awake! So glad you are on your way home to your family and I thank them for letting us have you for a short time. A, celebrate today! Simon, you are truly an amazing little guy, and my little guy will meet you soon. Good Karma day!
Peace,
Rollie
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Happy 5th Birthday Simon! Another well wish from Australia, have fun with Mum and Dad. How wonderful Ali - over $5000 in one weekend - amazing.
Have fun and enjoy the day, best wishes to you all.
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Wow! What a great thing.
Happy Birthday to your little man.
I am in the process of evaluations for my little girl, they think PDD-NOS. I am overwhelmed right now. Time will tell.
Thankyou for raising awareness! and all you do. You are an amazing person.
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That is wonderful! And Happy Birthday, Simon!
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wow, totally amazing! what a great great birthday gift, and not only for simon - but for so many! happy birthday!
miss ya!
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Thank You Ladies for doing such a wonderful thing. Maybe next year I can join you.
Have a wonderful day and Happy Birthday Simon...
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WOW! That is amazing and I cried too, which leads me to believe I need to do something as well. How did they raise the money?
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Yeah!!! That's so awesome!!!
Happy Birthday to Simon!!
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sounds like a great weekend!!
happy birthday Simon!!!! :)
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WOW, how fantastic!!! you've really helped make us all more aware of Autism, thank you.
Happy birthday to Simon! Have a great, fun day with your family.
Safe travels to you.
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That is amazing. Congratulations on raising so much. I can't believe Simon is 5 today! I just realized that my youngest will be 4 soon and I'm not sure I want him leaving cute little 3 behind!
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I'm quite certain that I'd have cried too. ;) Keep on rockin' girl! And high fives to the five year old - that's ONE WHOLE HAND, buddy!!
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what beautiful, giving women! that is awesome!!
Happiest Birthday wishes to Simon! Enjoy your day little dude!!! :)
*
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Ali, Chris and SIMON
Today we celebrate my daughter's 14th Birthday and she was thrilled to hear that she shares her special day with such a special guy. She has asked that instead of us giving her material presents she would like to have a donation made to Autism Speaks in Simon's name for his 5th Birthday. So that is my gift to my beautiful DD and Simon today. I hope that they have a great day.
Happy Birthday Simon, BIG HUGS! Shannon and her Mom
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Hi Ali! Happy Birthday to Simon! And how beautiful is it that people are reaching out to him through you in such a generous and loving way? Amazing! Those women are awesome and it speaks to how lovely and loving people are. Peace from cold but beautiful Cape Cod! Diane
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Sounds like a lovely bunch of ladies you were with! Thank God for people like them!
Happy Birthday Simon!
Sue
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