April is autism awareness month, but really, autism awareness should be everyday!

Two months ago we told you about Autism Creations, a place where people can go to enjoy and snag autism/aspergers awareness tags and have personal tags made for themselves and their loved ones. Creative, inspiring, and powerful sayings combined with beautiful colours that bring the words to life, and takes autism awareness to a whole other level.

Autism Creations has successfully turned into a couple of ‘snags and tags’ to now thousands of people showcasing their artwork and spreading autism awareness. Autism Creations was created by MCM Creations who was inspired and motivated to create autism tags from her my own boys. They both have autism and are non verbal and very low-functioning. As she met many more parents both on Facebook and through the school system she realized just how common autism had become. She had been playing around with the idea for creating tags for a while, but it wasn’t until early this year when she really started working on making them.

Her more recent snag and tag collections include the “You mess with me” series which showcases bullying awareness to children with autism, and a series dedicated to increasing awareness of autism and aspergers wandering.

And while the basics for Autism Creations messages do surround autism, it is definitely not limited to that. As each and every child with autism is unique and different, each and every tag is the same and can be personalized and customized and made, for the most part, how you would like it. MCM Creations also accepts requests, suggestions, ideas, and feedback.

When we last spoke with the founder of Autism Creations, they were just shy of 800 members, and now, just months later, are just shy of 2,000 members. With their rapid success and great messages they promote, we wanted to follow up on them and see what was new.

Here is the update:

What are your top 3 most requested tags?

As of now [November 29th, 2010] the “Snowmen Family”. In the past, the “Someone with autism holds the key to my heart” was a big hit, so I keep that open for the new fans. The “Ribbon Name”, and the “Prince/Princess” offers have been popular.

You recently added a couple of new members to the creative team, can you tell us about them and what they bring to Autism Creations?

Yes, Tina and Sue are great! They have their own unique sayings and tag ideas, and I’m glad to have them as a part of Autism Creations. Tina also has her own site on Facebook: Autiepoet's Inspirations & Creations .

You have opened the idea of creating tags outside of autism, what other types of tags are you creating/accepting to make?

Yes. I’m slowly working on other awareness, thanks to some fans who have giving me some info, it has been more easier to do so. So far I have Autism, Aspergers, PDD-NOS, Autism & Down Syndrome (also known as DX) Autism and Bipolar, Tourette Syndrome, some with ADHD, Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy. Some of these can go hand in hand with Autism.

Can you share with us some ideas and concepts you have in store for 2011?

I have some ideas, nothing big yet. A few more “themes” in the works for next year. Also I’ve been thinking a lot about the “Super Tags.” I started posting the Super Tags on Artists and Autism and they were a huge hit, so that’s when I started Autism Creations with the support of friends. Now that I’m opening up to more than just autism I would like to start working on them after the new year. Also, I would like to look for someone who would be willing to post a few helpful notes a week for the fans. This was my plan from the start but now it’s gotten hard to do the research needed.

Thank you for taking the time to tell us what’s new with Autism Creations. We wish you continued success! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would also like to add a HUGE thank you to all the fans for making Autism Creations the site that it is. Your love and support is much appreciated.

We are big fans of Autism Creations, and admire their dedication on promoting autism awareness through tags and snags. In the end these are more than just pictures. These are the voices our children may not have. These are the things we want to say, but may not know how to say. From serious, profound, advocating, and all together inspiring tags to fun holiday project cut outs, craft ideas, and quirky quotes, there is a a little something for everyone and a message to share: Autism Awareness.

So if you’ve been following our blogs from the beginning, you’d know about Bryce’s interest with Olympic torches, the Olympic cauldron, and everything in between:

• Keeping the Olympic Torch Alive
  
• Magna Doodle
  
• Amazing memory and attention to detail
  
• Art update

I don’t mind this type of behaviour. I think it’s a way for Bryce to express himself and show the things that he likes, which I think is so important for any child to be able to do. It doesn’t harm anyone, and it makes him happy.

Now he walks around the house wearing his white mittens (like the mittens the torch carriers wore) and holds up a paper towel roll high and proud, which he has dubbed as his torch. He even brings it with him when we go out, and even was holding onto it when we saw Santa. He’s my little Olympic torch carrier. :)

Thanks for reading, Tanaya

Today we built a gingerbread house. It is one of our families traditional activities to do come the Christmas holidays and despite Bryce’s lack of desire of getting dirty or wet, he doesn’t seem to mind getting sticky with icing, or licking it of his fingers either.

