Rally at Hemet April 12th

Yesterday was the Youth Rally at Hemet Missionary Baptist Church here are a few pictures I took.

Congrats to Steven and Valerie Ridings

The twins have arrived all is going well they were 7 weeks early so will have to stay in hospital for awhile. Aren't they cute?

Autism Scrapbook Pages

I made these new scrapbook pages today of Aaron since it was Autism Awareness Month. I love my boy.... He is so special... don't know what I ever did without him..

Autism and Your Church.....

I really feel as a Mom with a child with Autism and other mental disorders that the reason why many people fear our kids is because they do not understand our kids.
People need to be made more aware.....They need to learn. I have spoken with many Autism moms over the past few years and we all agree it is the not knowing and understanding that gets to us the most. Even if your child is the only child at your church with Autism they need a class for them and a place for them. Who knows it might become a wonderful ministry in the neighborhood if you could advertise stating you have special needs classes. Many parents with special kids do not attend church or maybe the parents take turns going to church. I know for a few years that is what we did we took turns attending because we could not deal with Aaron in a church setting. Anyway you might want to check out this new book.... Hugs


Autism and Your Church
Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Barbara J. Newman

This unique resource will help your church to embrace people with autism into the full life of your congregation.

Autism has evolved from an unfamiliar term to an everyday reality for millions of people. Bookstore shelves are filled with resources that address how Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect children and adults at school, work, and home.

But what about the church? What about your church? How can it become a welcoming place for individuals and families affected by ASD?

This resource offers practical ways to welcome and include individuals with ASD into the full life of your congregation. It will enable your church to

* appreciate those with ASD as persons created in God’s image
* learn about five specific disorders included in ASD
* discover ten strategies for including people with ASD
* develop an action plan for ongoing ministry

Reproducible resources included are

* Sample Interview Questionnaire for Children’s Ministry
* Sample Interview Questionnaire for Adult Ministry
* Sample Observation Form
* Sample Parent Permission Form
* Sample Adult Permission Form
* Sample Job Description for Coordinator of Ministry to Children and Adults with Special Needs
* Sample Individual Spiritual Formation Plan (ISFP)
* and much more!


Read what others have to say...

This is a book every pastor and children’s leader should read, even if there currently is no one with ASD attending their church. With the ASD incidence rate estimated to be one out of every 166 people, church leaders need to ask how spiritually nurturing to these people is my church, and if we have no individuals with ASD attending, why?
—Rachel Olstad, advisory board, Joni and Friends Southern Oregon

This book provides an excellent introduction to ASD for church workers and any others who would profit from an experienced guide on the journey toward full inclusion of those with behavior differences…a helpful resource for all in a Christian community of faith who want to increase their confidence and expertise in relating to children, youth, or adults with ASD.
—Christine J. Guth, associate, Anabaptist Disabilities Network

A wonderful resource that will empower churches to enfold individuals with ASD and their families into the life of the church. Basic information about the diagnosis helps demystify the responses of these individuals, and practical tools provide a means to celebrate their gifts and meet their unique needs.
—Laurel A. Hoekman, executive director, The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding

This book proclaims with faith and love that all children are children of their heavenly Father. Each is treasured by him and must be treasured by the church. The book will be most helpful to churches in living out that commitment.
—Rev. Len Kuyvenhoven, pastor, and father of Lizzie, a child of God who has autism

Barb Newman has combined the most current understanding of ASD with her 21 years of experience in Christian schools to develop this practical guide to help churches welcome children and adults with ASD into the body of Christ.
—Dr. David Winstrom, psychologist, Neuropsychology P.C.
Look for similar items by category...

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Autism...World Autism Awareness Day Today!

With this month being Autism Awareness Month there are many things on the television. I have watched CNN today a lot listening to their stories on Autism etc.

Today is the first ever World Autism Awareness Day....

HBO now has Autism the Musical I watched it the other day and I found out if you do not have HBO you can also view it online. Here is the web address:
http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/autism/index.html

It is a neat show about a Mom who took it upon herself to help other kids with Autism like her son has. AWESOME.... great MOM....

All in the Autism Family
April 11th and 12th
Long Beach, CA
Joey Travolta (brother of John Travolta) - Director "Inclusive Films"
When not directing, Travolta provides hands on leadership as the artistic director of the Woodland Hills acting and filmmaking academy Joey Travolta's Entertainment Experience. Joey Travolta has gained national acclaim for his mission of helping students develop self-esteem, confidence, and creativity through acting and digital film making. He founded Inclusion Films to specifically make films about individuals with special needs.

