Autumn Rain Creations

I Love Vintage Pyrex!!

2012-02-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I haven't posted in over a year! Life sure does get busy, doesn't it?:)
On to my blog post......Vintage, Vintage, Vintage, Vintage Pyrex to be exact! It's a hard thing for me......to not keep all the Vintage Pyrex I find. If I buy 2 I will give up 1. But, if I only find 1 of these beauties....yes, I will keep it all for myself. Do you have something you love to collect?

What Are Your Thanksgiving Day Memories?

2010-11-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

I saw a post on Etsy about Thanksgiving Day meals gone wrong and I immediately started thinking about Thanksgiving's Past. Ahhh....Good times, good times. I can't think of any really except the time I cooked the turkey upside down and didn't notice it until I put it on the table and thought "Wow! this turkey doesn't have much meat on it and it looks kind of funny." Thanksgiving gets hidden in a flash as the upcoming Christmas season barrels it's way through. I will always remember though waking up on Thanksgiving to the sound of the Thankgiving Day Parade and the smell of sauteed mushrooms permeating up through the heater vents (mind you I despise mushrooms and the thought of these along with the giblets and turkey neck added to the stuffing made my head spin).

Basic Thanksgiving Recipes by Jill Cooper

2010-11-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

For those of you just need just the basic side dishes and desserts for your Thanksgiving dinner, here they all are in one spot:

Mashed Potatoes
5 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. butter
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup milk

In a large saucepan, place potatoes and enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 10-15 minutes depending on your altitude). Drain. Transfer potatoes to a mixing bowl and mash. I use a hand mixer for this but you can use a potato masher. Add butter, milk, sugar and salt. Beat until smooth. Serves 5-6.

Sweet Potato Casserole
3 cups sweet potatoes, mashed
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. vanilla

Topping
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup pecans
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup butter, melted

Mix all the ingredients and put in a buttered 9x9 casserole dish. Sprinkle on topping. Bake uncovered at 350° for 20 minutes. This is a great dish for holiday dinners and potlucks because it can be made the day before and then baked the next day. Serves 8-9.

Grandma Tatum's Stuffing
I have hesitated about including our stuffing recipe because it is one of those recipes where it is hard to give exact measurements. This year, I have finally decided to try. You can adjust any of these ingredients to suit your taste and if you want, you can add different things to the dish. For example, you can replace some of the bread with cornbread or you can add mushrooms, celery, apples, or giblets and many other things according to your own taste. This is one of those recipes that looks complicated but is really easy once you make it.
Here is the basic recipe:

8-10 cups dried bread, cubed or torn (You can use anything including hot dog buns, dinner rolls or French bread.)
1/2-1 lb. pork sausage
1/2-1 onion (or onion powder to taste)
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 cups broth*
1 chicken bouillon cube
1/4-1/2 cup margarine
3 heaping tsp. ground sage
1 small bag or box of seasoned croutons
Salt and pepper

Cube and tear bread in a very large mixing bowl and let set out overnight if not dry enough. Fry sausage and onion. I don't like celery in my dressing but if you do you can add it at this time. Drain and add to the bowl of bread. Pour broth into a large measuring cup. Add margarine and bouillon cube and heat in the microwave to melt margarine and bouillon cubes. Pour this mixture and eggs over bread. Add sage, salt, pepper and onion powder if not using onions and croutons. Using your hands, mush it all together until well mixed. Place in a well greased casserole dish or pan. Cover. Bake at 350° for 30-45 minutes.
If you like your stuffing soft on the inside with a crispy crust, just remove the cover for the last 15 minutes. If your dressing seems too dry, add a little milk for more moisture.

*For broth, I simmer the neck and giblets in a pan of water for an hour or two as soon as I take them out of the turkey. Then I use this water and some broth from my turkey, which has been cooking, to make my 1 1/2 cups.

Turkey Gravy
3-4 cups turkey juices/drippings
1/4 cup flour
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Pour turkey juices/drippings into a sauce pan. Whisk in flour. Add salt and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring once in a while until it is the right consistency.
If the gravy is too strong or you need to stretch it just a little, you can add a small amount of water.
Another way I used to make the gravy (either way works) is to dissolve the flour into a half cup of cold water and then whisk it into the turkey juices.

Pie Crust
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 1/4 cups shortening, cold
1 egg, cold
1 Tbsp. vinegar, cold
5 Tbsp. water, cold
Sugar

Mix flour, salt and sugar in a bowl. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender or 2 knives (I use my fingers). Add egg, vinegar and 3 tablespoons water. Mix lightly. If dough is too dry, add more water. Mix with hands. Don't over mix. Mix just until the dough sticks together.

Divide into thirds. Roll out to make 3 pies crusts. When using the crust for the top of the pie, sprinkle sugar on top and poke with a few steam holes. Crust can be frozen in balls and then defrosted and rolled out when ready to use. Makes 3 crusts.

Pumpkin Pie
1 pie crust
2 eggs
1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk

Bake pie crust at 350° for 1-2 minutes until crust starts to puff with small bubbles. Watch carefully. Then remove from oven. Blend all ingredients together in a bowl. Pour into pie crust and bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Then turn the oven down to 350° for 45 minutes. When a knife is inserted into the center of the pie and comes out clean, it is done. Makes one pie.