What’s your favourite activity to do that gets you in the holiday season? Leave it in a comment, or Like us on Facebook and post it on our page.

Daniel

Today we went to Lougheed Town Centre to see Santa. It was Bryce’s first time seeing him!

We watched Santa arrive in style on the Santa Express train courtesy of the Burnaby Central Railway and then headed to Santa photos to meet the man in red in person!

Bryce was a little hesitant to sit on Santa’s lap for a photo, but eventually he did, and sat beautifully and we couldn’t be more happier with the results!

Thank you Lougheed Town Centre for another wonderful experience!

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

Tomorrow we’re going to go see Santa! It’ll be Bryce’s first time ever seeing him in person. Can’t wait!

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

Do you have a ‘first time seeing Santa’ story you want to share? Leave it as a comment or Like us on Facebook and post in on our page. We’d love to hear it!

We had our second snowfall of the year today. It was absolutely beautiful. It’s amazing how everything looks more vibrant as the seasons change. I love the fall colours, but there is something about winter that just feels so simple and tranquil.

Bryce and I are still sick otherwise I’d probably be sharing more pictures of snowmen we made, but today was another day of just relaxing and drinking a lot of fluids and keeping warm while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV.

Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends!

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

Has it snowed in your area yet? How was your Thanksgiving? Like us on Facebook and share your pictures and stories on our page!

When I’m sick, nothing gets done.

Dirty dishes pile up.
Dirty clothes pile up.
Life just piles up.

Does that happen to you?

Needless to say, Bryce and I are still sick but starting to feel better. We’ve gone through a box of Puffs and half way through a bottle of Buckley’s cough medicine, which by the way, does taste awful, but does work!

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

Bryce has a cold and stayed home today bundled up.

We spent the majority of the afternoon taking advantage of having the TV all to ourselves and played a lot of New Super Mario Bros. for Wii. (Bryce being Mario of course.)

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

Wanted to share Bryce’s grade four school picture.

It’s not very often that we can get a picture of Bryce looking into the camera. He often is turning away and even gets frustrated when we ask him to ‘look at the camera’. But occasionally it’s that one picture out of dozens that we just happen to catch him facing that way, so you can imagine how excited we were to see how great his school picture turned out.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

Bryce has loved snowmen since building them at Starfall.com. Bryce doesn’t like being wet or dirty, but he decided that he wanted to build 5 snowmen anyway! We didn’t end up making 5, but we did make one little, two little, snowmen.

First Bryce helped to pack the snow for the 2 snowballs for the body.

After that we filled a bucket and made the head and we put a leaf on to make a nice smile and a couple sticks to make the arms and hands. No snowman is complete without a toque.

Bryce put rocks in for the eyes.

A nice carrot nose, and a branch for a scarf.

Here are the results of all our hard work.

Here’s a snapshot of our second snowman.

Snowman Party!

Thanks for reading, we hope you and your family had some time to spend together this weekend like we did!

Daniel

Today we went to Lougheed Town Centre for the Kids Week Festivities. We listened to some holiday music, decorated a Christmas cookie, and drew a picture for Santa Claus and even saw Frosty and Rudolf!

First Bryce and Daniel decorated a Christmas cookie with icing, marshmallows, and sprinkles.

Then we wrote a letter to Santa. Bryce’s letter read: ‘Dear Santa, Bryce wanted to draw you a picture. Say Hi to Mrs. Claus and Rudolf!’ Bryce drew snowflakes and four snowmen.

After we mailed the letter to Santa, Daniel and Bryce hopped onto the Burnaby Central Railway train for a quick ride around Santa Claus’s workshop.

While we didn’t get to see Santa arrive, we did see his two best friends, Frosty and Rudolf.

It was a very eventful morning and definitely got us into the festive season.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

We asked our Facebook friends: If you could give one piece of advice to any parent whose child has just been diagnosed with autism, what would it be?

Here’s their advice.

“Always try and see ‘odd’ behaviour from their point of view. Most actions make sense then.”

“Make contact with other parents/families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children, there is so much you can learn and find hope in and they understand what you're dealing with and always have great advice.”

“Don't panic, seek support from those around you and do the best you can with what you have not all resources for children with autism have to cost the earth.”