Event for Autism Awareness
Welcome to Walk Now for Autism
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Rose Bowl, Pasadena

Autism Awareness Night with the Los Angeles Clippers
Sunday, April 6th, 2008
3:00 PM
Come to the STAPLES Center and take part in this great night as the Clippers join together with Autism Speaks and Athletes against Autism to raise awareness and funds with portion of every
ticket purchased going toward a cure for Autism. Please show your support for this great cause and come watch as the Clippers take on All-Stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady
For more information on the evening and to order your tickets, please click here or contact Sam Levitt with Athletes Against Autism at (323) 549-0500, ext. 747 or slevitt@autismspeaks.org.



Many businesses have teamed up to help Autism Awareness

Autism Speaks and Chevrolet have partnered for a month-long promotion to help generate up to $1 million for the non-profit organization. During April, people who visit www.autismspeaks.org can click on the “Help Chevy Help Autism” icon and take a free virtual test drive of the Chevy Malibu. Chevrolet will increase its $500,000 donation for every virtual test drive taken. Those who participate in the virtual test drive will be offered a free 30-day online trial of XM Satellite Radio.

During April 6-26 at 800 TJ Maxx stores nationwide, customers will be invited to purchase an Autism Speaks puzzle piece at checkout for a donation of $1. No purchase is necessary to make a donation, and all proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks.

Modell's Sporting Goods stores launched a four-week "Dollar Donation Days" promotion Sunday. Through April 26, customers at all 135 Modell's store locations throughout the Northeast will be able to purchase $1 Autism Speaks puzzle pieces at check-out, with all proceeds being directed towards autism research.

Five hundred Barnes & Noble stores across the country will partner with Autism Speaks to host special Storytimes in April as part of Autism Awareness Month. Barnes & Noble's national program, in partnership with Autism Speaks, is designed to raise awareness and foster understanding about autism.

The Bachman Company recently launched its "edible awareness" campaign with puzzle piece-shaped pretzels. The Puzzle Pretzel is now available in grocery stores in the Northeast and online at http://www.bachmanpretzels.com/. Bachman will donate five percent of the proceeds from the sale of the Puzzle Pretzels to Autism Speaks.

Build-a-Bear Workshop and Autism Speaks are teaming up for the fourth year to raise funds for autism research and awareness with the sale of purple satin hearts to benefit Autism Speaks. Stores will also offer customers printed information about autism.


You can use the web address below to go to the site about the Autism Cruises I would love to take Aaron on one someday.
http://www.alumnicruises.org/Autism/Autism_Home.htm


"Tee Up for Autism Golf Classic"

The tournament is on June 28th, 2008 at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, home of the LG Skins, in Indian Wells, CA. Registration and breakfast will begin at 7:00 AM followed by a Shotgun start at 7:45 AM sharp (Scramble Format). Enjoy multiple contests and games during play - along with memorable awards for the top 3 teams following play.

These are just a few of the happenings concerning Autism Awareness.

I had suspected for a few years our son Aaron had Autism. He was finally diagnosed by taking him to UCLA Autism Clinic over the course of a few weeks of visits. The very first visit we had been there less than a half hour when the specialist came and told us yes indeed they were sure our son was Autistic. It answered so many questions and concerns we had over the years. I would recommend UCLA Autism Clinic to any parent who feels their child may have Autism. You can use this url to find some information on it. http://www.autism.ucla.edu/aec/index2.php

Amanda and Haley

Amanda sent Aaron a cute card and a Wii Game Book yesterday in the mail she also put 2 pictures in the card which he was very excited about. I scanned them in this morning before he went to school, because he wanted to take the pictures to school with him to show everyone his cute niece.
One picture is of Amanda and Haley together the other is Haley on her tummy. What a doll she is. Just wanted to share...

More Airshow Pictures

Here are a few more pictures from Saturday's Airshow....

Air Show 2008

Aaron was feeling a bit better yesterday so after his Guitar lesson we went to watch the Air show for a bit. It was pretty cool. Here is a picture from today...it is of a War Dog T-6 plane racing against the Air Force Reserve Jet Car. Pretty cool huh?

Easter 2008

We had wonderful services yesterday morning for Easter at our church. There were 174 in attendance a full house which was great. We had many great specials too. I got a few pictures.I hope you all had wonderful church services yesterday too.

