CKC Portland
Tags:Delightful. I love being able to teach in the Northwest. Lots of familiar faces this past weekend - and a good variety of new ones as well. Thanks to everyone who came and played in the Discover Home class.
One of the most amazing things happened on Friday night at the crop - Chris, my Mom and I are still talking about it (and I think we probably will be for a long time to come). The Friday night crop featured about 450 women (and a couple men) working away on projects, participating in the games, and just overall enjoying the company of one another (and getting some layouts completed). I was called up to the front to give away some prizes on the stage. I stood up there, said my name, etc and then Simon (who had been in his stroller with Chris and my Mom) came running up on stage.

He came right over to me and took the mic. Mikayla grabbed a chair so he could stand up tall at the podium. He babbled a few words all scrunched up together. I asked him if he wanted to sing a song and he thought a moment and began with the ABC song.
No fear. No trepidation. He missed the "L" which got a good giggle from the crowd. A big round of applause came at the end of the song.
But he was not done yet.
Next came "If You Are Happy And You Know It." The awesome crowd played right along as he sang the entire thing - including "clap your hands," "pat your knees," "stomp your feet," "beep your nose," and "shout hooray." People were clapping and stomping and beeping right along with him. It was awesome. I was totally amazed the whole time - the look on my face and my mom's face and Chris' face was probably almost as entertaining for people as listening to Simon sing.
He was confident. He was proud. He kept right on singing, finishing with a little song called "I love Mommy, I love Daddy." Seriously.
Afterwards he got down from the stage and ran around between the tables - no talking to the scrapbookers of course (saying "no" to people as they tried to give him a high-five). Up close is too personal for him but give him a microphone and an attendant audience of almost 500 people and he is amazing.
If you were there and you took some photos could you please email me - I definitely have to do a layout about this adventure. Thanks to Jill for printing out the one shown above.

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113 comments
wow. what a little trooper. and what a proud mom you must have been! my son nate is nine with autism, and the things he says and does on a daily basis just make us laugh and we are so proud of him. Simon is such a cutie, and I wish you the best future with him. he will go far, especially with parents like you and Chris!!
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That one gave me goosebumps (Go Simon).
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awesome story, Ali. It made me weepy. I have a child with Selective Mutism and can feel your pride at Simon's growth.
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That is amazing. I got teared up just reading it. We have a nephew who is autistic, so I know what a huge deal this is for you.
Bless you for all you do for autism awareness, and your badge for Autism Speaks is just amazing.
Amy
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WOW!! That is so amazing AND wonderful!! Got to love those moments when God just blesses you in a very special way. Too cool!
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COMPLETELY COOL!!!!!!
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What a great story! I got tears in my eyes reading it.
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totally gave me chills, Ali...
so happy to see & hear about Simon...
love you!
r
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Ali,
You have me in tears as well. We met in CT a while back and we talked about our kids. I told you my son has Down Syndrome(4yrs) and not doing a lot of talking, so I can imagine how special and wonderful it was to see and hear Simon do that. So celebrate the everday, but also those special moments that come around every so often as well. Great job Simon!!
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I'm totally sitting here with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. How wonderful is that!?! I bet you're all still smiling. WTG, Simon! You and Chris so deserved a moment like that to enjoy together.
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what an awesome moment, your mommy heart probably just about burst.
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that is so great! go simon!
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I am soo bummed, I didn't get to attend CKC Portland. I REALLY wanted to take your "Home" class too. Do you have pics of the project you could share with us? Would LOVE to see it.
What an adorably cute story about Simon. I bet you were pretty close to being in tears by the end. Just too sweet. You HAVE to scrap it, even if you don't get pics!
Hope you are having a good Monday.
Take Care & Happy Creating (Can't wait for your new book!),
Amy
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Okay, this made me cry. SO sweet.
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Cool beans!
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Oh Ali what an amazing memory this will be to treasure for the rest of your life. Simon you da man!
corinnexxx
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I was smiling ear to ear when I read this! :D He is awesome. (And it's so nice to know that Camden isn't the only one who puts his chin down and says "no" when a stranger tries talking to him. Haha!)
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wow! that is so cool, ali! when these kiddos amaze us, they really go all out, don't you think? i'm smiling from ear to ear for you guys right now! kristen
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Loved your home class ... definitely a highlight of my CKC weekend. Your lecture really resonated with me, and I'm taking it to heart. Loved how you incorporated pics of old/new LO's too.
As for Simon - what a star! What a guy, I know you are so proud of him. It shows!!
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How wonderful.
How very very wonderful.
Bx
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