Pecan Pie
1 stick butter
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. vanilla
dash of salt
1 1/4 cups pecans, chopped
1 (8-9 inch) unbaked pie crust

Brown butter in a pan until golden brown. Do not burn. Cool. Add other ingredients in order given in a separate bowl. Mix well. Blend in cooled butter well. Pour into pie crust. Bake 10 minutes at 425° and then 40 minutes at 325°. Makes one pie.

Jill Cooper and Tawra Kellam are frugal living experts and the authors of the Dining On A Dime Cookbook. Dining On A Dime will help you save money on groceries and get out of debt, by cooking quick and simple homemade meals. For free tips & recipes visit http://www.LivingOnADime.com

Kellam Media and Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 844, Andover, KS 67002, USA

Winner of the Fall Giveaway is?????????

2010-11-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

The winner of my Fall Blog Giveaway is Katie! Katie gets her choice of Green Love Photography Print or Black Flower Earrings.

Congratulations Katie and thank you to all that entered! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.

Autumn Rain Creations Fall Giveaway!!

2010-10-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

We will announce the winner by email and here on Mon., November 8th.

I have 100 followers on my blog, so I'm having a giveaway! The winner will get to choose which prize they would like below. I've been chompin' at the bit for awhile now to have one so I thought the number 100 was a good place to start. While most celebrate having 100 sales, I am not there yet. I am very happy however to celebrate 100 blog followers. Thank you, it means alot♥

Frosted Lucite Black Flower Earrings

Value: $16.00

Green Love Photography Print 5x7

Value: $10.00

To enter the Giveaway please visit http://www.autumnraincreations.etsy.com browse my shop, and leave a comment here about which item is your favorite. Please leave your email address in the comment box so I may contact you if you are the winner:)

For extra entries do any of the following that you would like:
1. Blog about this giveaway (1 extra entry).
2. Twitter about this giveaway (1 extra entry).
3. Go to my sister shop on Esty, Our Sweet Dreams and comment here what item is your favorite.
(1 extra entry).
4. Become a Fan or Like Autumn Rain Creations on Facebook (1 extra entry).
5. Become a follower of Autumn Rain Creations blog (1 extra entry).
6. Purchase any item from Autumn Rain Creations (5 extra entries). Please leave the transaction number with your comment.
7. Purchase any item from my sister shop on Etsy- Our Sweet Dreams (5 extra entries) Please leave the transaction number with your comment.

Giveaway will end on Wednesday, November 3rd @ 11:59 pm PST by a random drawing from my cute little 4 year old man.

Best wishes to you!!

Yummy Pumpkin Cookies

2010-10-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

This recipe has been in our family for 17 years. Handed down from a quaint family pumpkin patch in Oregon. After going back year after year it closed. Sad day. We will always have this recipe to remind us of that great little pumpkin patch.

We have made these cookies so, so, so many times the actual paper recipe is worse for it's wear but I suppose one of these days I will transfer it to the computer so I will have it to hand down for years as well. You will love them! They are soft and fluffy. Enjoy.

NOTE: These can easily be made into All Natural or Organic. You can find Organic ingredients pretty much anywhere now but I frequent Fred Meyer (Kroger), Whole Foods and Trader Joes. Also, you can cook your own baking pumpkins, puree and add to your recipe in place of canned versions.

Yummy Pumpkin Cookies

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1 cup cooked pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Optional- 1 cup raisens, 1 cup cranberries, 1 cup of walnuts, or 1 cup of chocolate chips♥

Cream butter or margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, pumpkin and vanilla. Mix well then add the dry ingredients. Mix well then add your optional ingredients (raisens, cranberries, walnuts or chocolate chips) if you prefer.

Drop by teaspoon onto a well greased cookie sheet or non stick one. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned and insides are done. Remove from the cookie sheet while they are still warm, cool. Makes about 6 dozen depending on how big and fluffy you want these delicious cookies to be.

Shades of November Etsy Treasury

2010-10-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

'Shades of November' by littlebirdiebabyshop

Just some of the warm and toasty colors of fall embodied in the works of etsymoms!

BRONZE LACE FLOWER HAIR... anasbabycoutur... $10.00	Sale Rusty Heart Photog... autumnraincrea... $9.00
Crawler Covers Sale---C... fategoddess $43.00	Serenity - Calcite 40mm... stonesofhealin... $14.00
Alexander Henry Spotted... LifeInTheSassL... $22.00	Sweet Red Ticking Pillo... letterperfectd... $62.00
Dichroic Fused Glass Wi... paulasstressar... $23.00	Hand Shaped Halloween C... LJWood $12.00
Peace and Thanksgiving ... jencdesigns $15.00	10 Bird on a Branch Tag... creationsbycor... $3.50
Girly Sock Monkey Beani... mimisbabies $24.00	Pumpkin Poppy Seed Soap AquarianBath $5.50
Hair Pins Large Peach B... hotpinkchick $15.00	My Heart Belongs to You... LoveSugar $28.00
SHH - Vintage Typewrite... GemmaBeads $19.00	Pumpkin Lavender Handma... LifeSoapSimple $5.50

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Fall Featured Etsy Seller ~Halpal28

2010-10-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

Just in time for fall. Please meet Hallie and her wonderful and warm shop called halpal28.
A little about my shop:

The Wellington Hat -
Pumpkin Orange with Vintage Buttons- $34.00

I am truly inspired by color. I'm particularly
interested in color combinations that seem slightly off like
taupe and chartreuse, green and orange, yellow and gray, etc.
I think it gives an edge to classic styles,
and adds interest and uniqueness to very feminine pieces.