Our choir sang a song a I really liked so I video taped it with my digital camera. You will need to turn off the music player at the bottom of my page if you wish to view and listen to the video of the choir. (smile)


After church I came home and cooked all afternoon. I made 2 pans of enchiladas with meat and cheese and a pan with just cheese enchiladas. I also made Spanish Rice and Refried Beans. I also made a Carrot Cake because it was Pat's Birthday on Easter too. I did not want the Yearsley Family to have to cook on Easter with Evelyn still being in the hospital and all. So after it was all cooked we took it over to their house.
When I spoke to Evelyn on the phone while there she said please send me a plate of food and some cake. (she is tired of the hospital food I think) So when Pat, Bob and Bill went over there for evening visiting hours they took her some food. Aaron even got a bucket full of goodies for Easter from Bob and Pat. This family never forgets Aaron and includes him in on all family things. SO SO AWESOME.....
We spent the afternoon and evening there. OUR WONDERFUL FAMILY....God sure blessed us when he put them ALL in our lives. I do not know what we would do without them. They have been such a support system for me whenever Aaron is in the hospital and even when I just had my surgery. WE LOVE THEM ALL.
This is Pat opening up her Birthday Present from us.

Prayers Please

Well I spent most of the night in the hospital last night. We finally got home at 1:30 am this morning. Mike took me in yesterday afternoon they sent me down to urgent care. I got a throat infection was running a 103 temp and got dehydrated they gave me an IV and some IV antibiotics and liquid Tylenol with Codeine for the pain. They sent me to the lab for blood work. Then they sent me for xray to make sure throat wasn't clogged said it was fine. Am feeling better today he sent me home with Liquid Penicillin to take for 10 days and some liquid Tylenol with Codeine. I have not been able to eat for 2 days and could drink very little because my throat hurt so much.

Prayers Still Needed

Last Friday Evelyn was put in the hospital at Loma Linda because she had a blood clot. She has had a few surgeries since then and seems to be doing better. But PLEASE continue to keep her in your prayers. She is ONE SPECIAL LADY and we love her very much.

FORGET IT!

Saturday... Busy Day....

Saturday was Opening Day for the "2008" Baseball Season for Bill's Special Kids. It was picture day and Bar B Q and fun and games. I helped run the cake walk so the pictures I got where taken at the Cake Walk since I was there all day. Thunder the Mascot for Lake Elsinore Baseball Team came to join us for the day. He even did the Cake Walk. Was a fun day for all. Here are some of the photos.

Later in the afternoon we went to Ashley's 14th Birthday Party in Hemet. She loves anything Tinkerbell so Aaron bought her a Tinkerbell purse that she loved. It was a nice party and thanks for inviting us. (smile)

Sunday is Daylight Savings Time

Just a reminder to set your clocks before you go to bed Saturday Night...

Ordination March 1, 2008

Yesterday we went to Coachella for the Ordination of Jerry Gayler to the office of Deacon. It was an awesome service. Jerry did an excellent job of answering all questions. I was very proud of him. He has known me since I was 11 months old and he was like a big brother to me growing up as a child. The Gayler family has always been like family to me. In fact Odis and Elnora have always called me a daughter. It was wonderful seeing them yesterday too. And Elnora said how is my daughter, Judy doing since your surgery? She said we were praying for you. She is so sweet. Then in the afternoon during lunch I could not eat and neither could she so we talked some with Darren one of Jerry's sons. She laughed and said I remember when we went to the San Diego Zoo and you stung your tongue. I said my goodness mom that was when I was like 7 years old. I said you have a wonderful memory. She said well that was quite a day. We were watching the Seal show and they had bought me and Sharon an all day sucker those big colorful round ones. Well I was licking away watching the show and little did I know there was a bee on mine. It stung my tongue also did not know I was allergic to bee stings. I swelled up in a matter of a few minutes. I was quite a sight. (smile) was funny though she had remembered that. I got a picture of her and Darren with Clarissa (Jason and Pepper's daughter) I will post it when I post the pictures.

Steven Ridings came over to me after the questions had been asked of Jerry and asked if I had my camera and if I could take some pictures of the laying on of hands of Jerry I got a really cool one of his Dad talking to him. Then after that the church presented Jerry with a Bible they had asked Bro. Burdette to present it to him. Bro. Burdette was my Pastor for many years at Coachella.