“Acceptance. We avoid Labels when really our children are Awesome. They see the world unlike any other. They hear things we can not hear or smell things like we can not. To know no matter what you are your child’s #1 resource. To be at your child’s level and break into their world. And never give up. It is tough but it will be rewarding there are always things in life we can learn from and our children can teach us new things daily. My son taught me about the world when I thought I would have taught him.”

“Educate yourself, there are different levels of autism. Educate your family especially those who are old school and see the behaviour as naughty. Also don't do it alone, accept help and support, even we need a break sometimes. :)”

“Remember that it is your child FIRST, they’re not a label. Research and read a lot and with an open mind, not accepting anything as gospel truth just because it might come from a parent or expert. Every child is different, every child responds to different treatment options in different ways. And... know that it will be OK. Don't miss out on what is by obsessing over what ‘should be.’ You’ll both be happier if you just love your child for who they are.”

“Remember your child is still the same person he/she was before the diagnosis. Also, learn to accept their limitations and learn to like what they derive pleasure from. They may never join in a team game, like football. They may never play a board game like Monopoly properly. They may not sit still long enough to enjoy a movie with you. But they may love riding on trains all day. They may love jumping on a bouncy castle or trampoline. They may love being outdoors in all weathers.”

“Remember every child is unique and find out what helps your child the best. Take it easy on yourself. It is okay to go through a process of emotions.”

“Educate yourself on Autism!”

“If someone isn’t on the same page as you, then it’s time to find someone who knows how to read.”

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

Special thanks to our Facebook friends for sharing their advice. Have some advice you’d like to share? Please leave it as a comment.

Upload pictures of you, your family, your pets, your friends, your co-workers, or whoever and Elf Yourself by OfficeMax!

Tis the season to be merry,
Bryce, Daniel, and Tanaya

Today was Bryce’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting.

Without going into huge details and in depth in Bryce’s IEP, here’s the basics.

His strengths include:

• Can sit and participate in class activities with support
• Enjoys coming to school each day
• Is more aware and engaged in class activities
• Is usually able to adapt to new situations
• Enjoys drawing and PE activities
• Enjoys going to the computer lab and using Kids Pix and ZAC Browser

His needs, and things we are working on:

• Needs some support and guidance with daily routines
• Needs support with classroom and individual seat work
• Needs support with staying in seat and completing work
• Requires support (with verbal prompts or natural cues) for transitions within classroom and throughout school
• Needs reminders to work more quietly (gets silly at times)
• Needs help to calm and self-regulate when he gets frustrated
• More teaching/coaching of acceptable interactions with peers

While I’m not a huge fan of the IEP itself, as it’s just a piece of paper that gets filled in, revised once or twice a year through a meeting, and then gets filed until next revision.

That being said, it’s very important to get together and meet with everyone involved in your child’s education. Your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting is a great opportunity to make sure all your concerns are addressed, ideas are written down, suggestions are implemented, questions are answered and to make sure what you want to see out of the school year happens!

This is your time to have a voice and be heard.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

We recently moved the computer to another room and didn’t have our scanner hooked up to it, so we’ve been slacking in scanning Bryce’s art. So here’s a quick update of what he’s been drawing lately.

Above are pictures of what Bryce calls ‘turtle feather Tasha’. They are the Hammer Bros. from Mario Bros. (the ones that through the hammers or boomerangs). They are turtles that throw, what Bryce thinks, is feathers, and they are yellow like Tasha from The Backyardigans.

Bryce has navigated threw hundreds of Olympic related videos on YouTube and watched one of people holding the Olympic torch in one hand, and trees in the other, so he’s been drawing that lately.

All this art Bryce draws is completely from memory as he has an amazing memory and attention to detail.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

If you’ve followed our blogs, you know that ever since the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, Bryce has been fascinated with the Olympic torch and Olympic cauldron, however, I wanted to share this picture with you, not for that purpose.

Today I wanted to point out how in November 2010 Bryce still remembers and draws intricate detail from memory.

On July 1, 2010, Canada Day at Canada Place, we attended the celebrations as they lit the Olympic torch again.

Here are some of the details I’ll point out to you, that make it clear this picture is Bryce’s representation of that day and that event.

In the background, the orange, blue and pink square. This is the Coast capital savings event stage. The stage was setup exclusively for the Canada day event. As you can see in the picture, it even looks like there are some performances going on as we speak!