The Baby Wrightwood Knit Hat with Pom Pom
Espresso Brown/Sky Blue Knit-$22.00

I love hearing from customers that they got lots of comments while they were wearing things that I made. I think what you wear should inspire you and the people around you,
so that's what I strive to make and sell.

Gray (Grey) Scarflette/Neckwarmer $28.00

The Sweetheart Hat
(Raspberry Pink and Burgundy Red Knit Hat with Bow)$32.00

Hallie is offering Free Shipping on anything in her shop for readers of my blog! Just write "autumnrain" in the "message to seller" and she will refund the shipping.

Best Wishes to you and yours Hallie!

Tasty Chocolate Pudding (with avocado;) Review

2010-10-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

Getting vegetables into your children's mouths can sometimes be a daunting task. I have resorted to pureeing them and adding them to dishes I already make in addition to whatever vegetable and fruit is served. Shhhhhhh......don't tell your little loved ones. This is not my idea mind you. I came across the book "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld at a garage sale a summer ago. The recipes are good and I really enjoy knowing my kids are getting more nutrients at each meal. I don't always follow the recipes sometimes I just incorporate pureed carrots, peppers, spinach etc. into whatever we are eating. It's really simple. The most recent one I made was the Chocolate Pudding. I never would have guessed the avocado had no taste in the pudding. If you would like to be sneaky this is a great after school or after dinner dessert.

Chocolate Pudding

1/4 cup trans-fat-free soft tub margarine spread ( I used butter and it still turned out)
1 cup avocado puree
1 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup cornstarch

In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine or butter over low heat. Stir in the avocado puree, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Cook, mashing with a silicone spatula ( I used a whisk, worked good too!)
to smooth out any lumps of avocado, until mixture thickens, 3 to 4 minutes. Off the heat, gradually stir in the cornstarch. Serve warm.

I added a dollop of whipping cream made with Stevia on top. Go one step further and use Organic ingredients. You and they will enjoy it!

If you would like to look for this book you can still find it at Barnes and Noble, Borders, Amazon, Ebay, Half.com or keep an eye out at your local thrift store, Goodwill or garage sale. You never know. I got mine for .50 cents ;)

Fall Preview On Etsy

2010-08-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

Treasuries are a wonderful way to see everything Etsy Shops have to offer. Amazing Artists at work.

93 Down and 7 To Go!

2010-08-05T02:06:00.000-07:00

Every 100 followers I am blessed to have I am going to have a giveaway to say "Thank you very much" for your support and interest! 7 more to go so keep checking back. I will post when I hit my 100th:)

House Of Imagination Giveaway!

2010-07-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

Visit and enter this wonderful giveaway for a chance to win a set of PURE VEGAN MINERAL EYESHADOW by House Of Imagination.

Don't forget to stop by their blog and read about their vision!
http://www.officialhouseofimagination.blogspot.com/

Fabulous Friday Finds

2010-06-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

What a way to start the weekend! Every Friday come visit, add your own Family Friendly Freebie or Great Giveaway. Don't have one to add?
That's ok.....it can be any giveaway or find one here and enter to win yourself! You've worked hard all week:)

When adding your link please put the title of the freebie or giveaway and the last participating day. Thank you! Feel free to leave a comment. We would love to hear from you!

Green Love Treasury

2010-06-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

What a nice surprise and beautiful treasury! Click on Etsy Green Love Treasury to view the wonderful items in this treasury on Etsy.

Join For Free!

2010-06-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

I ran across this on Facebook this morning and wanted to share it! Free membership to http://www.reallifemoms.net/ and http://www.themomshoppe.net/. List your business for free. Very inviting websites with more than just businesss listings. Lots of useful information about business, working from home, parenting and blogging etc. If you have a facebook account you can find more information and become a fan @ Real-Life-Moms.

Blue Rainbow Photography Print 6x9

2010-06-05T21:44:00.000-07:00

This is the second in my rainbow series. Most of the full double rainbow between the trees.
6x9 photography print size.

Featured Etsy Seller ~ Art Of Amy

2010-06-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

I love these beautiful and creative Original Art Prints By Amy of Art of Amy. Please stop by her Etsy Shop and see all the heart she puts in her artwork and enjoy:)
~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~

My name is Amy and I am an artist of nonsense and whimsy!

Windmills of my Mind - Original Art Print

I am an acrylic artist first and foremost and sell my Original Art Print on Etsy.

Cinderella Fairy Godmother - Original Art Print

I also create paper goods! From Postcards to Upcycled Greeting cards, Recipe cards to Note cards! Each item i create is full of imagination and features one of my own original artworks!

Thank You for Being You - Gift Idea for Mom

Although I have a growing range in my etsy store you can visit my Flikr page to view majority of my artworks and if interested in any not listed in my etsy store feel free to convo me! I also love custom orders so if there’s something you are after don’t hesitate to ask!

Feel Free To Visit my other links too:
http://www.facebook.com/artofamy
http://www.flickr.com/photos/artofamy
http://www.twitter.com/artofamym

Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew By Ellen Notbohm

2010-05-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

Some days it seems the only predictable thing about it is the unpredictability. The only consistent attribute -- the inconsistency. There is little argument on any level but that autism is baffling, even to those who spend their lives around it. The child who lives with autism may look "normal" but his behavior can be perplexing and downright difficult.