It was a great day and then to top it all of and make it really special... Sean Kallner had come down from Northern California for the Ordination and Scott Kallner was there too so Jason Gayler and Matt Graham all sang. It was the Blood Washed Band revisted minus one (Rob Manley) was not there. It was wonderful hearing them again and seeing them together after so many years. I am so happy we got to go yesterday....Have a video of the guys singing but it is 138mb and they only allow 100 so will have to see if I can shorten it somehow so I can post it...

My Boy Is Home.. YEAH!

Aaron was released last night from the hospital. We went to pick him up then we took Dad to school. He is taking the Baptist History class at RMBI at our church. So Aaron and I went to fill his new prescriptions while dad was at school, because we needed to stick around until 10 till dad got out. First we went to Walmart. Medi-Cal had given me a card for Aaron it is of no use whatsoever. Ergh... They said they could not fill the medications he had it had been denied due to the fact we have other insurance. I said okay how much is the medication then. For one it was like 700.00 the other was like 500.00. I said never mind we will drive to Fontana Kaiser. I cannot believe the cost of medications. One time when he was released from the hospital it was at night we drove to Riverside Kaiser to fill his medications. Mike came out and said they want 1800.00 for one of them and 1200.00 for the other. They were not covered by our insurance. So it was $3000.00 unreal. I really think something needs to be done about the cost of medications. Especially for our elderly and our special kiddos. I told Mike I didn't want all the meds in the Pharmacy I wanted 2 filled. (smile)
I really think some of us special moms need to have a rally or something in Washington DC for our kids... We need help!!!!!!!

On a happier note, Penny.... When Aaron came in and saw my roses he said wow Mom those are nice. He said you are so nice and said to thank you for being nice to his mom. So Aaron says thanks too Penny. (Wink)

He is in his room right now on his IMAC singing. Yes, he is happy to be home for sure. Thanks again for all the prayers. PRAYERS DO WORK! Without God in our lives we would never make it through times like this.

HUGS... and have a nice weekend....

Update on Aaron...................Wednesday

Hello all well I just returned from seeing Aaron he was not depressed tonight and was thrilled to see Pat. (who he calls his Auntie Pat) she is from Bill's Special Kids. He was so excited to see her and talked NON STOP the entire hour to her. He adores Pat and her husband Bob. He has started on his new medication today too.

Thank you to all who have called, emailed, sent cards etc. Deannie I took your letter you emailed I printed it out. He was thrilled to get it. He said tell Aunt Deannie hello. No, Deannie is not his Aunt she is my cousin but he likes to call her Aunt Deannie and she likes him too so that is what he calls her. Thanks to all of you for loving my son. Do not know what I would do without you all when times like these happen. I am blessed to have you ALL in my life. I should say we are blessed to have you all in OUR LIVES... THANK YOU...

Birthday Blues but GOOD FRIENDS.....

Hard to have a really good Birthday today because as most of you already know Aaron has been in the hospital since Friday. They are redoing his medications. Poor kiddo when I visited him last night he wanted to come home so badly. He said but mom what about your Birthday I won't be home for that. I told him hon when you are my age we don't care about Birthday's. (smile)

This awful mental illness he has it so hard on him at times. Bless his BIG HEART. It is so very sad he must endure all of this so many times.

Dad and I will go see him tonight when I pick Dad up from the train. Then I have to get to the church because tonight is the Secret Pal Revealing Dinner. I will be late but it is okay because I still cannot eat regular food yet so soon after my surgery.

Please remember to keep Aaron in your prayers he sure could use them.

On a happy note a few minutes ago the doorbell rang and I went to get it. There was a delivery man with flowers he said are you Judy Lockwood. I said yes I sure am. He said Happy Birthday. I thought WOW who would send me a dozen red roses. I knew Mike couldn't we could not afford them right now. Ha...

So I opened up the card and saw they were from Penny and Gene Bowhay. WOW.. how exciting and sweet that was of them. I called her immediately and told how her thrilled I was. I have known Penny since we were kids. She was a member at the Colton (Mount Vernon) church when I was a member at Coachella Church. So many many years... Man we are getting old. (Just Kidding Penny) wink! Seriously I love you guys and you made my Birthday Rock with such an awesome surprise.
GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!

Princess Bella

It started to rain here today. Bella was in the backyard playing and she was so messy... I just gave her a bath she looks so cute and fluffy now. Wanted to show you she has grown some. She is 4 months old now.

Cute gifts..