On the right hand side you’ll see a black and white stretched oval with arms. On Canada day, they build a statue out of smaller square blocks. This statue was an Orca (Killer Whale) jumping out of the water with its flippers spread. The belly (white side) was facing the Olympic cauldron as drawn. Also you’ll note that the perspective Bryce has used. It’s clear he’s drawn a 3-Dimensional angle to show that the Orca statue is elevated. This is actually reality. The orca status was on the upper level accessible by stairs that would be to the right of the picture (but out of the picture).

On the top left hand side you’ll see a blue and red oval. On Canada day, the military and coast guard were performing aerobatic and rescue demonstrations over the ocean just behind the Coast capital savings event stage.

On the left the pink and orange building would be the convention center retail shops accessible from the courtyard.

Finally, the blue square below the cauldron. After the Olympics, the city build a fountain and water pool below the Olympic torch. The picture looks exactly like how the torch is situated. The legs extend and sit on the exteriors while the center is covered with water and the spray.

We love to see how detailed and accurate Bryce’s art can be. With all the day to day struggles with learning the alphabet, numbers, his phone number, his address, remembering to wash his hands, etc., it’s amazing to see.

It also tells me he must really have enjoyed the event, as we did.

Thanks for reading,
Daniel

Daniel took Bryce to a shopping mall yesterday to pick out another new shirt to expand his wardrobe. They went to The Children’s Place, Gap Kids, Gymboree, Mexx Kids, H&M, The Bay, Walmart, Old Navy, and Bryce kept declining every shirt he tried on. Although nothing could replace his favourite shirt, Bryce is starting to understand that he can’t wear one shirt everyday even though his makes him very sad.

Every time we’re at the store that I tossed out his shirt (which I thought I did without his knowledge) he gets very upset. I try to explain to him that we threw it out and he has his new shirt now, but that doesn’t seem to help. It’s like I killed his favourite toy. He is just so sad!

Anyways, Daniel and Bryce had no luck at one mall, so they went to another mall. They stopped at one store that had dragon shirts, and Daniel started giving choices and Bryce started saying, “No, no.” Daniel pulled out a brown dragon shirt, and Bryce started to take off his shirt. Daniel asked if he wanted it, and Bryce replied, “Wow, pretty cool. Try on.” They found a change room and Bryce put it on, but it was too small, so he had to take it off. This made Bryce mad, and he started to scream. Daniel looked for another size, but they were out of mediums, so he gave Bryce a large to try on, it was too big. But that didn’t matter to Bryce. He was already attached to the shirt, and refused to take it off.

So here’s another new shirt that Bryce picked out.

Is there a favourite outfit your child is attached to?

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

Screaming: Bryce’s new way to show he’s upset.

Lately, if we say no, or something similar to no, or Bryce isn’t getting his way, he will shriek and scream. We’re talking ear piercing screaming. We have no idea where he got this from, but if anyone has any suggestions or ideas to stop this behaviour, we’re all ears.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

Today we remember the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war.

Lest we forget.

BubblesMakeHimSmile.com

Disclaimer: By know means am I an expert in psychology or physiology. The below discussion is expressly my own experience as a father of a child with autism, and participation in a 6-week anger management program.

Anyone who has spent considerable time caring for children with autism will likely understand that often many days are a challenge. There are challenges that must be overcome everyday. Whether you’re handling daily tasks such as personal healthcare or transitioning from one activity to the next, whether you’re dealing with over-stimulation or under-stimulation, or whether you’re simply trying to decompress, we often only consider how we can accept, moderate, and modify the behaviour of our children to accomplish the daily goals.

This blog, however, is not that “can-of-worms”, so to speak.

This blog is some advice how conscious monitoring of your own behaviour, identifying triggers, and avoiding these triggers can benefit yourself and your children.

There are many theories regarding anger, this is a simplified discussion which will hopefully provide some insight or encourage those that don’t have a functional balance currently, to seek out an anger management program.

Remember: Anger isn’t bad! Anger allows us to identify when change is needed, provides motivation to change, fight injustice, overcome fear, inform others of trouble, notify others you will act offensive, protect ourselves, and survive. Anger is actually a normal response. Anger however, can become dangerous when it manifests itself as hate, hurting others, revenge, or fear.

There are involuntary physiological responses that help you identify anger. Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, reddened skin, tense muscles, and the tendency to act offensive. You are ultimately responsible for your behaviour and self-control is the difference between constructive and destructive anger. The ability to identify anger is essential in controlling anger that manifests itself negatively and preventing anger in inappropriate circumstances, like childcare.