Autism was once thought an "incurable" disorder, but that notion is crumbling in the face knowledge and understanding that is increasing even as you read this. Every day, individuals with autism are showing us that they can overcome, compensate for and otherwise manage many of autism's most challenging characteristics. Equipping those around our children with simple understanding of autism's most basic elements has a tremendous impact on their ability to journey towards productive, independent adulthood.

Autism is an extremely complex disorder but for purposes of this one article, we can distill its myriad characteristics into four fundamental areas: sensory processing challenges, speech/language delays and impairments, the elusive social interaction skills and whole child/self-esteem issues. And though these four elements may be common to many children, keep front-of-mind the fact that autism is a spectrum disorder: no two (or ten or twenty) children with autism will be completely alike. Every child will be at a different point on the spectrum. And, just as importantly – every parent, teacher and caregiver will be at a different point on the spectrum. Child or adult, each will have a unique set of needs.

Here are ten things every child with autism wishes you knew:

1. I am first and foremost a child. I have autism. I am not primarily "autistic." My autism is only one aspect of my total character. It does not define me as a person. Are you a person with thoughts, feelings and many talents, or are you just fat (overweight), myopic (wear glasses) or klutzy (uncoordinated, not good at sports)? Those may be things that I see first when I meet you, but they are not necessarily what you are all about.

As an adult, you have some control over how you define yourself. If you want to single out a single characteristic, you can make that known. As a child, I am still unfolding. Neither you nor I yet know what I may be capable of. Defining me by one characteristic runs the danger of setting up an expectation that may be too low. And if I get a sense that you don't think I "can do it," my natural response will be: Why try?

2. My sensory perceptions are disordered. Sensory integration may be the most difficult aspect of autism to understand, but it is arguably the most critical. It his means that the ordinary sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of everyday that you may not even notice can be downright painful for me. The very environment in which I have to live often seems hostile. I may appear withdrawn or belligerent to you but I am really just trying to defend myself. Here is why a "simple" trip to the grocery store may be hell for me:

My hearing may be hyper-acute. Dozens of people are talking at once. The loudspeaker booms today's special. Musak whines from the sound system. Cash registers beep and cough, a coffee grinder is chugging. The meat cutter screeches, babies wail, carts creak, the fluorescent lighting hums. My brain can't filter all the input and I'm in overload!

My sense of smell may be highly sensitive. The fish at the meat counter isn't quite fresh, the guy standing next to us hasn't showered today, the deli is handing out sausage samples, the baby in line ahead of us has a poopy diaper, they're mopping up pickles on aisle 3 with ammonia….I can't sort it all out. I am dangerously nauseated.

Because I am visually oriented (see more on this below), this may be my first sense to become overstimulated. The fluorescent light is not only too bright, it buzzes and hums. The room seems to pulsate and it hurts my eyes. The pulsating light bounces off everything and distorts what I am seeing -- the space seems to be constantly changing. There's glare from windows, too many items for me to be able to focus (I may compensate with "tunnel vision"), moving fans on the ceiling, so many bodies in constant motion. All this affects my vestibular and proprioceptive senses, and now I can't even tell where my body is in space.

3. Please remember to distinguish between won't (I choose not to) and can't (I am not able to). Receptive and expressive language and vocabulary can be major challenges for me. It isn't that I don't listen to instructions. It's that I can't understand you. When you call to me from across the room, this is what I hear: "*&^%$#@, Billy. #$%…" Instead, come speak directly to me in plain words: "Please put your book in your desk, Billy. It's time to go to lunch." This tells me what you want me to do and what is going to happen next. Now it is much easier for me to comply.

4. I am a concrete thinker. This means I interpret language very literally. It's very confusing for me when you say, "Hold your horses, cowboy!" when what you really mean is "Please stop running." Don't tell me something is a "piece of cake" when there is no dessert in sight and what you really mean is "this will be easy for you to do." When you say "Jamie really burned up the track," I see a kid playing with matches. Please just tell me "Jamie ran very fast."

Idioms, puns, nuances, double entendres, inference, metaphors, allusions and sarcasm are lost on me.

5. Please be patient with my limited vocabulary. It's hard for me to tell you what I need when I don't know the words to describe my feelings. I may be hungry, frustrated, frightened or confused but right now those words are beyond my ability to express. Be alert for body language, withdrawal, agitation or other signs that something is wrong.

Or, there's a flip side to this: I may sound like a "little professor" or movie star, rattling off words or whole scripts well beyond my developmental age. These are messages I have memorized from the world around me to compensate for my language deficits because I know I am expected to respond when spoken to. They may come from books, TV, the speech of other people. It is called "echolalia." I don't necessarily understand the context or the terminology I'm using. I just know that it gets me off the hook for coming up with a reply.

6. Because language is so difficult for me, I am very visually oriented. Please show me how to do something rather than just telling me. And please be prepared to show me many times. Lots of consistent repetition helps me learn.

A visual schedule is extremely helpful as I move through my day. Like your PDA or day-timer, it relieves me of the stress of having to remember what comes next, makes for smooth transition between activities, helps me manage my time and meet your expectations.

I won't lose the need for a visual schedule as I get older, but my "level of representation" may change. Before I can read, I need a visual schedule with photographs or simple drawings. As I get older, a combination of words and pictures may work, and later still, just words.

7. Please focus and build on what I can do rather than what I can't do. Like any other human, I can't learn in an environment where I'm constantly made to feel that I'm not good enough and that I need "fixing." Trying anything new when I am almost sure to be met with criticism, however "constructive," becomes something to be avoided. Look for my strengths and you will find them. There is more than one "right" way to do most things.

