On our way to a play date on Friday, Ethan announced in the car, “I can’t believe how much fun it is to be a kid! Its not so much fun to be a grown up; you have to do all kinds of work and stuff.”

He’s right to a certain degree . . . about having to do all kinds of work. (Dishes are the bane of my existence, and I think Ethan sees it in my face when I’m toiling with the greasy messes. I try to keep upbeat music playing so it isn’t a completely miserable experience.) But I do have to admit it IS still fun to be a grown up; especially when you have a kid as fun and smart as Ethan! I just hope we can continue to encourage him to fully enjoy his childhood, as challenging as it may be at times. I spent far too much time wanting to be older than I was, especially as a “tween.” What is the saying? Youth is wasted on the youth. Not this particular youth–Ethan thinks it is fun being a kid, thank goodness!

I LOVE these funny and honest things Ethan pops out with seemingly out of the blue at times. [Check out his last profound declaration if you didn't get the chance.]

Well, I must say this is refreshing! An expert in the public eye (former NIH Director, Dr. Bernadine Healy) admits, PUBLICALLY, that more studies need to be done to learn about vaccinating our precious babies, tots and kiddos in the safest possible manner for each individual child. Check out the recent interview on CBS News.

Dr. Healy admits that we need to “take another look.” Hear, hear! Dr. Healy says, “A susceptible group does not mean that vaccines aren’t good . . . ” Finally someone who simply “gets” that the parents of Autism who have been fighting to have their voices heard about how vaccines damaged their children aren’t trying to destroy the medical community or do away with all vaccinations.

[To read more about vaccinations, read my previous posts: Scandalous and  Are We Poisoning Our Kids?]

Sincere thanks to Dr. Healy for having the guts to speak up. She states it clearly, “The question has not been answered.” I truly hope that more effort and resources are extended to answer this question of utmost importance and fewer people will “turn their backs” on what seems obvious to so many.

First, let me apologize to my oh-so-dedicated readers for not posting in oh-so-long. I’ve had a roller coaster couple of weeks filled with lots of doctors visits (mine and Ethan’s,) one visit to the ER (mine,) lots of medications (for a few different things) and one ugly fall down the stairs. All that being said, I’m feeling much better, now just battling some tummy issues. Ugh! As if a sore/bruised backside, back and shoulder aren’t enough?

Anyway, I’m thrilled to share that lots of progress has been made on Cabin One at Elijah’s Retreat. [See my previous post on this amazing retreat being built in East Texas for Families of Autism.] Check out the Power of Prayer segment on the KLTV 7 News website to hear and see more! Just click above the picture of Elijah in the tree.

Please let me know what you think; leave a comment if you have a few moments. And, if you haven’t already checked out the website for Elijah’s Retreat, take a moment to look around.