1) Calm

2) Trigger – Identifying triggers is key to understanding and controlling anger. Identify activities which you find often lead to anger. Identify topics or actions brought up by other which can be triggers. Avoiding activities that are triggers can be handy, but often not realistic. Once you have identified the triggers, many people have found that when confronted by a trigger they consciously identify it and de-escalate the situation at that time. If you are unable to identify triggers then you may find yourself at 3) and unable to change your course of action.

3) Escalation – Agitation or anger triggers generally are escalated either by seeking out or being pursued. There are many different theories on how you progress from 2) to 3) to 4). Anger can escalate through a dominance contest, often if you prevail you may feel bad for insulting, challenging, or retaliating. One the other side if you capitulate you may feel resentful, passive, isolated, or vengeful. Anger can also escalate through rage, violence, venting, sniping, hostility, withdrawal, as well as many others. People often find once they reach a point of escalation it is too late to change your course of action.

4) Peak – At some point anger is resolved, and you being the long process of resuming the normal calm physiological attributes.

5) De-Escalation – As your physiology begins to normalize, you often reflect on your actions from 3) and 4). Many people feel genuine remorse, forgiveness, acceptance, apology or in negative circumstances feel as a scapegoat, rumination, or revenge. This is often a good time to calm, decompress, and identify the triggers from 2) which led to the inappropriate behaviour.

6) Recovery – This can often be the most challenging phase. If your used to 3) and 4), that part you find easy. Recovery is where you need to re-establish calm communication that can ultimately resolve the reason for anger originally. It can be difficult, and it’s the word no one likes to hear, compromise. The ability to confront issues without anger, make positive change happen, strategize, and identify solutions is a challenge, but life.

Remember: After the hurricane comes a rainbow.

Children with autism often can’t understand why you are angry, that their actions are causing your anger, and that they are acting inappropriately. In cases where they are over-stimulated or under-stimulated and unable to deal with daily routines, learning, or social situations, if you are able to indentify how this is affecting your emotions and turn it into a productive change instead of escalating, it will make life more enjoyable for yourself and your child with autism.

Thanks for reading,
Daniel

“How was your day?” such a simple question that usually has a simple answer. “Great.” “Good.” “Not bad.” “Horrible.” Whatever the response, it’s always a conversation starter, and something us parents ask our children everyday after school in some way or another.

As I pick up Bryce from school, we walk down the hallway hand in hand, and I always ask him, “How was your day?” to which he replies, “Had fun at school.” Now, wheither or not he actually had fun at school is debatable, (although I’m pretty sure he does have fun at school because he comes home with a smile) but I’ve sort of ‘trained’ that response from him. Not intentionally, but knowing Bryce isn’t able to communicate in a back and forth conversation (to a degree), I’d sort of have this conversation with myself on his behalf.

“How was school today? Did you have fun?” “Oh you had fun.” “That’s good.” “Did you eat all your lunch?” “Good job!” Something like that would be the conversation. Now when I ask him these questions, he replies with those answers.

Anyways, today as Bryce and I were walking from the school to the parking lot I overheard 3 different conversations parents were having with their kids. “So, how was your day?” asked one parent, and the child replied, “I had fun,” and then the parent asked, “Did you eat all your lunch?” and the kid replied, “yes,” and in their own way, the parent replied, “Good job!”

Honestly, it was the first time that I ever actually connected with a parent of a typical child. I felt like the norm.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

I thought I’d share one of our affordable gluten-free recipes that Bryce really enjoys. The original recipe comes from The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free diet but we put our own personal twist to the recipe.

What you will need:

Medium Onion $0.31
Mrs. Leepers Organic Wheat Free Gluten Free Corn Spaghetti 340g $3.89
Thomas Utopia Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes 796mL $3.49
Sweet Basil 0.005 kg $0.06
Organic White Garlic $0.58

Total: $8.33 (purchased at Price Smart Foods Canada)

Instructions for sauce:

1.) Dice the medium onion put it into a large pot over medium heat.
2.) Dice a garlic clove (or two if you enjoy garlic) and add it into the large pot.
3.) Cook until lightly brown.
4.) Add the whole peeled tomatoes..
5.) Break the whole peeled tomatoes into smaller pieces.
6.) Cook over high heat until sauce-like.
7.) Add basil (to taste) and mix into sauce.

Instructions for pasta:

1.) Boil water.
2.) Add corn spaghetti.
3.) Cook to desired softness.

