Saturday, January 23, 2010

Hero Arts: Sky's the Limit Card 1

In my recent Hero Arts order from Stampin' Treasures, I got a clear set called Sky's the Limit. It's unusual for me because, you know, it has outline images. But after much contemplation, I thought it would make some very cute CAS cards.

I love it when I'm right!

*squeal*



Using these adorable images very simply, in a classic layout, has been totally fun. In this case, I used a sentiment from PTI's Scattered Showers. This is going in my DH's lunch box next week 'cause we've had a lot of precipitation and very little shine in Ohio lately, and it's getting him down. Poor triathlete!

Many thanks to all who left comments on my last post. It's been so uplifting to read all the many different things that have made you happy this past week, from the small stuff (tomatoes ripening, phone calls, serendipitious finds, great haircuts, sunshine) to big stuff (safe travels, health successes, hope, family closeness). If you haven't read all the comments, I highly recommend it. What a positive way to go into the weekend!

Personal stuff, if you're interested....I have another huge happiness to add after yesterday. My son Jack was diagnosed with atypical autism 3.5 years ago. Since then, he has received speech, physical, and occupational therapy and special education services throught the schools. A week ago, his private PT told me she will probably discontinue PT services for him in March after his re-eval because his coordination and strength have reached age-appropriate levels. Tuesday, his speech therapist told me he has made huge progress (I already knew this, but it was cool to have it confirmed by a professional!)

Yesterday, the OT told me she thinks Jack can drop down to every other week sessions because of his progress. Last summer, at his OT re-eval, he tested almost four years delayed (he's only 7) in some areas of fine motor control and overall about two years delayed. I expected weekly OT to continue for YEARS!

AND, his autism teacher told me yesterday that he now knows all the Dolch sight words for all of first grade. Jack is in first grade, folks. Last year, his kindergarten intervention specialist acted like he would never read and set his sight-word goals really low for first grade. I can't tell you how happy I am that he is proving her wrong! Doin' the happy dance!

Supplies
stamps: Hero Arts, PTI
ink: night of navy, palette noir
paper: PTI white
accessories: dimensionals, Bic Mark-It marker, Stickles

42 comments:

Anonymous said...

Susan,
that's great news! I'm so happy for you and your family. Yesterday I chatted with a lady who has a 17year old boy with autism. She is so proud of him, he passed deiver's ed at school. They bought him a truck for Christmas, and I was in tears by the end of her story.
Anyway, cute card!
Petra

Susan Raihala said...

Petra,

OMG, I'm tearing up just reading your comment and I don't know these people! Thanks for sharing that.

Susan

Dotty Jo said...

Love your cute card Susan. Delighted to hear about Jack's progress, such great news! Jo x

Dixie said...

I'm a recently retired special education teacher, and I love that Jack has proved the intervention specialist wrong! Way to go, Jack! Never say, "Never."

Sue said...

So glad to hear about your son's tremendous progress!

Susie said...

That's wonderful news about your son. You must be very pleased. Love this card - very sweet.

Samantha said...

What wonderful news about your sons progress!!

Your card is just adorable too!

Amy said...

I'm so happy for you and Jack! Great job, Jack!! And beautiful card, Susan.

www.noteworthydesigns.ca said...

Wow! What great successes Jack is accomplishing! That is awesome to hear - thank you for sharing.

Plus, cute card! I have been motivated by your site to do more what I love - the clean and simple. I always felt that I had to do "more" because that's what other people want to see, but I am most comfortable with less. I also love that you give good tips and pointers about your thought process behind your cards - thanks for sharing!

winjes said...

Way to go Jack!!! That is wonderful news. So very happy for all of you.

And what an adorable card. I'm going to have to scraplift it! LOL

Erin K said...

So happy to hear your good news. :)

This card is awesome! You were totally right!

JoLynn said...

That's PHENOMENAL news, Susan. What a spurt!! Woo hoo! Gives me some hope!

Nicole P. said...

I am so, so happy for you and your son!!! That is just terrific; he sounds like a marvelous, fun child.

Also, that card was super-cute.

Cindy H. said...

What wonderful news! Best wishes for continued good progress for Jack.

Pretty card! I love the sparkly sun and the patterned cloud - very cute.

ChristineM said...

Thank you for sharing this piece of happiness it is so heart warming to hear that the experts can get it wrong. Well done Jack.
Cute card too!!!

Wendy said...

HOORAY for Jack! Doin' the happy dance for you, Susan. Thank you for sharing!

