boogie is almost famous...

I am so excited to announce that Javin was selected to be the model for Bowling Green State University's 12th Annual Autism Summit!! Check out my sweetie (and register to go if you're in the area!) at: http://outreach.bgsu.edu/autism2013/

a ranting we will go...

Here is the article that I am so angry about:

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/02/22/feds-aba-insurance/17346/


You all know that I do not post political things very often but this really ticks me off. I'm not surprised that Obama dropped the ball on this and at first I was sad and disappointed but the more I think about it, the angrier I get. THIS IS RIDICULOUS...Our community takes another hit. I mean really- first they change the DSM creating a world where there "isn't an autism epidemic" so now many kids will no longer qualify for much needed services and the Obama administration can turn their heads and pretend it doesn't exist. And now this??

You are telling me that substance abuse treatment is mandated and ABA therapy for autism is not? REALLY? We're just left to flounder on our own with no help whatsoever? I'm not asking for a handout, I'm asking for the administration to acknowledge autism as a neurological disorder (as defined by NIH) and have the already proven most effective therapy to help create a future for these kids covered by insurance.

You (Obama) don't get to change the rules based on what is convenient for you and expect not to hear from me. I am an angry mom with a son who has autism. We aren't invisible just because you choose to ignore us. I will not allow you to impress upon my son that he isn't important. That he doesn't matter. That he isn't worthy of acknowledgement based on who he is but would be if he chose to be an alcoholic instead. And then as another slap in the face, you are leaving it up to the states and pretending that it's an answer when (currently according to Autism Speaks) only 26 of them currently cover treatment for autism. So these kids can only receive help if they live in the right areas? Unbelievable.

I am so grateful for my faith in God because this world's priorities are unbelievably backwards and without my faith, I would be crushed.  You will be hearing from me Mr. President. I will be a thorn in your side.

~Joy

(c) 2013 Joy-Jasmin Brunnelson All Rights Reserved

this is autism

~Joy
(c) 2012 Joy-Jasmin Brunnelson All Rights Reserved

really? the 'r' word, again? (sigh)

So, I didn't want to get into this...it's just a person who will never be swayed to seeing how nasty they really are and so I chose to focus on MY SON rather than the hurtful words of someone I'll never meet or will never interact with my son. In fact, I chose to share this blog because they really do share my view on this matter- that feeding the troll only makes it worse.

But, my word. 

Her initial insult was repulsive but her response to the insult is reprehensible. My stomach *literally* hurts. This is when I can tell that too many people have turned their backs on God. Because those who embrace God's values would not treat people this way. 

These people who stand in filth, spew it out and dare people to respond to the stench they emit. It amazes me how they get through their days. What pain is in their lives? What is it that she has gone through to throw out so much hatred? 

I don't even know that I have any more words to say. 

I'm hugging my son a little tighter tonight. Encouraging him a bit more than I would normally and making darn sure that he knows how fully he is loved. 

~Joy
(c) 2012 Joy-Jasmin Brunnelson All Rights Reserved

milk it.

Umm...it's actually rather ridiculous how easy it is to make homemade almond (nut/seed) milk. I'm embarrassed it took me this long to do it. Got a big bag of almonds from Costco and I'm on my way to saving a noticeable amount of money making almond milk myself! I've done, pumpkin almond milk (used pumpkin pie spice but I might add a tablespoon or two of pureed pumpkin to add more flavor), vanilla milk (using vanilla rice protein powder). For this batch I'm showing you, I added a few tablespoons of cocoa powder because Boogie asked for "chocolate almond milk". 

What you need:

• 1 cup of raw almonds (or other nut or seed)
• 4-5 cups (I've done both) of water (spring or filtered)
• 1-1.5 tsp of vanilla extract
• Just a dash of sea salt
• 1-2 Tbsp of maple syrup (you can also use raw honey/honey or stevia) NOT pancake syrup!! (Feel free to leave this ingredient out if you prefer to make a batch of unsweetened milk).
• Nut milk bag
• Blender

Soak your nuts or seeds in filtered water overnight. 