While in the hospital I got 2 of the cutest gifts.. One was a little with Bear...with a Diamond like J around it's neck. Aaron brought me that on Valentine's Day.
My friend Penny Bowhay came to visit both Wednesday and Thursday and she brought me this cute dancing Lion... Here are the pictures..







This is a little video of the Lion dancing and singing

I'm Home

Thank you to all of you who prayed for me sent me gifts and cards and called and supported me or emailed me. I came through it all just fine. The surgeon said it would take from 1 1/2 to 3 hours and it took 90 minutes so that meant things went according to plan. GOD IS GOOD....

Love you all..................

Morning All

Well I did not sleep much last night been up since 2 am. Guess I will sleep today huh? (smile) we are off to the hospital in a few minutes as soon as Michael and Aaron are dressed and ready. (And men think women take a long time to get ready. Ha!
I will blog when I get home and let you all know how things went. Remember Jesus loves you and so do I. Hugs

Dear Friends

Please say a prayer for me tomorrow morning. I will leave here before the sun rises because I have to be at the hospital early. They have changed my surgery time to 7:30. He said it could take anywhere from 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours.
Also keep Aaron in your prayers he is a bit fretful about my surgery he has never seen me have surgery and have to stay in the hospital like this before. He is so cute he keeps telling me mom I love you please don't ever leave me, I wish you would never die. He can be so cute and sweet so much of the time. I have no idea why God chose me to bless with this very Special Child, but he did so I do the best I can to help him. I know after this surgery is over and done with I will feel so much better and healthier too. So PLEASE keep me in your prayers and say one for Aaron too that he deals with this okay while I am in the hospital. I told him hey think about it as Guys Time just him and Dad. (smile) Oh no what will the house look like when I get home? Ha!
And for all my dear friends who come to read my blog daily EVEN THOUGH MANY OF YOU WON'T comment on here HA! (I am not complaining you can still just email me if that makes you feel more comfortable).
Here is a graphic I found for you ALL.. LOVE YA

I loved this.. too funny

Driving Miss Hillary



This is Hillary's Dream

Discovery Health Channel

I love this channel it seems like our tv is on this channel or the History channel most of the time. (smile). We tape all the weekly shows like NCIS, CSI etc and then we can watch them in about 35 minutes with no commercials.

Last night after Aaron went to bed, Michael and I were watching the Health Channel and this show came on about the Dugger Family. They are Southern Baptists. They homeschool all their children. They live in Arkansas.
The show last night was about their vacation from Arkansas to Disneyland and the places they visited along the way. It was great.
Here they are with 16 of their children. Yes I did say 16.

And with their newest addition they now have 17 children.




Here are the children's names and their ages.
Jennifer - 5 months old

Johannah - 2 years old

Jackson - 3 years old

Justin - 5 years old

James - 6 years old

Jason - 7 years old

Jeremiah and Jedidiah (twins) 9 years old

Joy-Anna - 10 years old

Josiah - 11 years old

Joseph - 13 years old

Jinger - 14 years old

Jessa - 15 years old

Jill - 16 years old

John and Jana (twins) 18 years old

Joshua - 19 years old

As a family project the Duggars built a 7000 square foot home debt free! They all pitched in and built it themselves. Both Jim Bob and Michelle are licensed real estate agents. Jim Bob served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003 and was a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2002.
Here are some pictures of their home they built. Beautiful!!!!!!!




Each of the children learn to play the Violin and the Piano. Now with all these kids I would teach them all instruments so I could have a full Orchestra. (smile)


Some facts about the family are....

Michelle’s been pregnant for 135 months of her life.

Average number of months between Duggar births is 18.

The Duggars do approximately 200 loads of laundry each month.

The Duggars feed their entire brood for less than $2,000 per month.

The only person in the Duggar family whose name doesn’t start with "J" is Mom — Michelle.

Every Duggar child learns to play both violin and piano.

The family organizes their household chores by assigning "jurisdictions," so everyone knows exactly what their daily responsibilities are.

The Duggars estimate all the family members combined have worked approximately 39,000 total hours building their new house.

The Duggars are debt free.

Just wanted to share this amazing family with you and it is wonderful they have Bible Study each day with their children. AWESOME.. AMAZING.. Family.....

UPDATE

I have my surgery date it is the 13th which is next Wednesday. So please say a prayer for me on that day and remember I won't be online for a few days. They said I would be in the hospital from 2 to 5 days depending on how things go. Love ya