8. Please help me with social interactions. It may look like I don't want to play with the other kids on the playground, but sometimes it's just that I simply do not know how to start a conversation or enter a play situation. If you can encourage other children to invite me to join them at kickball or shooting baskets, it may be that I'm delighted to be included.

I do best in structured play activities that have a clear beginning and end. I don't know how to "read" facial expressions, body language or the emotions of others, so I appreciate ongoing coaching in proper social responses. For example, if I laugh when Emily falls off the slide, it's not that I think it's funny. It's that I don't know the proper response. Teach me to say "Are you OK?"

9. Try to identify what triggers my meltdowns. Meltdowns, blow-ups, tantrums or whatever you want to call them are even more horrid for me than they are for you. They occur because one or more of my senses has gone into overload. If you can figure out why my meltdowns occur, they can be prevented. Keep a log noting times, settings, people, activities. A pattern may emerge.

Try to remember that all behavior is a form of communication. It tells you, when my words cannot, how I perceive something that is happening in my environment.

Parents, keep in mind as well: persistent behavior may have an underlying medical cause. Food allergies and sensitivities, sleep disorders and gastrointestinal problems can all have profound effects on behavior.

10. Love me unconditionally. Banish thoughts like, "If he would just……" and "Why can't she….." You did not fulfill every last expectation your parents had for you and you wouldn't like being constantly reminded of it. I did not choose to have autism. But remember that it is happening to me, not you. Without your support, my chances of successful, self-reliant adulthood are slim. With your support and guidance, the possibilities are broader than you might think. I promise you – I am worth it.

And finally, three words: Patience. Patience. Patience. Work to view my autism as a different ability rather than a disability. Look past what you may see as limitations and see the gifts autism has given me. It may be true that I'm not good at eye contact or conversation, but have you noticed that I don't lie, cheat at games, tattle on my classmates or pass judgment on other people? Also true that I probably won't be the next Michael Jordan. But with my attention to fine detail and capacity for extraordinary focus, I might be the next Einstein. Or Mozart. Or Van Gogh.

They may have had autism too.

The answer to Alzheimer's, the enigma of extraterrestrial life -- what future achievements from today's children with autism, children like me, lie ahead?

All that I might become won't happen without you as my foundation. Be my advocate, be my friend, and we'll see just how far I can go.

Three-time ForeWord Book of the Year finalist Ellen Notbohm is author of Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew and three other award-winning books on autism. She is a columnist for Autism Asperger's Digest and Children's Voice and a contributor to numerous publications and websites around the world. For reprint permission, book excerpts or to explore Ellen's work, please visit www.ellennotbohm.com .

Beautiful Motherhood Painting And Prints By Katie M. Berggren♥

2010-05-26T01:25:00.000-07:00

These Painted Prints caught my eye and my heart. Please visit http://www.kmberggren.etsy.com/ to enjoy her Emotional and Beautiful
Artwork of Child and Family.

Paintings Celebrating Motherhood, Family, the Woman & the Child ~ Intimate & Emotional Moments of Maternity, Pregnancy, Nursing, Parenting & Childhood.

Homemade Whole Wheat Bread

2010-05-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

I use to buy my bread from the store and on occasion make my bread in the bread maker but a friend of mine sent me the link to this recipe off of Tammy's Recipes.com and we love it so much it's the only bread we make now. Be careful though it's addictively delicious! To me there is nothing better than knowing what the ingredients are that we consume. There are no preservatives or food colors, bad oils or trans fats. How cool is that? You can even use organic or all natural ingredients to make the recipe even healthier. When making my bread I actually put all the ingredients in my bread maker then set on dough to knead for 15 minutes for a single loaf recipe or 30 minutes for a double recipe loaf. Then I follow the rest of the recipe. If you don't have a bread machine just follow the directions as shown below.

Ingredients:

1 cup warm water (110-115 degrees F.)

1 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons oil

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see additional notes on Tammy's Recipes for a 100% whole wheat version)

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons instant active dry yeast

Instructions:

1. Combine first 6 ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir.

2. Add flours and yeast, then knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes.

3. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover with a clean towel and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes.

4. Punch dough down, knead for a few minutes until smooth and then form into a loaf. Place in greased loaf pan and cover. Let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. If loaf starts browning too soon, lightly lay a piece of foil over the top of the loaf to prevent too much darkening.

6. Remove bread from oven and allow to rest in pan for a few minutes. Remove to a wire rack and cover with a cloth. Slice and enjoy while still warm! Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight bag.

Makes one loaf. Need 2 loaves? Double the recipe.

Featured Etsy Seller and Giveaway~ Kitchen Wizard

2010-05-19T00:49:00.000-07:00

We have a winner! Congratulations HavannahSoy!

Enjoy these Vividly Beautiful Modern Art Prints by Delia of Kitchen Wizard. Don't forget to enter the Giveaway!
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Dallas-based designer Delia Jalomo has always been fascinated with the objects that make houses homes. Inspired equally by vintage cookbooks and the vibrancy of nature — particularly, saturated colors and rich woodgrain — the aesthetic fuses modern lines with old themes in the spirit that everything old is new again.

Hot Pot 8x10 Casserole Kitchen Art Print

"It's like you're sitting at Waffle House, and the booths have this dark fake walnut woodgrain and the cushions are this ridiculous red orange and the globe lights are hanging above you, and this should look really awful and cliché, but the combination of shapes and textures and colors in and of itself can really be very lovely," she says.