Drain and rinse the nuts. 

In your blender, put in nuts, water and all ingredients.

Blend. And blend until chunks of nuts are pulverized. About 1-2 minutes.

Pour the blended mixture into your nut bag (which should be inside of a medium to large-sized bowl).

Pull nut bag up and gently squeeze out all of the liquid into your bowl. 

If you have froth at the top, scoop it out.

I am known to make lots of messes while I cook, so I use a funnel to pour the milk into my container.

Ta-da!!! Again, I made chocolate milk so that's why it's not white. Feel free to play around with different flavors! Just put in the fridge to cool. You may notice it settles and separates while in the fridge...just shake it up before drinking and ENJOY!!!!

No really. That's it! I told you...

~Joy
(c) 2012 Joy-Jasmin Brunnelson All Rights Reserved

and by "tomorrow" i meant "tuesday"...

**Please note that you should consult your doctor before using any of these herbs. You also should work with a holistic health coach or herbalist for proper dosage and uses (i.e., tinctures, teas, etc.). This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.**

There are two herbs I want to focus on today specifically for women with PCOS and/or fertility issues. 

The first is Shatavari, also known as "hundred husbands" and is used for reproductive health. 

This herb promotes fertility, helps regulate menstrual cycles and ovulation, relieves anxiety and stress, helps heal vaginal tissue and cervical inflammation. It is great for energy and libido. It also supposedly helps to improve the production of milk in nursing mothers but I've also read in other articles that it should not be taken by pregnant and nursing mothers. Again, this is where you should consult an Herbal Practitioner to make the best decision for your situation. 

The second herb I want to focus on is Licorice. 

Not the candy! Licorice can help decrease testosterone in women with PCOS. You must avoid high doses if you have high blood pressure. This herb helps increase the production of stress hormones when they are too low. 

There are several other herbs that women in general should include in their diets but these two specifically are amazing for balance and to help the difficult symptoms that come along with PCOS.

~Joy
(c) 2012 Joy-Jasmin Brunnelson All Rights Reserved

i can't believe i forgot!!!

I'm still pulling together all the information for the herbs post I promised but in the meantime, I realized that I forgot a GLARING omission from yesterday's post. The most exciting part of what happened to me at Mother Earth News Fair!

I.met.Temple.Grandin.

Yup. I shook her hand and had a wonderfully awkward conversation since I had no idea what to say to her. She was standing by her most recent book, Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals.

She was ready to autograph the books for those purchasing it. I felt nervous about approaching her to talk to her about autism when she was at the MENF for her animal work. Having a child with autism, I KNOW how annoyed she might feel with me. How irritating the useless social nuances might feel to her. I almost talked myself out of it. My SIL convinced me to just go and do it. She said, "you of all people can read how she's feeling. If she looks uncomfortable, just back off but you have to go or you'll regret it." She was right. I had to go. So, I walked up to her and this was our conversation:

Temple <sticking her hand out to shake hands>: Hi, how are you?
Me: <taking her hand to shake and feeling a piece of lead drop in my stomach>: I'm good, thank you. 
Temple: So, what do you raise? <she was referring to animals>
Me: A kid. <she didn't see the humor in this statement but I must say it was brilliant!>
Temple: Oh. So, you must know me from my autism things.
Me: I do. I have a young son with autism and we are very inspired by you.
Temple: <eye contact is beginning to shift>: So, how's he doing? (this question felt incredibly scripted...I can tell at this point that she is done with the conversation).
Me: He really is doing well. He's a very happy kid. I am so glad I got to meet you!
Temple: Good. Nice to meet you.
<At this point I walked away>

So, that's my celebrity story. I met Temple Grandin. The example of hope for my child. Don't get me wrong, I know that God has amazing plans for Boogie. He has set a path for him as He has done for us all, but other special needs parents know what I mean. Temple is the inspiration that our children will be okay. So...that's it...just wanted to share. 

~Joy
(c) 2012 Joy-Jasmin Brunnelson All Rights Reserved