Serve with sauce over spaghetti. Feeds 3. Enjoy!

Daniel

Teach me to love and care for myself
Through your positive example.
I will learn much more from what you do
Than from anything you could ever say.

Notice me often,
And take joy in my very existence,
So that I may grow up to feel special
And know that I am loved.

Listen to me
With an open ear and a loving heart
So that I learn to understand my feelings
And trust that my needs will be heard.

Play with me often.
Let down your guard and be carefree.
The memories will last long,
And our connection even longer.

Focus on what I’m doing right,
And tell me when you appreciate me,
So that I learn to feel worthy
And motivated to do even more.

Tell me more about your life,
Your hopes, dreams, and successes,
So that I come to know you as a person
And can call you my friend
As well as my parent.

The Crayon Box That Talked
by Shane DeRalf

While walking into a toy store the day before today
I overheard a crayon box with many things to say

"I don't like Red!" said Yellow and Green said "Nor do I"
"And no one here likes Orange but no one knows just why"

"We are a box of crayons that doesn't get along
Said Blue to all the others "Something here is wrong"

Well, I bought that box of crayons and took it home with me
And laid out all the colours so the crayons all could see

They watched me as I coloured with Red and Blue and Green
And Black and White and Orange and every color in between

They watched as Green became the grass and Blue became the sky
The Yellow sun was shining bright on White clouds drifting by

Colours changing as they touched becoming something new
They watched me as I colored - they watched me till I was through

And when I finally finished I began to walk away
And as I did the crayon box had something more to say

"I do like Red!" said Yellow and Green said, "so do I"
And Blue you were terrific! So high up in the sky

"We are a box of crayons each one of us unique
But when we get together the picture is more complete"

Thank you to everybody who purchased a ticket for the Take a Great Vacation raffle. All proceeds raised benefit the Bubbles Make Him Smile Therapy Fund.

WE HAVE A WINNER!!

Watch the video below to see if your name was drawn! Good luck!

A huge and special thanks to Marquise Holidays for providing the prize! Take a great vacation with Marquise Holidays!

About the Marquise:

Take a great vacation! The Marquise is located in beautiful Whistler, British Columbia, Canada.

They are perfectly located in the close-to-everything, yet quiet Blackcomb Benchlands area. You can Ski In and Ski Out to the Wizard Chair and Cruiser Run or take the 4 minute ride on the free Shuttle Bus to Whistler Village base from right outside the front door of the Marquise! It runs every seven minutes.

A quick walk to both Blackcomb and Whistler Villages or again, you can choose to take the year round free Shuttle Bus located right outside of the Marquise. They are also right on the Valley Trail for summer activities. Walk to Golf, Swimming at Lost Lake or nearby biking.

The Marquise is a perfect location for access. No driving required.

Sleeps 4. 1 King bed, 1 Queen sofa. Ski storages, private deck, swimming pool, and fireplace.

Prize generously donated by Marquise Holidays.

Bryce’s favourite pants and favourite shirt that were two sizes too small, but the ‘must-wear everyday’ items, have finally met the end of their days. His jeans were wearing at the knees, which resulted in holes, and his shirt was starting to become a scarf, it was just so small on him.

After hours upon hours of hearing, “fix them” (fixing the hole in the pants) Daniel and I came to the conclusion that it was out with the old, and in with the new. Surprisingly we both had the same idea, but never discussed it until yesterday, but we both thought that if Bryce picked out his pants, and his shirt, then maybe, knowing it was his decision, his choice, that he’d ‘forget’ about his old favourite clothes.

So, today Bryce and I went to the mall, and here is the pants and shirt that he picked out all on his own:

The jeans are from The Children’s Place and the shirt is from Walmart.

Now I know this won’t take away from the fact that this may become his new favourite outfit that he ‘must-wear everyday’ but it’s a step up, since it’s actually something that fits him. Maybe over time, he will gradually start to favour other outfits, which is what we are continuing to work on, but this is a good start nonetheless.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

BubblesMakeHimSmile.com will be taking part in the 8th Annual Edmonds Santa Claus Parade in Burnaby, BC, on Saturday, November 27th, 2010 at 1:00pm rain or shine.

If you see us, be sure to shout out: “Bubbles make me smile, too!”

Hope to see you there!

UPDATE: Due to circumstances outside of our control, we regret to inform that we are no longer participating in the 8th Annual Edmonds Santa Claus Parade. We're sorry for any inconvenience.