Retro Coffee Pot and Mug 8x10 Kitchen Art Print

And with new work around the corner for living and bath spaces, as well as holiday art and greeting cards, pretty soon you'll see everything but the kitchen sink.

Wooden Spoons and Utensils 5x7 Kitchen Art Print

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Modern Art Print Giveaway!!

Cake In Cake Stand With Chocolate Frosting 8x10 Kitchen Art Print

Value: $12.00

Soooooo....To enter the Giveaway please visit http://www.kitchenwizard.etsy.com/ , browse her shop, and leave a comment here about which print is your favorite.

For extra entries do any of the following that you would like:

1. Blog about this giveaway (1 extra entry).

2. Twitter about this giveaway (1 extra entry).

3. Post this giveaway on Facebook (1 extra entry).
4. Become a Fan or Like Kitchen Wizard on Facebook (1 extra entry).

5. Become a Fan or Like Autumn Rain Creations on Facebook (1 extra entry).

6. Become a Follower of AutumnRainCreations blog (1 extra entry).

7. Purchase any item from Kitchen Wizard (5 extra entries). Please leave the order number in your comment.

Giveaway will end on Wednesday, May 26th @ 11:59 pm PST.

Best of luck to you!!

~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~

I Beg To Differ, Dogs Do Smile:)

2010-05-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

All you need is a good belly rub to make you smile!
Our sweet Cocoa.

White Rose Romance

2010-05-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 15th Birthday Zachary!

2010-05-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

Love,
Mom, Dad and all your Sibs!

Featured Seller on Zig-Zags Blog today!

2010-05-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

Thank You to Laci Jo for featuring me on her wonderful blog today. I appreciate it!

http://www.zigzagsthisandthats.blogspot.com/

Have a great week all:)

April

One Mom's Tips for a Somewhat Smooth Road Trip

2010-05-04T00:37:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not road trips in our family are a welcome getaway even with all 9 of us. We have had alot of people ask us if we are crazy. The answer is no not really. It's one of the best times for us but not without major planning. One of the things that helps us is that I am a born list maker and I HAVE to plan ahead in fact about 4-6 months ahead. Mostly because I'm plain excited but also because I want it to go as smooth as possible. Here are some of those tips to help YOUR Road Trip go as uneventful as possible.

First, I use my handy dandy...........................clipboard:) Yep with lots of lined notebook paper. I jot down everything I can possibly think of that we may need then I organize it later in a binder. Lord knows I will pull out all my hair wondering what that one thing was I wanted to bring with us that I never wrote down. So it all goes down on paper from clothes and medications to snacks and everything in between.
I usually start off with each child and what clothing items they need, meds for each child and a backpack. The backpack I slowly fill with items I find on sale early on. Depending on the age of the child here are some of those things:

Magazines, coloring books, chapter books, board books.
Zipper pouch filled with crayons, pencils, pens for older kids/teens.
Gum, lollipops (Whole Foods and Trader Joe's carry organic ones that are yum!) of course supervised by Mom and Dad. Don't want to spend part of your long drive trying to get it off the cloth seats:(
Travel games, CD players, Books on Cd's from the library, MP3 players, Zunes or IPod (whatever your teens have already), Video Now Color or Video Now Jr's. if you can still find them are awesome especially if you don't have a Portable DVD player. Don't forget the batteries in your bag Mom.
Blank mini notebooks to journal or doodle, Vinyl Window Clings like the ones you can get around the holidays work great on back car windows.
Kid friendly maps so they can track where they are going.
Everyone gets a special drink (flavored water or juice) and a couple different baggies of non mess and healthy snacks.

Now I have my own special backpack for the Main Man (Hubby) and I of necessities. This way I don't have to accidentally step on kids, hurdle over seats, or dig for during the trip. We also of course take tons of suitcases filled with clothes (ok not really tons but enough for us all), totes of non perishable food and an ice, food, water, and drink filled cooler.

Some necessary items that work great are hand sanitizer (Lots of it!), soap petals or small travel size slivers of soap in case the rest area bathrooms don't have soap and those 3 or 5 oz. bathroom cups. They work great for little hands and dividing up small snacks off and on during the ride.

There is one very special item however that I will NEVER leave home without on any trip EVER!..................................................
Zip lock Bags are my new best friend. Whenever we go on a trip now they come along. I originally packed them for putting snacks in but came to find out the sandwich bag size were a blessing for things like banana skins, boogie tissues, food wrappers, and leftover bread crusts when we ate meals in the car.

This next trip suggestion may be a little bit more than you want to know but it worked for us so I would like to share it with you. Gallon bags lined with paper towels work great for potty emergencies. Like for example when you are on the Santa Ana Freeway sandwiched in between a 12 passenger van and a semi truck at noon also known as lunch time going 65 miles an hour and your 4 year old yells "I need to go to the bathroom!". You have to have good balance for this feat but we both survived and nothing ended up on the floor Thank Heavens!

I know this was long winded but I hope you can use a few of these tips....take what you want and throw out the rest I always say:)

Feel free to list some of your must have family trip necessities in the comment box too!

Here's to a safe and fun Summer Road Trip with your family!♥

April

Featured Etsy Shop ~ Leksidesigns

2010-04-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Time for another wonderful Etsy Seller. Please welcome Brooke and take a look at her beautiful designs!

