Chromosome Abnormality Linked to Autism

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine links an abnormality in Chromosome 16 to Autism. While the study found this evidence in a very small number of subjects, researchers claim this finding is evidence that our genes are one of the causes of Autism and could lead to the discovery of other genetic links as well. The specific defect is a deletion or duplication of a section of Chromosome 16. And not necessarily directly inherited from either parent - instead developed spontaneously sometime after conception. Possibly due to interplay of various genetic factors inherited from the parents, although having family history of Autism puts fetuses at higher risk of developing the defect. Doctors believe that approximately 90% of all cases of Autism are inherited. Researches claim a pre-natal test for the deletion is years away.

Read the full article in Business Week online....the article contains a link to the actual study in the New England Journal of Medicine, if you want to check that out.

Even though we don't know of anyone with Austism in our family history, this study confirms my long-held belief that Jaden is a product of our family's DNA. Of course I admit, I've had that thought - "Could I have done something differently? Was there something I did/ate/didn't do when I was pregnant with Jaden that caused this?"....but I've always known in my heart that God created Jaden just the way he is. He's a true blessing, and I wouldn't change anything about him!!!

Do I think potentially autistic babies will be aborted? Probably not. If, as the study states, 90% of Autism is genetically linked, then those who face raising children with the abnormality are likely already dealing with it in themselves or other family members. Education is key - the earlier the diagnosis, the earlier the families can become educated about kids on the Autism spectrum & their needs - the better off our children's lives will be!

Autism is a quirk, not a death sentence. Let's keep it in perspective.

Winter fun...

Before all the snow, we got to have some fun at Nana & Grandpa's house, building a fire, roasting marshmallows, drinking hot chocolate, riding 4-wheelers, etc....we all love this kind of stuff! :0)

Then, the kids' prayers were answered and the snow storm came! ~lol~ That day (last Thursday), I came into work for just a few hours and then regreted it - thank God my brother works part-time for VDOT and was able to come and scrape the big hill near my girls' daycare.....otherwise, I would have never gotten home! Once we did make it home safely, we immediately got all geared up and went out to play. The snow was still coming down hot and heavy....that made the experience all the more fun! Daddy finally insisted everyone come in after about 2 hrs of play.....dry clothes + warm soup & grilled cheese = a really hard nap for all! ;0)

How Jaden dealt with a bully...

actually, I wouldn't really classify this kid as a 'bully'.....but he's a kid at Jaden's after-school daycare that likes to call other kids names & pick.....he's no real threat - and Jaden isn't feeling bullied by him for real.....he's good at ignoring stuff like that.....plus, the really hilarious part is that this kid is calling Jaden 4-eyes....Jaden doesn't even wear glasses! go figure!

I thought it was so cool when he came home with this book he made.....he makes 'books' at home & at daycare a lot.....he'll illustrate and ask you to write in the words for him....I usually make him try writing the words on his own - because I know he can.....but I guess it's easier for daycare to just do it for him.....regardless, I LOVE this story!

the most thoughtful gift!

You've probably heard me mention Cindy in my cake posts. She's a good friend that I work with at my "real" job, who also decorates cakes on the side. I usually talk her in to coming with me to help set up my wedding cakes and when I'm crazy booked with orders, she acts as my "sub-contractor" and will bake for me.

Well, here's the Christmas present that Cindy gave me this year. I couldn't believe my eyes when I opened the box! It's 8 packs of circle cake boards, varied in size - and she covered ALL of them in foil for me!!! I know most of you can't comprehend how much of a money and HUGE time saver this is for me....but that's 85 cake boards right there!!! And all I have to do is grab one and throw a cake on it!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Cindy for the most thoughtful gift ever!!!
♥Sharon

New Year's re-cap

I know I've been really slow about my blog posting lately - but of course, things have been pretty hectic following the holidays. I'm sure most of you are feeling some of the same stress.

Anyway, my step-sons came down the weekend after Christmas and we had a really nice (but short) visit. After opening their presents on Saturday, they went with their dad to his 2nd bouncing job for one of the local rock shows/tours. This one wasn't as wild as Curtis' first experience. But it was definitely a first time experience for the boys. Curtis Jr. did some crowd surfing and got in the mosh pit. He said it was crazy, but he loved it! Corey didn't go all in, but he still had a good time. They both are super excited about coming down next weekend for another (not as tame) show, and they're even talking about bringing friends! I guess coming to the country for a hard core, rock show is fun for a city kid. *Don't worry - youngins are allowed in, they just get their hand stamped and aren't allowed to drink. And of course Curtis is there and the other bouncers know the boys are Curtis' boys - so there's plenty of people looking out for them. :0)

Sunday, we hit the skate park so that the boys could really try out their new gifts. The other 3 kids took their scooters and Jaden took his lil skateboard too. I was impressed with how good the boys are, especially Crutis Jr. with his jumps
& tricks. Jaden & Gabby were surprising me too with riding down the ramps. Curtis Jr. commented that Jaden would be off the hook on his board if the boys lived down here and could spend time teaching him!

After the skate park, we went to the movies. We all went to see Alvin & the chipmunks (except Curtis Jr. really wanted to see American Treasure, so he went to that one alone). It was a cute movie & the younger 3 kids really enjoyed spending quality time with their big brothers.

Curtis had to take the boys back Sunday night because Curtis Jr. had to work on Monday. Yep, I have step-sons that are working, about to drive, etc.....it's so weird!

We had time off on Monday and Tuesday and it was really nice having some down time - no work, no cakes, no school, just chill time! :0) We spent a lot of time being crafty, cooking, playing games (inside & out) and just enjoying each other's company!

I kept my nephew, Matthew on Monday and we had a great time with him. He's at that fun age - exploring everything, now mimicking everything the big kids do, playing games, etc. Mark & Mindy came over for New Year's eve (I think this is the 3rd year we've celebrated New Year's with them). Corinn stayed the night with my parents (it was her turn for quality time with them), so Jaden, Gabrielle & Halle (Mindy's daughter) got to stay up and bring in the new year with the grown ups. My kids are sooo not used to being up that late and it was hilarious to see how silly and giggly they were at midnight.

All in all, our holidays were great! I'm sooo happy to be celebrating another year with my hubby & kids! We're so blessed and I thank God for all the wonderful people in our lives!