PS: Cute card too!

Barbara L. said...

Wonderful news about Jack. It's wonderful too to have dedicated teachers and therapists. Great card.

Deb Neerman said...

Wonderful news about your son. So happy for you!

Love this bright & happy card ... so uplifting! Hmmm, does that sound corny?!?

Kathleen (KJF) said...

I have no personal experience with autism, except that my nephew was diagnosed with autism a few months before his third birthday. He died during an unrelated surgery about 3weeks before he would have turned 3.

My experience comes from my son who was diagnosed with ADHD. They said he wouldn't learn to ride a bike, tie his shoes, or read a book. Within 6 months of being adopted by us, he was riding a bike, and tying his shoes. And yes, he did learn to read. The "experts" give us worst-case scenerios, which I suppose is normal and expected of them. But in many cases, the children outshine those predictions.

I'm so glad to hear your son is progressing, and doing so well.

Ss said...

I am very, very happy for you and Jack. You BOTH are inspirational.

Ravengirl said...

That is wonderful news! Your son (and the rest of his support team) must have been working hard! Hooray!

Sharon D said...

Way to go, Jack! I'm doing a happy dance with you! Keep up your good work--it's paying off! And congrats to Mom and Dad and big brother Nick for their part too!

Lynette said...

Great card, as always! And thanks for sharing the wonderful news about Jack!!!

TrishG said...

Great CAS card. I love the paper piecing! Very cute and cheerful

megan nz said...

Dont you love it when the teachers say that he has progressed beyond there need. Those have been some of my happiest day. I keep all letters and forms but those ones I keep at the fron t so when you have a bad day you can pull them out and see YES it is working.

Karen said...

Rejoice....such wonderful news about Jack!! Thanks for sharing....it made me teary eyed but so happy. So often in our day we miss the day to day little miracles....yours is truly wonderful.
Great way to start the weekend.

Ali Manning said...

I'm so glad you've had such happy news this week regarding your son's progress, Susan! It sounds like all the professionals have done a wonderful job, but I bet it's all the hugs, love and support he gets from his lovely mama that helps the most! Fab card, BTW!

scgustaf said...

Wonderful news that Jack is at age level! God is good, and has His hand upon your dear son! Thanks for sharing your joy!

Harriet Skelly said...

Susan that is totally awesome about Jack - and HE is totally awesome too!
That card is so adorable!
Hugs, Harriet

Doris said...

I'm so happy that Jack is doing better. Not only is Jack blessed with wonderful therapists, but his support at home surely accounts for a large portion of his success. Congrats to all, especially Jack!

shannon said...

I can feel your excitement after reading your post! knowing all of the work that you AND Jack have put in to his health...it must be a considered a huge success for you both!

Sue McRae said...

Fantastic news about your sons progress and I love that he proved the intervention specialist wrong! This was a great week for you and your family!

Kay said...

Thank you for sharing your happy news! I am so glad for Jack and your whole family. We hear so much doom and gloom from the media, it is uplifting to hear something good.

Donelda said...

So proud of Jack!! and his mom too for not loosing faith even when the specialists don't seem to have any!!! The sky's the limit and Jack just proved it!!! I'm happy dancing with you!!!

Oh yeah, and that card is adorable too!! Love how you can combine sets so well!!

Rose Ann said...

That is such wonderful news about Jack's progress, Susan!! Love your sweet card too!

cheryl l. said...

That's GREAT news about your son! And if I haven't told you already, I LOVE your cards! Simple is definitely BEST!

BonnieB said...

Hi. I've been a huge fan of your beautiful work at SCS for a long time, but today was the first day I visited your blog. I just wanted to add my happy thoughts to the many others here for the positive news about your son. I am an intervention specialist at an elementary school in Ohio, and I know that most specialists (spec. ed.teachers, therapists, etc...) are nearly as glad and proud as the momma's when their students make such awesome progress! I am happy all around for you. And thanks for sharing your art and your life with the blogging world.

Ann said...

First of all, I'm jealous because I tried to get this set from Stampin' Treasures and they were sold out! :P Your card is SO cute!

Yay for your son!!! SO happy for you both!

Rebecca said...

What great news for your son! You must be so happy. And your card had better make your husband happy because it's so cheery and great!

Juanita said...

Great card, Susan.
Way to go, Jack! I am so amazed to hear of his fast turn around.

IrishGirl said...

I'm so happy for your family. Way to show 'em, Jack!

Dallas said...

Love the card and so happy for you and your son and the amazing progress he's making!!