Hello! My name is Brooke Mosley. I am the owner of Leksi Designs. I make custom hand stamped jewelry and handmade flower accessories. My shop was named in a pretty simple way. My daughter, age 7, is named Aleksis. Some people call her "Leksi" for short, so there it is...Leksi Designs! In addition to one daughter, I have a husband, Tim, who is a Highway Patrolman and two small dogs, Jasper and Toby.

I actually got into stamping metal jewelry when I was shopping for a piece for myself. Everything I looked at was so expensive! So, I just thought I would make it myself!
People started asking me about the pieces was wearing....and my ETSY SHOP WAS BORN!

Websites:

http://www.leksidesigns.etsy.com/

Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Camdenton-MO/Leksi-Designs/109971549035743

Blog:
http://leksidesigns.blogspot.com/

Chewy Granola Bars

2010-04-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

Our usual natural chewy granola bars that are peanut free are no longer an option. Almost $5.00 a box! No way will I pay that. I surfed the web and found a recipe....they are actually really good. A little sweet but I think that can be adjusted. I added chocolate chips so that may be why. I fooled around with it to make it work for us and they are yummy. I deleted the peanuts because I have a son with a peanut allergy....and added crushed cheerios instead for a filler then I used less wheat germ and added ground flaxseed. Next time I think I will delete the chocolate chips and add dried cranberries.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2 cups oats
3/4 cup wheat germ (I used 1/2 cup wheat germ and 1/4 cup flaxseed)
1 cup nuts, crushed (I omited the nuts and used cheerios.)
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
4 tbsp butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp Kosher salt or regular salt
approx. 8 oz. dried fruit (optional)
chocolate chips (optional)
sunflower seeds (optional)
dried cranberries (optional)

To crush the nuts (cheerios in our case), put them in a zip lock bag and smash them with a heavy mallet, measuring cup or sauce pan.
Then, mix the crushed nuts (or whatever you want to use), oats, wheat germ/flaxseed, and sunflower seeds (if you use them, I didn't) in a baking dish with sides. Toast them in the oven for 10-12 minutes stirring every few minutes so that they don't get burned.

Meanwhile, prepare a glass baking dish (about 11x13 inches) for your granola by lining it with waxed paper lightly sprayed with a nonstick spray. (Tip: if you don't have wax paper you can used a cereal box liner opened up. I use these and they work just as well)
Put the brown sugar, honey, butter, vanilla, and salt into a saucepan and bring to a simmer stirring constantly.

By now your grains and nuts should be toasted. Mix everything together in a large bowl. The grains, the honey & brown sugar mixture, and the dried fruit. Turn off the oven, you are finished with it now.

Mix everything together really well. You want to make sure the honey & brown sugar mixture gets all over everything. Now dump your granola mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Spread out the mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Fold over the sides of the waxed paper or add a sheet on top and press hard all over the granola. You want it compacted so that the bars stay together and don't fall apart when you cut them.

Wait 2-3 hours or until the granola has fully cooled. Other variations can include adding nut butters ( I added some soy nut butter to ours), chocolate chips (I decided to add the chocolate chips after they completely cooled and just pushed them in various places instead. Otherwise, the chocolate chips will melt all over the granola. They are still good that way too), mini marshmellows, cranberries, and any other dried fruit.

These are really adjustable...you can add and take away anywhere to make them work for you and your family:)

Rainbows

2010-04-22T01:01:00.000-07:00

This was taken outside in front of my home. You can't see the full magnitude of it but it was a double full rainbow!

"Blame It On The Rain" From Blog Post Past

2010-04-20T13:04:00.001-07:00

Man!!!!! I can not stand picking up the boys from school on rainy days. Today wasn't just rainy it was torrential! Believe it or not I've only had to pick them up in the van a handful of times this whole school year due to the rain. We live a couple blocks from the school so we walk mostly even if it's showery but today it wasn't....it was torrential! That's my new word for the day "Torrential"! Anyhow, I head over 25 minutes early to get a good parking spot, back our big ole' bus (12 passenger van I mean) in so that I can just pull out forward instead of being stuck in the parking lot for minutes on end trying to back out with the boys telling me to "Go Mom" when I can't because no one really lets you go. Everyone wants to get out of there first. So we get inside wait for the kinders to get out of class, wait for Devin and Chase to get out, wait to walk out because the halls are so crowded.....all the parents seem to stand right in the middle of the hallway. Drew darts off thinking we are going out the front of the building and I can't see him. He is proud and determined to walk like a big boy out the doors. I can't grab him because well.... all the parents are in the middle of the hallway! I take off because he is one fast 2 1/2 year old and remember he is proud and determined :). As I make my way running through the maze in the hallway I practically bowl down a few parents and students. Yes!! I grab him right as he is pushing his way out the front doors. Meanwhile I find my 3 others wandering the halls heading out towards the bus (I mean van). Drew is slowly building up tantrum momentum. As I pick him up crying and kicking I am silently starting to have a nervous breakdown (in my head of course) while being calm, cool and collected on the outside. Yeah me! That's very important to us Moms to look calm, cool and collected you know. Got everyone to the van, get in, towel dried (exaggerating), buckled, hand gelled (yes, hand gelled) and drive the long 30 second drive home. Stupid rain.

Featured Etsy Shop~LuckyMeLuckyYou

2010-04-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

I've grown up around vintage and antique home decor, but didn't really acquire an appreciation for it until I had a place of my own. My step mom Lee has always had the bug as we call it since her mother had it as well and even owned an antique shop. I would have to say that milk glass was the first style of vintage that I really found myself drawn to. My parents kitchen is filled with it! So slowly but surely my step mom taught me about the different patterns and how to pick out good milk glass.

The appreciation and interest with milk glass led me into a full blown passion for all things vintage and antique. I began buying a collecting all sorts of things like salt and pepper shakers and recipe tins and boxes. I think the part that I love the most is knowing that there is history behind every piece that I come across. It's not like I've walked into a store and picked something off a shelf filled with a dozen other of the same item.

So began my mission to fill my house with all my great finds. Eventually I came to the point where I'd find something amazing, but had no where for it to go in my house. And as crazy as it sounds, I felt sad leaving it behind.

Then I found out about Etsy from an old co-worker and the rest is history. It was a win-win situation. I was able to rescue the treasures that I came across and share them with others.

I started my Etsy site on March 8th, but didn't want to list my items until I researched the site and found out the best way to go about things. Once I felt comfortable with Etsy I made the big step of listing items on March 27th. It was really awesome seeing my treasures being listed and people actually looking at them and wanting them. I had a lot of sales in my first week which made me ecstatic, but I also knew that it wasn't going to be that easy. Since that first week I have had to work really hard to get LuckyMeLuckyYou out there in the Etsy community. I am constantly in the forums meeting new people and learning new things. I also created a Twitter account, http://twitter.com/ShopLMLY which has been a lot of fun and a great way to meet others.

When I'm not working on my Etsy account or doing the 9-5 thing I'm usually cooking, spending time with friends and family and training for my first marathon.

LuckyMeLuckyYou has proven to be a lot of fun and also a lot of work. I don't think I'll be able to quit my day job anytime soon (or ever), but its been a great way for me to work on something that I truly love.

Thanks for getting the time to know me and learn more about the behind the scenes of LuckyMeLuckyYou!

Make Me Playdough Mommy

2010-04-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

KoolAid Playdough

We've been making this recipe for 10 years and it's our absolute favorite. It's fun and smells soooo good! It's from the Kid's Concoction Book.

2 1/4 cup flour

1 cup salt

1 packet any flavor KoolAid or Store Brand

4 tablespoons veggie/cooking oil

1 cup water

Mix well. Get ready to play and when they are finished just store in gallon bag.

The Sunshine Blog Award

2010-04-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much Waterwaif Blog for The Sunshine Award! It was such a wonderful surprise!

The Sunshine Award is given to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world.

The rules for accepting this award are:

Put the logo on your blog or within your post.

Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.

Link the nominees within your post.

Let the nominees know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.

Share the love and link to the person whom you have received this award.

Thank you ladies for inspiring me with your blog and your creativity!

I am nominating:

DeeCee1 ~ Dolcie

Felted Treasures ~Valerie

Art Of Amy ~Amy

EJP Creations

Autumn 2 May ~Jennie

Paper Flora 2 ~Natalie

Nature Loving Mom ~Heather

Lean Dog Pottery ~Kelly

3 Day Addict

Love By CC ~Candice

Bits and Beads by Gilliauna ~Gilliauna

Amy Longberry Photography ~Amy

Please stop by and visit these great blogs and leave a comment for these wonderful ladies and let them know Autumn Rain Creations sent you!

King Of The Mountain

2010-04-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

.......And the laundry............I feel your pain!

Please tell me I'm not the only one.
Done one day, back the next.
What the hay?? I have finally come to accept this is one of those
chores that I will never get caught up on.

..........................................Sigh

I Love Soap, I admit it!

2010-04-09T23:26:00.000-07:00

Handmade Calendula Beeswax Bar
Doesn't looking at this soap just want to make you buy it and try it?
I met Nicole from Etsy online today and she is simply wonderful. She is the owner of Owl Naturals on Etsy.com.

I would love for you to stop by and visit http://www.owlnaturals.etsy.com/ to see her line of Handmade All Natural Soaps, Skincare and Beeswax Candles.

From the soap to the packaging

Simple, Natural and Eco-Friendly.

Spring Giveaway

2010-04-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

I was featured on Etsymom.blogspot.com!
To enter click on the link above.
Enter to win a 5x7 Photography Print- A Sunny Day.

I will be finding some great contests and giveaways to blog about so keep checking back!

Another Shout Out...Busy Month Here:) To My Hubby

2010-04-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jimbo! oxo

Pick Your Favorite Contest Giveaway

2010-04-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry this contest has ended.
Don't despair she has another one listed that closes April 20th.
Beautiful aprons!
To enter visit
http://www.aprongoddesses.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday To My Son

2010-04-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

I'd like to do a shout out to my son. My little man is 9 today!

He's the one leading the pack in the middle:)
Happy Birthday Chase:) oxo

Favorite Of Mine

2010-04-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of adding wonderful Etsy Shops but for now I would like to add one of my own. I loved making these. I took these glass stones from a pair of vintage clip ons and added Antique Copper Wires. I call them Drops of Amber Honey:)http://www.autumnraincreations.etsy.com/

Welcome To My Blog

2010-04-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it's up and running now and I am really excited! I am a diehard fan of Handmade and Vintage. I came across Etsy a couple years ago and instantly fell in love. It wasn't until this last year that I ended up opening up my own shop(s). It is an almost magical place to me made up of many, many very talented people who make Hand crafted and Handmade items. You can feel how much they love what they do, what they make, the vintage treasures they find and that they put their hearts into their work. Not only does Etsy sell Handmade but also Vintage and Supplies for the crafter. I love this place!